Ethnobotanical exploration of botanical remedies used by traditional healers and herbalists for voice disorders

Abstract

Background

Traditional herbal medicine is an integral part of global healthcare, with a growing reliance on natural remedies. This study investigates herbal medicine practitioners' perspectives on plants used to treat voice disorders in Palestine.

Methods

A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Bank of Palestine, involving 100 herbal medicine practitioners who completed a semi-structured questionnaire between March and June 2023. Information on herbs was collected, including their Arabic names, parts used, and preparation methods. Plant samples were preserved and identified at the pharmacognosy lab at An-Najah National University. Quantitative analysis employed fidelity level, use-value, and choice value to assess cultural and ecological aspects.

Results

The herbalists recommended 20 herbs. The top five herbs identified were Anthemis cotula, Pimpinella anisum, Zingiber officinale, Clinopodium serpyllifolium, and Mentha spicata, with fidelity levels ranging from 76 % to 96 %. Leaves and fruits were the most commonly utilized plant parts, with the Lamiaceae and Apiaceae families being the most frequent.

Conclusion

Folkloric herbal medicine contributes to community healthcare and drug development. This study documents 20 indigenous Palestinian phyto-remedies that enhance vocal health, highlighting rich traditional knowledge. Collaboration between traditional healers and healthcare professionals can offer informed recommendations, while educational programs bridge traditional and contemporary healthcare. This pioneering research provides valuable insights globally, being the first to explore herbalists' indigenous knowledge of voice disorder remedies. While focusing on the West Bank, its implications extend worldwide, guiding future research into herbal remedies for voice disorders.