Application of Ethnopharmacology in The Treatment of Hypertension in Traditional Coastal Communities

Hypertension is one of the diseases that frequently affects the people of Laonti Subdistrict. Locals widely employ herbal medicine as part of their community culture to address health problems. The aim of this research is to identify the types of plants used as traditional medicine for hypertension, determine the parts of the plants used, and understand how these medicinal plants are processed and utilized for treating hypertension. This study is descriptive in nature, using qualitative data analysis with purposive sampling techniques. Data on medicinal plants was collected through direct questionnaire interviews with 79 respondents. The information obtained includes the names of medicinal plants, the parts of the plants used, and the methods of preparation and use. According to the research, 17 different types of plants were found in the Laonti Subdistrict. Annona muricata, Allium sativum, and Morinda citrifolia were the most popular. The most commonly used parts of these plants are the leaves, followed by the fruit and roots. The majority of people use plants in their fresh form. Consumption patterns include occasional use, as well as daily doses of once, twice, or three times per day. All respondents agreed that herbal medicines were more affordable than chemical drugs. Also, 98.9% of those who answered thought that herbal medicines worked about the same way chemical medicines did. About 40.5% saw herbal medicine as an alternative to chemical drugs, and 16.5% thought it was safe to use herbal medicines.