Baiq Farhatul Wahidah, Fadly Husain, Wiwin Mulyanah, Rizkiati Khasanah

Ethnobotanical Study of Local Wisdom in the Utilization and Conservation of Medicinal Plants for Children's Health Around Mount Muria, Central Java

Introduction

Ethnobotanical study of local wisdom in the utilization and conservation of medicinal plants for children's health around mount muria, central java. Explore local wisdom in Colo Village, Mount Muria, Central Java, on utilizing 56 medicinal plant species for children's health. Learn about traditional remedies and conservation practices.

Abstract

Children of growing age are susceptible to various diseases because their immune systems are still developing. In many rural areas in Indonesia, including Colo Village, Mount Muria, people still use traditional medicine to treat diseases in children. This study documents the knowledge and conservation efforts of the Colo Village community regarding medicinal plants used to treat children's diseases. Data were collected qualitatively through semi-structured interviews with forty residents from four hamlets. The findings showed that the community used fifty-six plant species to treat various children's diseases. The results showed that the Colo Village community used 56 plant species to treat diseases in children, such as the Zingiberaceae family, such as turmeric (Curcuma domestica Val.), black ginger (Curcuma aeruginoasa Robx), ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), and others. Diseases that can be treated are: cough, fever, worms, colds, mumps, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, convulsions, and wounds. Plant organs utilized include leaves (45%), rhizomes (18%), fruits (14%), tubers (9%), seeds (7%), stems (3%), and flowers (4%). Drug processing is done by pounding (56%), boiling (11%), grating (24%), slicing (7%), and brewing (2%). Most plants are obtained through cultivation (55%), followed by obtaining from nature (29%) and purchasing at the market (16%). The Colo Village community preserves medicinal plants by cultivating them in their yards and gardens and utilizing other traditional methods. Strengthening ethnobotanical knowledge, especially among the younger generation, is key to maintaining local wisdom and biodiversity in this village.

Review

This ethnobotanical study from Colo Village, Mount Muria, provides valuable insights into local wisdom concerning medicinal plants utilized for children's health. The research effectively documents traditional knowledge and conservation efforts, which is crucial given the susceptibility of children and the continued reliance on traditional medicine in many rural Indonesian settings. The study's strength lies in its comprehensive qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews with forty residents across four hamlets, yielding rich and detailed data. The findings are robust, identifying fifty-six distinct plant species, notably from the Zingiberaceae family (e.g., turmeric, black ginger, ginger), used to treat a wide array of childhood ailments such as coughs, fevers, diarrhea, and mumps. The detailed breakdown of plant organs utilized (e.g., leaves 45%, rhizomes 18%) and processing methods (e.g., pounding 56%, grating 24%) offers a granular understanding of local practices. Furthermore, the paper effectively sheds light on plant acquisition methods (cultivation 55%, wild collection 29%) and highlights the community's commitment to preservation through cultivation in yards and gardens, alongside other traditional methods. This study makes a significant contribution to ethnobotanical literature by meticulously documenting local practices that are vital for both community health and the conservation of biodiversity. The emphasis on strengthening ethnobotanical knowledge among younger generations underscores the long-term importance of this research for cultural heritage and sustainable healthcare. The findings provide a strong foundation for future pharmacological research into the efficacy of these plants and for developing culturally sensitive community health initiatives. Overall, this paper is well-executed and provides valuable information, making it a strong candidate for publication.

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