Exploring the medicinal plants and traditional knowledge for common respiratory ailments among farmers in Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Globally, medicinal plants have long been used in ethnomedicine across various cultures and traditions. However, there is still limited information on their specific use by farmers. This descriptive study explored the taxonomy and use of medicinal plants and the traditional knowledge for treating common respiratory ailments among farmers in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It utilized a descriptive research design, a survey questionnaire, an interview and observation, with frequencies, percentages and mean for data analysis. The study identified 22 species of medicinal plants from 17 families used by Ilocano farmers as traditional treatments for respiratory ailments such as coughs and colds. Various plant parts were utilized, including the whole Vitex negundo L. plant, the leaves of Origanum vulgare L. and Psidium guajava L., the leaves and roots of Zingiber officinale Roscoe and the fruit of Citrofortunella microcarpa. These were prepared as decoctions or juices, consumed orally, or used in aromatic herbal baths to relieve asthma, cough and colds. Traditional healing practices also included drinking warm decoctions of Citrofortunella microcarpa fruit, taking hot baths with a combination of boiled medicinal leaves and performing steam bath rituals. The use of medicinal plants for locally common respiratory ailments among farmers reflected traditional knowledge as these plants are available at no cost. This is a first-time study in this area to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and synthetic medicine for screening of phytochemical and pharmacological properties of plants, as only a few of these plants are commercially available in the market.