Dela Cruz, Venerand Flores

Abstract: Nature hides a treasure trove of resources that would also help with the medicinal needs of the Earth’s population. This study aimed to determine the local plants and their medicinal use among residents in Ilocos Sur. A descriptive type of research design is utilized. The 206 residents from upland, coastal, and lowland municipalities served as the respondents. The purposive sampling technique is employed. The study's findings showed that the majority of the respondents are 18-23 years old, female, Roman Catholics, with family members and social media as their sources of information about medicinal plants. A significant percentage are single, with a family monthly income of Php 5,000 and below, and unemployed. The Oregano is the most commonly used medicinal plant in upland and coastal areas and the guava in the lowland areas. Most of the respondents used the leaves as part of the plant to treat various ailments. The preparation method is mostly decoction and used orally as food/drink/gargle, taken at 1-2 glasses a day for twice a day. A significant percentage of the respondents use locally available medicinal plants mainly as an antiseptic or cleansing or washing wounds

Keywords: medicinal use, method of application, frequency of use, treatment of ailments

SDG: SDG 3