The Use of Traditional Medicinal Plants by Postpartum Mothers in Kecamatan Pasie Raya Kabupaten Aceh Jaya

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This study aims to identify the use of traditional medicinal plants by the Acehnese community, specifically for postpartum women in Pasie Raya District, Aceh Jaya Regency. The population of this study consists of women who have recently given birth or have previously given birth, as well as herbal medicine practitioners in Pasie Raya District. The sample includes 3 herbalists and 15 postpartum women who are currently using or have previously used postpartum herbal remedies. The research approach is qualitative, with data collection methods including observation, interviews, and documentation, followed by qualitative descriptive analysis. The results show that the Pasie Raya community uses 11 types of traditional medicinal plants for postpartum women, namely noni, jaloh leaves, sembung leaves, papaya leaves, turmeric, nutmeg, betel leaves, cat’s whiskers leaves, red ginger, soursop, and cirik babi leaves. These plants are processed into various forms, such as pills, liquids, pastes, and poultices, to help restore the physical condition of women after childbirth. The benefits felt include the restoration of the abdominal shape, elimination of unpleasant odors, pain reduction, and body tightening, including the genital area. The processing of these plants is done in various ways, such as drying, grinding, straining, and mixing with other ingredients like honey, tamarind water, eucalyptus oil, and lime. The practice of using these medicinal plants is passed down through generations, reflecting the strong cultural values in traditional medicine within the Pasie Raya community. Despite this, there is awareness of the importance of following the proper dosage and usage methods to avoid negative side effects.