Includes bibliographical references and appendices.

A Comparative Study on Herbal Species and their practical uses by the local people in Puhagan, Valencia, and Tandayag, Amlan, Negros Oriental

ABSTRACT

Herbal plants have been used for many years in diverse cultures globally because of their medicinal, healing, and nutritional qualities. This study identifies the herbal plants used in the two study areas, Puhagan, Valencia and Tandayag, Amlan Negros Oriental, as well as its uses to the locals. A total of seventy respondents were interviewed by the researcher, thirty from Barangay Puhagan, Valencia and fourty from Barangay Tandayag, Amlan. The study only focused on the locals living in the two study areas. Descriptive statistics was used in this study. Based on the gathered data, a total of 60 herbal plants are used by the respondents. In Barangay Puhagan, common remedies like Tulay, Oregano, and Guava were often used for ailments like coughs, colds, and arthritis, with less popular options including Serpentina and Blue Ternate. On the other hand, Barangay Tandayag had a greater frequency of using Oregano, with Aloe Vera and Mayan a being well-liked for their healing properties as well. Common plant species found in both barangays included Oregano, Mayana, Guava, and Lemongrass, among other varieties. The main way of preparing was boiling plant components like leaves, roots, or flowers to make medicinal teas, which were applied orally and topically. Even though there are variations in plant choices and how often they are used, the study highlights the important impact that herbal medicine has on the everyday lives of rural communities. This emphasizes the lasting importance of traditional health methods and the wisdom that has been handed down through generations.

Keywords: Herbal plants, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, local remedies, plant-based treatments, medicinal leas, folk medicine