Knowledge and use of medicinal plants in Calpan, Puebla, Mexico: The perception of various social sectors

Abstract

Medicinal plants (HMS) have been part of everyday life in Mexico, despite being popular, little has been documented about their knowledge and use. A diagnosis was made to know the perception of the general public, housewives, doctors, teachers and people dedicated to herbalism about medicinal plants (HMS). The instruments of the poll (100), the survey (130), the census (37) and the interview (6) were used in the sectors of the population mentioned above. Descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency were used. It is a transgenerational knowledge, transmitted verbally and is part of everyday life. Its use is through infusions (tea) for diseases considered mild. This knowledge has been relegated to the elderly and people with less purchasing power. However, 100% of the surveyed population knows and/or has used HMS. As empirical knowledge becomes scientific, it will be possible to know its effects on human health, therefore, it is important to carry out experimental studies on the biological effects of plants. In this way, its use could be further expanded through appropriate public policies.