An ethnobotanical study on the medicinal herb practices of the gelao ethnic minority in North Guizhou, China: an exploration of traditional knowledge.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The Gelao ethnic minority of northern Guizhou, China have long possessed extensive traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs. This ethnobotanical study aimed to document and evaluate wild plants used medicinally by the Gelao people, providing insights into their traditional medicine and knowledge systems. Methods: Field research was conducted in Gelao communities of Daozhen, Wuchuan and Zheng'an counties using interviews, surveys and participatory rural appraisal. Results: Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were utilized to assess the cultural significance of 187 herbs identified. The herbs belonged to 84 families, primarily Compositae, and were mostly roots, rhizomes and whole plants. They were used to treat digestive, respiratory and inflammatory disord

SUBMITTER: Liu F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10500598 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature