Traditional Medicinal Knowledge of Vendors and Their Contribution Toward Community Healthcare in Baguio City, Philippines

Abstract

Herbal plants are among the products sold in many urban markets in Asia. They play a vital role in alleviating various and common ailments among city-dwellers. People buy them because of their availability, ease of preparation, low cost, and effectiveness as compared to synthetic and commercial drugs. This study was conducted to identify and document the uses of the medicinal plants sold in the streets and market places of Baguio City, Philippines. Information on the part/s used, method of preparation, and mode of use/application were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. The data gathered from 42 local street and stall vendors were analysed using use value (UV) as a quantitative tool. A total of 59 species belonging to 52 genera and 29 families were recorded to treat various health-related problems or ailments and diseases. More than 50 health problems were identified. Cough is the most common ailment treated. The leaves are the most frequently used plant part for the treatment of various diseases. Decoction and drinking are the most common modes of preparation and administration respectively. Over-all, Lamiaceae is the most dominant (11 species) and important family (UV 2.26), while Angelica keiskei (Miq) Koidz is the most important species (UV 1.05). Thus, this study shows that medicinal plants continue to be widely sold by local vendors for primary health care in an urban context.