Local Traditional Knowledge Research Articles

The challenges and possibilities in the reconstruction of non-forest woody vegetation: A case study of the hermit beetle microhabitat in the Poodří region, Czechia

Non-forest woody vegetation such as copses, orchards, hedges, alleys, riparian vegetation, and isolated trees is a key-stone ecological, economic, and cultural landscape feature of agricultural landscapes. The analysis of its history is a precondition for the understanding of local management, traditional knowledge and practices, as well as human-nature relations. It is also key for its successful conservation and the conservation of biological species depending on its existence. The reconstruction of its historical development, however, brings a number of challenges arising from a lack of archival sources, its sketchy depictions on historical maps, and limited possibilities for its interpretation on the basis of aerial photographs. Attempts at the reconstruction of non-forest woody vegetation have been therefore few and most have utilized only cartographic sources and aerial photographs. This study shows what we can learn about non-forest woody vegetation history from archival records and how such findings can help to interpret, complement, and correct findings obtained from other sources. Unlike maps and aerial photographs, archival records can also shed light on tree and landscape management practices, motivations, and preferences of local actors. This is especially important for the correct understanding of the historical changes of anthropogenic landscape features such as non-forest woody vegetation. The use of historical methods and archival records would greatly benefit nature conservation and landscape planning.

Importance of traditional knowledge to understanding Plebeina armata (Apidae, Meliponini) ecology in the savanna woodland in northeast of Burundi

Research on African bees remains scarce. For instance, the mechanism underlying ecology for ground-nesting stingless bees in ecosystems remain poorly documented. The main goal of this study was to assess what determines habitat preference for stingless bees playing an important role in plant pollination. The case of Plebeina armata (Magretti, 1895) (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini) was taken as a model. We collected information from an unsuccessful project of beekeeping of P. armata recently ran in the Ruvubu National Park, the widest protected area in Burundi in northeast of the country. We also conducted semi-structured interviews among people, mainly beekeepers, neighboring the park to document local traditional knowledge of stingless bees. Since our respondents indicated that Plebeina nested in termite mounds, we extensively sampled termite species associated with mounds in the area. We also collected soil samples from mounds with and without the bee. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare soil properties of mounds according to the occurrence of P. armata. The results of our study showed that people neighboring the Ruvubu National Park had deep knowledge on the ecology of stingless bees. Our findings also suggested that the beekeeping of Plebeina would have failed in the area due to the lack of its specific nesting requirements. This bee nested in active Macrotermitinae mounds, probably in search of optimal conditions of humidity, temperature and for security. Mounds with a sol rich in coarse silt seemed not to attract Plebeina; probably, those termitaria may not be strong to serve as a bulwark against thermal fluctuations. Our results raise the question of taking account of the traditional knowledge to any attempt to species domestication. Understanding the ecological adaptation of ground-nesting stingless bees is particularly important for restoration and conservation of their habitats and to any attempt to their beekeeping or meliponiculture in an area.

KEARIFAN LOKAL DI KABUPATEN KEPULAUAN MERANTI

This study aims to identify local wisdom in the Meranti Islands Regency. The method used in this research is a juridical-normative research which focuses on library data research. The normative juridical approach, namely the method used by adhering to the juridical aspects, by carrying out an inventory of positive laws relating to the problems studied. Juridically, local governments have the authority to increase the capacity of local wisdom or traditional knowledge and the rights of local wisdom or traditional knowledge related to the environment in the regencies/cities. Local wisdom in Meranti Islands Regency, there are approximately 300 types of local wisdom. Of these, they can be grouped into 5 (five) major groups. Namely, local wisdom related to agriculture, local wisdom in the culinary field, local wisdom in the natural resource management sector (peat), local wisdom in the field of traditional games and sports, and local wisdom in the field of fisheries and marine affairs.

Occupations, Natural Commons and Polycentric Organizing: Social-symbolic Work in the Anthropocene

We study social-symbolic work to understand institutional change in the Anthropocene. The social-symbolic perspective emphasizes the role of multiple and heterogeneous agents engage in a wide range of purposeful and reflective efforts to create, maintain, adapt or transform institutions- This connects institutional change to cope with significant transformation of natural commons occupations. supporting institutional change to address grand environmental challenges. Studying the transformation of inland lake fisheries traditional and novel scientific occupations in Finland in the last decade, we build a model of polycentric organizing and social-symbolic work, that addresses two co-evolving trajectories of occupations that show the acceleration of social-symbolic work to trigger a historical shift. First, the current state of natural commons which focuses on local ecological problems and traditional knowledge. Second, the ideal state of natural commons that focuses on ecological health and the interconnection of lakes with large ecosystems and planetary boundaries and science. We contribute to social-symbolic work theory and institutional change extending to collective action institutions and polycentric organizing.

Learned Lessons from Traditional Architecture in Yemen -Towards Sustainable Architecture

This paper explores the Learned Lessons from traditional Yemeni Architecture Towards Sustainable Architecture. It highlights how the local context influences the traditional architecture in Sanaa city and different regions of Yemen and Arab regions, according to nature, climatic conditions, culture, traditional values, and indigenous knowledge. Overview for sustainability during the twentieth century, sustainability and the Islam perspective in the Arab region, and selected the traditional architecture in Yemen as a case study. In addition to the analysis analyzed the city's urban form and the traditional house in Sana’a city, the design and elements of the house; spatial organization, construction systems and building materials, and window openings. Ornaments and sewerage systems. The study summarizes the aspects of sustainability in the traditional house in different regions in Yemen as an indigenous traditional knowledge for sustainable architecture. In conclusion, the traditional houses in the house in Yemen, designed according to the local context and indigenous traditional knowledge, have influenced traditional Yemeni architecture; the house elements and design fulfills sustainable requirements and positively impact the city's environmental, economic, and social aspects. Furthermore, it is considered a learned lesson from traditional architectural heritage and indigenous traditional knowledge toward sustainable architecture.

Ethnobotanical and ethnoveterinary survey in Paraguay: Medicinal plants used for deworming

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) infections, commonly called ―worms‖, affect both humans and animals. In veterinary medicine, the search for alternatives to control GIN is now considered a priority because of increasing resistances to commercial anthelmintics. The use of bioactive plants and related secondary metabolites is one of these alternatives. This study aimed to collect data on the use of medicinal plants (MPs) for humans and veterinary practices and at listing plant species with potential anthelmintic properties to select some plant species for further studies following three criteria (availability, originality and popularity). A cross sectional survey was conducted with a total of 384 participants, using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and a free list. To evaluate quantitative data of MPs, two ethnobotanical indices were calculated, the Salience index (SI) and the Use Value (UV). The importance and use of MPs in the population of study was high, 98% (372/383) of participants reported use MPs and 86% (321/384) mentioned knowledge of MPs used against GIN. The transmission of knowledge is not limited to the family environment. Sixteen plant species were listed belonging to 10 botanical families. The Asteraceae was the most popular botanical family. Six plants species were indicated for veterinary use. The four MPs selected for furthers studies were, namely: Kyllinga odorata Valh. (Cyperaceae), Cassia occidentalis L. (Fabaceae), Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae), Verbena litoralis Kunth. (Verbenaceae). Evaluation of those MPs based on in vitro and in vivo assays are planned to validate the traditional local knowledge of these 4 plants.

Diversity of Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) Landraces from Liangshan, Southwest China: Evidence from Morphology and SSR Markers

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) has been cultivated for over one thousand years in the Liangshan Prefecture of Sichuan, China. Growing population pressures, economic modernization pressures, and the erosion of traditional culture have led to the rapid loss of area covered by Tartary buckwheat landraces. Morphological and molecular characterization of 112 Tartary buckwheat accessions from 29 populations were assessed based on 10 morphological traits of seeds and 10 SSR markers, respectively. The coefficient of variation and Shannon index showed diversity within the morphological characteristics of the seeds. All accessions were divided into three categories according to phylogenetic dendrogram analysis, which was consistent with folk nomenclature and taxonomy. Genetic analysis using SSR markers identified 45 alleles with a mean value of 4.5 alleles per locus. The high average PIC value (0.459) indicated polymorphism of the SSR markers. The genetic similarity coefficient of the 112 Tartary buckwheat accessions showed a high level of genetic diversity ranging from 0.130 to 0.978. The genetic structure analysis revealed high genetic differentiation (Nei = 0.255). The folk nomenclature, folk taxonomy, and sociocultural norms may also contribute to a significant influence on the diversity of folk nomenclature and taxonomy. The assessment of the genetic diversity of Tartary buckwheat landraces and detection of SSR loci associated with traits could be used as scientific guidance for selecting Tartary buckwheat seed for improved production relative to local farmers and consumer preferences. Local traditional knowledge (seed exchange network) and culture also contribute to breeding and the maintenance of the genetic diversity of Tartary buckwheat.

Bowhead whales and whaling in the central and eastern Canadian Arctic, 1970-2021

The history of bowhead whaling and hunt management in the eastern and central Canadian Arctic is reviewed. Subsistence hunting of bowhead whales by Inuit resumed in the 1990s under co-management arrangements that were part of land-claims settlement agreements. Removals by whaling in both Canada and Greenland have been accounted for in IWC Scientific Committee assessments of the Eastern Canada–West Greenland (EC-WG) stock, but Canada, having withdrawn from IWC membership in 1982, has no legal obligation to consider IWC management advice. From 1994-2021 the total reported catch of bowheads in the central and eastern Canadian Arctic was 39 (not including struck-and-lost whales or whales that died from incidental entanglement in fishing gear). Sixteen different communities, most of which had a long history of bowhead whaling prior to the arrival of commercial whalers, took at least one bowhead over that 27-year period. More than half of the recent catches have been by the communities of Igloolik, Sanijarak, Naujaat and Coral Harbour, all in the Foxe Basin–Repulse Bay–northern Hudson Bay region where at least occasional hunting of bowheads by local people had persisted until well into the 1970s. Greenland’s reported landed catches totaled from 2009-2015, with no successful hunts reported since 2015. Well over a third of the whales landed by both countries combined have been mature females, the most valuable class in terms of potential for population increase. Several factors in addition to hunting and entanglement in fishing gear are likely affecting EC-WG bowheads, including increased exposure to killer whale predation (linked to the massive reduction in sea ice) and other changes in ecological conditions driven primarily by climate change (e.g. more industrial activity, more vessel traffic, more noise). Recent analyses suggest the EC-WG stock of bowheads has grown considerably since the end of commercial whaling, with best estimates of current abundance in the range of 6000-7000 individuals. Even though the population appears capable of sustaining present levels of removal and disturbance, it is important for monitoring efforts to continue in both Canada and Greenland, with regular Indigenous participation. Local observations and traditional knowledge can be valuable sources of information on animal health, behaviour and phenology.

Indigenous Knowledge of Medicine for COVID-19 or Related Disease in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State: Phenomenological Design.

PurposeCoronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory viral infectious disease transmitted by respiratory and fomites. The incidence of this disease is growing exponentially and affects millions of the world population. Consequently, it has become most urgent public health risk. Thus, the intention of this research is searching indigenous knowledge on COVID-19 and related infectious disease prevention and mitigation mechanisms which were not scientifically known. Therefore, this study targeted to explore local traditional knowledge of (COVID-19) or related diseases in the study area.MethodsPhenomenological design was used to explore traditional knowledge of medicine. The source populations were all elder peoples, who were known for their traditional medicine. The individuals were purposively selected from source population by using snowball sampling technique. Since study was qualitative method, the sample size was determined by the level of saturation of information as result 40 study participants were interviewed and recorded their audio using tape recorder. Then, data were analyzed using a thematic analysis with a combination of inductive and deductive methods.ResultsThe study reveals that coronavirus like disease was appeared past times. Such diseases were called “Alwoba” or “Marya” which is named by the local language and it has similar signs and symptoms with coronavirus disease. The key informants reported that traditional medicines were available that cured those diseases. This study infers there had been COVID-19 related diseases about 100 years back because those diseases had a similar symptoms and ways of transmission with COVID-19. They use different types of traditional medicines for those diseases which have been inherited to generations and cured them.ConclusionThis evidence explored that the existence of traditional medicine for COVID-19 related diseases. Hence, this study strongly suggested that to undertake experimental research for medical approval on the available traditional medicine.

Staging Eden; Staging Power: Landscaping the Royal Garden of the Kingdom of Haiti

A uniquely successful slave revolt enabled King Henry (Christophe) I to lead an engagement with native plants, animals including humans, built structures, and landscaped gardens in The Kingdom of Haiti, a tropical country liberated from colonial rule. The new ruler’s political and economic exigencies and hopes had points of both collaboration and contention with the expectations of the new citizens. He would make full use of both local traditional knowledge and the latest for-profit agricultural management techniques. The engagement resulted in general prosperity, especially for the new proprietors of the largest landholdings. He set aside a portion of royal property that preserved the original flora and fauna, but most of the kingdom maintained the former plantations. There were schools and medical clinics for everyone. Yet the peasants worked even harder than they had as slaves and held little political power. Beyond the Royal Garden and the preserved forest, exploitation of the tropical ecosystem continued and even increased.

Food futuring in Timor-Leste: Recombinance, responsiveness, and relationality

The pluralistic nature of food culture and food systems produces complex and blended realities for research, often prompting approaches that embrace mixed methods and cross-sector partner­ships. In parallel, calls for the decolonization of research methods have brought attention to the importance of relationality when working with local communities and traditional knowledge hold­ers. This article presents the process and outcomes of the Timor-Leste Food Innovators Exchange (TLFIX), a multifaceted initiative centered on the contemporary and historic foodways of Timor-Leste, including current challenges to individual health, cultural identity, and economic-ecological sustainability brought about by centuries of colo­nial and transnational influence. Conceived within an international development context, TLFIX aimed at building local empowerment, economic development, and social change. Methods included quantitative, qualitative, and material-based ap­proaches, including surveys, storytelling, and culi­nary innovation. As a “consulting academic” on the project, I contributed to the research design, coached team members on storytelling-as-method, and participated in a portion of the work. For the current text, I use the notions of recombinance, respon­siveness, and relationality to interpret our collective experience and to frame an example of carrying out mixed-method and mixed-participant work in com­plex food contexts. As a whole, this example illus­trates ways in which to leave space for improvisa­tion and emergence within food practice and scholarship.

Local traditional ecological knowledge about hay management practices in wetlands of the Biebrza Valley, Poland

BackgroundThe Biebrza Valley is one of the largest complexes of wetlands (floodplain and percolation mire) and conservation sites in Central Europe. Local communities have managed the area extensively for subsistence and farming purposes for centuries; nonetheless, since the 1960s, hand mowing and livestock grazing have been gradually ceasing due to the intensification of farming, and wetlands have undergone natural succession. Currently, the protection of this vast ecosystem is challenging. Despite its remarkable cultural origin, the complexity of the traditional practices and knowledge of local people have never been studied comprehensively. Therefore, we found it urgent to explore if traditional ecological knowledge that could be used in conservation management of the area still exists among the local community.MethodsWe interviewed 42 inhabitants of seven villages located in the Lower Basin of the Biebrza Valley (NE-Poland) in the consecutive years 2018–2020. We applied semi-structured, repeated interviews with farmers (aged 29–89), each lasting several hours. By using different ethnoecological methods (visual stimuli, walks in wetlands, co-mapping of the area), we explored traditional knowledge on the plants, landscape and traditional management of wetlands.ResultsFarmers from the oldest generation, who used to manage wetlands with scythes, shared the deepest ecological knowledge. Local people divided wetlands into zones differentiated by vegetation type and hay quality. Depending on plant composition, people managed wetlands under a mixed regime: mowing once or twice a year during periods that ensured good hay quality and pasturing various livestock: cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and fowl. We identified at least 50 plant ethnospecies, which were described exhaustively by their habitat, morphological features, and mowing and grazing value.ConclusionsThe local community in the Biebrza Valley shared a deep traditional ecological knowledge and had a good memory of traditional farming practices. Research confirmed the unquestionable cultural origin of the local ecosystem, therefore in conservation endeavours the area should be treated first and foremost as a cultural landscape. The documented exceptional local perception of the wetland landscape, elements of traditional knowledge and complex farming practices should be considered for inclusion into conservation management, and cooperation with the local community should also be taken into account.

The traditional agroforestry systems of Sierra del Rosario and Sierra Maestra, Cuba

Traditional coffee cultivation in Cuba is the result of a complex interaction between different flora species creating agroforestry systems widely spread in mountainous area. The systems, product of local traditional knowledge, are mainly devoted to coffee production but, thanks to the interaction with other species, farmers provide different food products both for self-consumption and to be sold. Furthermore, the adoption of shade trees in order to reach a better quality of the coffee cultivated creates particular microclimate conditions favorable for microorganisms, fauna species and also for spontaneous flora species. According to this it is clear the relationships between traditional knowledge and biodiversity preservation which is fundamental also for improving the surrounding environment, avoiding floods or hydrogeological instability damages, concurring to climate change mitigation and carbon storage. Traditional agroforestry systems are one of the best example of coexistence and coevolution between man and nature, being an historical system adopted by local communities to satisfy their needs in total respect of the surrounding environment. Considering this, the promotion and maintenance of this kind of systems and knowledge related might constitute a valid example to actively preserve biodiversity while respecting human needs for food and livelihood security. These systems are also of particular importance considering the importance of coffee as a beverage served in many countries of the world, but often produced in intensive plantations. This paper shows the high sustainability of coffee production under the shade of trees and support a new concept of food quality contributing to preserve local cultures and environments.

Ethnoornithology and Bird Conservation in Afro-descendant Communities in the Brazilian Caatinga

This paper investigates relationships between birds and the inhabitants of Afro-descendant communities in the Caatinga of northeastern Brazil, paying particular attention to conservation. Near the Refúgio de Vida Silvestre da Serra do Giz wildlife reserve, we interviewed 55 residents using semi-structured forms combined with free interviews and informal conversations. Residents reported 121 species in 43 families and 21 orders. They recounted what they knew about nesting, reproductive and social behaviors, diet, and bird conservation. The lack of reporting on several species of birds known from the Serra do Giz was probably because those birds are absent due to hunting and habitat destruction. This study demonstrates the importance of conducting ethnobiological studies for bird conservation and to record local traditional knowledge.

Development challenges in South Korea: reflection on the Saemangeum land reclamation project

This article examines what the development challenges are in South Korea by specifically analyzing the case of the Saemangeum land reclamation project from a critical approach to development. By exploring the state-led Saemangeum land reclamation project, which in the end adopted the rhetoric of sustainability, the article examines the impact of state development on the environment and community sustainability. It is shown how the traditional local knowledge of sustainable living has vanished, ironically through the ‘ecofriendly’ development project that supposedly recognizes the cultural space of the fishers and the way they relate to each other and nature. By observing the Saemangeum project, which demonstrates the existing development challenges in South Korea, the article questions how to reach a peaceful and sustainable future.

Shifting cultivation induced burn area dynamics using ensemble approach in Northeast India

Identifying shifting cultivation areas and assessing their spatio-temporal dynamics are essential in framing climate-adaptive policies for efficient forest management and agriculture practices for the benefit of people. The current study attempts to develop an alternative approach to classify the shifting cultivation areas using an ensemble technique, integrating multiple spectral indices in three states of northeast India (NEI), such as Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya. The adopted approach integrates green cover and leaf water content changes during shifting cultivation land preparation in Landsat imagery. The deforested burned area patches were identified based on threshold values using Landsat data-derived indices on vegetation, burned area and leaf water, and digital elevation model (DEM). The ensemble approach provided shifting cultivation maps with good overall accuracy (> 83%). The maximum shifting cultivation area was observed in Assam (126.87 km2), followed by Meghalaya (51.53 km2) and Manipur (46.04 km2) in 2016. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and NDVI difference performed better than other vegetation indices. The ensemble approach can be applied in other regions with minor modifications in threshold values, thus having the potential for accounting to shifting cultivation dynamics on an operational basis. Future research may include blending local traditional knowledge and modern scientific solutions for improved forest and land resources planning for the benefit of inhabitants and the mountain environment under the climate change scenarios.

Basketry as an ecosystem service of wetlands: traditional crafts in central Spain

Ecosystem services from wetlands include products such as food, water, fibers, timber, medicinal plants, and genetic resources for agriculture. One of the most abundant supplies is the raw material for basketry. In this study we aim to document the role of wetland plants as resources for basketry and broom-making in the Guadiana river basin and to analyze the local traditional knowledge of the species used in the area. We describe different types of baskets and other artifacts, and document basketry techniques. We found 30 species belonging to 12 families, 18 of them occurring in wetlands, four in irrigated fields, and seven in the adjacent dry territories. Twenty species are used in the manufacture of brooms. Twenty two types of basketry artifacts are described with their uses. The area shows a relevant cultural heritage, not merely as it was in the past, but also adapted to the new cultural and social contexts. The degradation and loss of wetlands in central Spain threatens these ecosystems and their associated cultural heritage. We suggest the declaration of this intangible human heritage as the “Culture of the Mediterranean Wetlands” before it disappears.

The intersection of local wisdom and digital innovation in performing arts

Utilizing technology in cultural and locally-influenced performing arts alters the conventional understanding of aesthetic experiences in live performances. It includes redefining the dynamics between performers and audiences, the impact of sound and ambience, dance and visual elements, collaboration among artists, cultural aspects, environmental factors, and temporal considerations. Furthermore, digital technology has emerged as a novel means in the performing arts realm, streamlining the artistic creation process. Currently, the field of performing arts is significantly influencing the swift advancement of digital technology. This research methodology employs a qualitative approach by utilizing internet literature and conducting literature studies. The outcome of this study indicates that digital technology facilitates the comprehension of artistic performances rooted in local culture and knowledge by both the general audience and the current youth population. The intersection between technology, local wisdom, and performing arts is evident due to the transferability of local wisdom throughout generations and the continuous development of technology over time. Digital technology has broadened the scope of creativity, pushed the limits of artistic expression, and safeguarded traditional local knowledge.

Ethnopharmacology of the angiosperms of Chapada of Araripe located in Northeast of Brazil

The Chapada of Araripe located in the Northeast of Brazil, presents a great vegetal diversity. Associated with this, the region presents a great cultural plurality, which reflects in several popular knowledge, such as the use of medicinal plants in the region. The objective of this work was to carry out an ethnopharmacological bibliographic survey of angiosperms present in the region. The scientific name of species was associated with the keywords "traditional use", "traditional medicine" "traditional knowledge" and "Brazil" to collect information published and available on Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo and Scopus Platform. Subsequently, the species with the greatest versatility of use were selected and their relative importance (RI) indexes were calculated. As a result, 92 species with medicinal potential were identified in the Chapada of Araripe, corresponding to 81 genera and 44 botanical families, with Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae and Rubiaceae being the taxa that presented the highest number of species with 16, 6, 5 and 5 respectively. The 10 most versatile species were Anacardium occidentale (RI: 1.38), Astronium urundeuva (1.86), Copaifera langsdorffii (2.00), Hancornia speciosa (1.81), Himatanthus drasticus (1.62), Hymenaea stigonocarpa (1.89), Lafoensia pacari (1.83), Libidibia ferrea (1.43), Scoparia dulcis (1.71) and Ximenia americana L. (1.46). Finally, we emphasize that Chapada of Araripe is a region of great biological and cultural value, being important actions for the preservation of local flora and traditional knowledge.

Medicinal Plants in Traditional Herbal Wines and Liquors in the East of Spain and the Balearic Islands.

Homemade herbal preparations from the East of Spain are the witness of traditional medicine inherited from the ancient complex formulas of herbal teas and medicinal wines. In this study, we document the use of traditional alcoholic beverages, identify their ingredients, almost exclusively botanical, record the local medicinal uses of these mixtures, and discuss patterns of distribution of this knowledge in regions of eastern Spain, the Balearic Islands and Andorra. We determine marker species and relevant patterns of herbal formulas in the different regions of the territory. Homemade liquors and liqueurs are consumed for their digestive and tonic-restorative properties but they also play in some cases an important social role. The elderly remember other medicinal uses such as aperitif, emmenagogue, or antidiarrheal, for some of the most popular preparations. The herbal liqueur formulas include predominantly Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Rutaceae, and Apiaceae species. Herbs (58%), fruits (28%), and mixtures of both (12%) are ingredients of liquors and wines, being the aerial parts the most frequent in terms of species (30%) and records (49%). Dictamnus hispanicus, Santolina villosa, Salvia blancoana subsp. mariolensis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, and Clinopodium serpyllifolium subsp. fruticosum are the species most frequently used. Others species used to a lesser extent as Polygonatum odoratum, Thymus moroderi, and Saxifraga longifolia are restricted to locally homemade preparations because their collection and uses require special knowledge of the rare or endemic flora. Sustainability of these practices is strongly limited by the overall loss of local traditional knowledge and by the limited availability of most of the wild species; some of them are endangered or threatened mainly by the loss of their natural habitats. Cultivation and domestication are a promising alternative to collecting from wild populations. The cultivation of Thymus moroderi in the province of Alicante and Polygonatum odoratum in the province of Teruel are good examples. There is a notable decrease in the complexity of the formulas registered throughout the nearly 15 years of the study. This is interpreted as a consequence of a loss of knowledge, less accessibility to wild resources, and changes in traditions and preferences.