Table 1 Medicinal plant uses recorded on the Kosovar side of the Albanian Alps in the current study.
Botanical taxon, botanical family and voucher specimen code | Folk name(s) quoted by respondents | English name | Status | Quotation frequency | Part(s) used | Administration | Treated disease(s) or folk medical uses(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abies alba Mill. (Pinaceae) 13/DE/10 | Bredhi i bardhë | European silver fir | W | + | Resin | Boiled in oil | Stomach pain Eczemas |
Topically applied | Skin infections | ||||||
Mixed and boiled with milk butter | Skin hematomas Skin infections | ||||||
Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) 03/DE/10 | Hajdukati | Yarrow | W | ++ | Areal parts | Infusion | Anti-diarrhoeal Stomach pain Anti-diabetic Eczema |
Tincture topical used in wound | Antibacterial | ||||||
Aconitum divergens Pančić (Ranunculaceae) 04/DE/10 | Pelini i egër (i zi) | W | ++ | Areal parts | Infusion | Stomach disorders Oral cavity antiseptic Anti-haemorrhoidal | |
Whole plant | Infusion | Anti-cholesterolemic | |||||
Leaves | Squeezed and topically applied to the wound | Anti-bacterial Skin infections | |||||
Adiantum capillus-veneris L. (Adiantaceae) 01/DE/10 | Majdanozi i egër | Southern maidenhair fern | W | + | Areal parts | Decoction | Bronchitis Sour throat Expectorant |
Aesculus hippocastanum L. (Sapindaceae) 06/DE/10 | Gështenja e egër | Horse chestnut | W | ++ | Leaves | Infusion | Expectorant Anti-rheumatic |
Fruits | Decoction | Antitussive Anti-hypertensive | |||||
Tincture | Anti-rheumatic | ||||||
Agropyron repens (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae) 08/DE/10 | Pirrovina | Couch grass | W | + | Roots | Decoction | Anti-rheumatic Anti-anaemic Stomach and hepatic disorders Lithontriptic |
Infusion | Lithontriptic | ||||||
Allium cepa L. (Amaryllidaceae) 11/DE/10 | Qepa | Onion | C | + | Leaves | Decoction | To treat influenza |
Bulb | Extracted with cold mineral water | Anti-hypertensive | |||||
Allium porrum L. (Amaryllidaceae) 09/DE/10 | Purrini | Garden leek | C | + | Leaves and stem | Eaten fresh | Anti-cholesterolemic |
Allium sativum L. (Amaryllidaceae) 10/DE/10 | Hudhra | Garlic | C | + | Bulb Leaves | Tincture | Improve blood circulation Anti-diabetic Antibacterial Anti-hypertensive |
Decoction | Tooth ache | ||||||
Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. (Betulaceae) 05/DE/10 | Verri | Black alder | W | + | Cortex | Decoction, used to wash whole body | Anti-rheumatic |
Leaves | Extracted with cold water | Disinfectant on wounds | |||||
Althaea officinalis L. (Malvaceae) 07/DE/10 | Mëllaga e bardhë | Marshmallow | W | ++ | Roots | Extracted with cold water | Expectorant |
Decoction | To treat lung disorders Oral cavity antiseptic Expectorant | ||||||
Arctium lappa L. (Asteraceae) 12/DE/10 | Bullushtra | Greater burdock | W | + | Areal parts | Decoction | Gastrointestinal disorders Bronchitis Lithontriptic |
Leaves | Boiled in milk (used externally | Skin inflammation and ulcers | |||||
Aristolochia clematitis L. (Aristolochiaceae) 14/DE/10 | Fiku i egër | Birthwort | W | + | Fruits | Decoction | Anti-haemorrhoidal Eczemas |
Areal parts | Decoction | Infected wounds Ulcers | |||||
Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae) 02/DE/10 | Pelini i butë | Wormwood | W | + | Areal parts | Infusion | Stomach disorders Anti-diabetic |
Beta vulgaris L. (Amaranthaceae) 17/DE/10 | Sveklla | Common beet | C | + | Roots | Decoction | Anti-anaemic |
Betula verrucosa Ehrh. (Betulaceae) 16/DE/10 | Mështekna | Silver birch | W | + | Cortex | Decoction | Kidney infections |
Leaves | Decoction | Lithontriptic | |||||
Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) 18/DE/10 | Lakra | Cabbage | C | + | Leaves | Fermented leaves topically applied | Anti-bacterial |
Bryonia alba L. (Cucurbitaceae) 15/DE/10 | Stërkungulli | White bryony | W | + | Roots | Extracted with sunflower oil, apply topically in pain place | Anti-rheumatic |
Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) 28/DE/10 | Lulduhani | Pot marigold | C | + | Flowers | Extracted with cold milk | Kidney disorders Hepatitis Stomach ulcers |
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (Brassicaceae) 29/DE/10 | Shtrapër | Shepherd's-purse | W | + | Whole plant | Infusion | Fever Eczemas |
Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) 32/DE/10 | Speci djegës | Pepper | C | + | Fruits | Eaten fresh fruits | Anti-rheumatic Appetizing Lung disorders |
Carduus nutans L. (Asteraceae) 27/DE/10 | Gjemb gomari | Musk thistle | W | + | Inflorescences | Extracted with cold water for ten days and then used as tea | Eczemas |
Castanea sativa Mill. (Fagaceae) 20/DE/10 | Gështenja e butë | Sweet chestnut | W/C | + | Fruits | Decoction | Headache |
Fruits | Decoction external applied | Anti-haemorrhoidal | |||||
Centaurea cyanus L. (Asteraceae) 30/DE/10 | Kokoçeli | Cornflower | W | + | Flowers | Decoction | Eye infections |
Centaurium erythraea Rafin. (Gentianaceae) 21/De/10 | Kiçica | Common centaury | W | ++ | Areal parts | Extracted with cold water | Stomach disorders Urinary system infections |
Decoction | Anti-haemorrhoid Anti-diabetic Lithontriptic Fever | ||||||
Stem | Decoction | Lithontriptic | |||||
Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae) 22/DE/10 | Çikorja | Common chicory | W | + | Stem | Infusion | Anti-diarrhoeal |
Roots | Decoction | Bronchitis Urinary system infections Anti-haemorrhoid | |||||
Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae) 31/DE/10 | Tamblaqoku | Tetterwort | W | + | Areal parts | Infusion | Bronchitis Lithontriptic Stomach ulcers |
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) 33/DE/10 | Shalqiri | Watermelon | C | + | Fruit juice | Fruit juice applied into the ear | Ear-ache |
Seeds | Eaten dried seeds of watermelon, apple, melon | To prevent prostate cancer | |||||
Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. (Rutaceae) 35/DE/10 | Limoni | Lemon | C | + | Fruits | Lemon juice mixed with honey | Anti-tussive Respiratory infections |
Cornus mas L. (Cornaceae) 24/DE/10 | Thana | Dogwood | W | ++ | Fruits | Decoction | Anti diabetic |
Tincture | Stomach disorders Anti-rheumatic | ||||||
Consumed | Eaten raw | ||||||
Decoction | Anti-anaemic | ||||||
Corylus avellana L. (Betulaceae) 25/DE/10 | Lajthia | Hazel | W | + | Leaves | Decoction | Anti-diabetic |
Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (Rosaceae) 19/DE/10 | Murrizi | Oneseed | W | ++ | Areal parts | Infusion | Heart rhythm regulator Anti-hypertensive |
Fruits | Decoction | Anti-hypertensive | |||||
Flowers | Decoction | Anti-hypertensive Insomnia | |||||
Cucumis melo L. (Cucurbitaceae) 36/DE/10 | Pjepri | Melon | C | + | Seeds | Eaten dried seeds of watermelon, apple, melon | To prevent the prostate cancer |
Cucurbita pepo L. (Cucurbitaceae) 26/DE/10 | Kungulli | Pumpkin | C | + | Seeds | Eaten | Anti-helminthic To prevent prostate cancer |
Cydonia oblonga Mill. (Rosaceae) 23/DE/10 | Ftoni | Quince | C | + | Leaves | Infusion | Respiratory inflammations |
Seeds | Decoction | Appetizing | |||||
Cynodon dactylon (L.).Pers. (Poaceae) 34/DE/10 | Bar magari | Bermuda grass | W | + | Roots | Decoction | Anti-haemorrhoidal |
Daucus carota L. (Apiaceae) 37/DE/10 | Karota | Carrot | C | + | Storage root | Boiled and eaten | Stomach infections |
Digitalis grandiflora Mill. (Plantaginaceae) 38/DE/10 | Naprastak | Big-flowered foxglove | W | + | Whole plant | Infusion | Hart disorders |
Echinops bannaticus Rochel ex Schrad. (Asteraceae) 40/DE/10 | Gjembardha | W | + | Roots | Decoction | Lithontriptic | |
Equisetum arvense L. (Equisetaceae) 39/DE/10 | Këputja e arave | Horsetail | W | + | Stem and Leaves | Infusion | Lithontriptic Urinary system infections |
Euphorbia cyparissias L. (Euphorbiaceae) 41/DE/10 | Bima e lythave | Cypress spurge | W | + | Stem | Fresh leaves topically applied | Warts |
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae) 43/DE/10 | Kopra e egër | Fennel | W | + | Flowers | Decoction | Constipation |
Fragaria vesca L. (Rosaceae) 42/DE/10 | Dredhëza e egër | Strawberry | W | + | Leaves | Infusion | Neuro-relaxant |
Gentiana asclepiadea L. (Gentianaceae) 45/DE/10 | Utrobica | W | + | Roots | Tincture | Anti-rheumatic Stomach ulcers Hepatitis | |
Gentiana lutea L. (Gentianaceae) 44/DE/10 | Sanëza | W | ++ | Roots | Tincture | Improve the blood circulation Bronchitis Stomach disorders Anti-hypertensive Anti-asthmatic Anti rheumatic Anti-diabetic | |
Galium verum L. (Rubiaceae) 46/DE/10 | Ngjitësi i vërtetë | Yellow bedstraw | W | + | Flowers | Infusion | Urinary system infections |
Helleborus odorus Waldst. et. Kit. (Ranunculaceae) 49/DE/10 | Shpendra | Fragrant hellebore | W | + | Fruits | Applied in tooth | Tooth-ache |
Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae) 48/DE/10 | Sumbullari | Common hop | W | + | Fruits | Infusion | Kidney inflammations Neuro-relaxant |
Areal parts | Decoction | Insomnia Menstrual cycle regulator | |||||
Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) 47/DE/10 | Kantarioni | St. John's wort | W | +++ | Flowers | Decoction | Stomach pain |
Whole plant | Decoction | Respiratory disorders | |||||
Areal parts | Extracted with olive oil | Stomach pain Skin infections To treat skin after sunburn or thermal burn Anti-tussive Anti haemorrhoidal Respiratory infections Anti-cholesterolemic Eczemas | |||||
Iris sp. (Iridaceae) 50/DE/10 | Lule purriri | W | + | Leaves | Squeezed and topically applied to the ear | Ear ache | |
Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) 52/DE/10 | Arra | Common walnut | W/C | +++ | Roots | Extracted for one month with sunflower oil and then liquid mixed with honey. | Lung inflammations Anti asthmatic Bronchitis |
Fruits | Decoction | Anti-tussive | |||||
Honey (1 kg) mixed with fruits (1 kg) extracted for one month | Lung inflammations Anti-asthmatic Anti-anaemic | ||||||
Extracted with cold water. | Anti-cholesterolemic | ||||||
Tincture | Stomach disorders | ||||||
Leaves | Infusion | Anti-haemorrhoid al | |||||
Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) 51/DE/10 | Gllia | Juniper | W | ++ | Fruits | Decoction | Back pains |
Extracted for 10 days in cold water mixed with lemons | Kidney inflammations Anti rheumatic | ||||||
Decoction | Respiratory inflammations | ||||||
Decoction | Stomach disorders | ||||||
Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. (Cucurbitaceae) 53/DE/10 | Pocerka | Bottle gourd | C | + | Fruits | Fruits opened and filled with water and then water used to flush the nose | Sinusitis |
Linaria peloponnesiaca Boiss. et. Heldr. (Plantaginaceae) 57/DE/10 | Lanilist | W | + | Seeds | Decoction | Constipation | |
Linaria vulgaris Mill. (Plantaginaceae) 56/DE/10 | Gjineshtra | Common toadflax | W | + | Areal parts | Decoction | Urinary system inflammations |
Linum hirsutum L. (Linaceae) 54/DE/10 | Liri | W | + | Seeds | Decoction | Anti-haemorrhoidal Urinary system inflammations | |
Leaves | Infusion | Headache Respiratory inflammations | |||||
Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (Solanaceae) 55/DE10 | Domatja | Tomato | C | + | Fruits | Beaked fruits mixed with sugar topically applied in wound | Wound infections |
Malus dasyphylla Borkh. (Rosaceae) 60/DE/10 | Molla sherbete | Apple | W | + | Fruits | Squeezed and topically applied to the ear | Earache |
Malus sylvestris Mill. (Rosaceae) 61/DE10 | Molla e pyllit Molla e egër | European wild apple | W | ++ | Areal parts | Infusion | Anti-tussive Expectorant |
Fruits | Extracted with cold water then fruit juice mixed sugar | Anti-hypertensive Anti-cholesterolemic | |||||
Fruits | Decoction | Anti-diabetic | |||||
Leaves | Applied topically in wound | Wound infections | |||||
Matricaria recutita L. (Asteraceae) 59/DE/10 | Kamomili | Chamomile | W | ++ | Areal parts | Infusion | Stomachache Oral cavity inflammations Gingivitis Urinary system infections |
Flowers Flowers | Infusion | Oral inflammations Urinary system infections | |||||
Decoction | Constipation | ||||||
Areal parts | Infusion | Drunk as a tea | |||||
Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) 58/DE/10 | Bari i bletës | Lemon balm | W | + | Areal parts | Infusion | For treating abdominal pains during pregnancy |
Areal parts | Decoction | Neuro-relaxant | |||||
Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. (Lamiaceae) 63/DE/10 | Menta | Horse mint | W | + | Areal parts | Infusion | Neuro-relaxant Anti-diarrhoeal Anti-hypertensive |
Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) 64/DE/10 | Mani i zi | Black mulberry | W | + | Leaves | Decoction | Anti diabetic |
Origanum vulgare L. 65/DE/10 (Lamiaceae) | Qaji i bjeshkës | Oregano | W | + | Areal parts Areal parts | Infusion | Respiratory inflammations, flu |
Decoction | Anti-tussive Digestive | ||||||
Orlaya grandiflora (L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae) 66/DE/10 | Torilis | White lace flower | W | + | Areal parts | Decoction | Constipation |
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss (Apiaceae) 70/DE/10 | Majdanozi | Parsley | C | + | Leaves | Boiled with garlic and carrot | Stomach infections |
Decoction together with lemon | Anti-cholesterolemic | ||||||
Pinus sylvestris L. (Pinaceae) 69/DE/10 | Çetina | Scots pine | W | ++ | Cones | 40 cones mixed with honey (1 kg) eaten after one month | Bronchitis |
Decoction | Anti-tussive Anti-asthmatic Bronchitis | ||||||
Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae) 77/DE/10 | Fasulja | Common bean | C | + | Seeds | 2-3 soup spoons in the morning | Anti-acid |
Plantago lanceolata L. (Plantaginaceae) 73/DE/10 | Dejzi heshtor | Narrowleaf plantain | W | ++ | Leaves | Fresh leaves applied topically in wound | Wound infections |
Plantago major L. (Plantaginaceae) 67/DE/10 | Dejzi gjethegjerë | Common plantain | W | ++ | Leaves | Infusion | Back pains |
Eaten squeezed juice mixed with honey | Bronchitis Anti haemorrhoid Stomach-ache | ||||||
Applied topically in wound | Wound infections | ||||||
Polygonum bistorta L. (Polygonaceae) 75/DE/10 | Reni | Meadow bistort | W | + | Roots | Macerated roots (200-300 g) mixed honey (1 kg) | Respiratory infections Expectorant |
Populus nigra L. (Salicaceae) 72/DE10 | Plepi i zi | Black poplar | W | + | Cortex | Decoction | Urinary system inflammations |
Leaves | Decoction | Tuberculosis Bronchitis Anti-diabetic | |||||
Prunus avium (L.) L. (Rosaceae)71/DE/10 | Bojlia | Wild cherry | C | + | Fruits | Infusion | Anti- diabetic Anti-hypertensive Respiratory inflammations |
Prunus domestica L. (Rosaceae) 68/DE/10 | Kumbulla | Plum | C | + | Fruits | Decoction | Constipation |
Prunus spinosa L. (Rosaceae) 74/DE/10 | Kulumria | Blackthorn | W | + | Fruits | Decoction | Anti-hypertensive Anti-asthmatic |
Eaten fresh fruits | Consumption | ||||||
Pteridium aquilinum Kuhn. (Dennstaedtiaceae) 76/DE/10 | Fieri | Bracken | W | + | Leaves | Decoction | Anti-bacterial Diuretic |
Pyrus pyraster (L.) Du Roi (Rosaceae) 78/DE/10 | Dardha e egër | Wild pear | W | + | Fruits | Tincture | Anti-hypertensive Anti-cholesterolemic |
Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae) 82/DE/10 | Bagreni | Black locust | W | + | Flowers | Decoction | Respiratory inflammations |
Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae) 80/DE/10 | Kaça | Dog rose | W | + | Fruits | Infusion | Drunk as a tea |
Fruits | Decoction | Influenza Increase immunity | |||||
Rubus fruticosus L. (Rosaceae) 79/DE/10 | Mani | Blackberry | W | ++ | Leaves | Fresh leaves applied topically in wound | Skin infection |
Leaves and fruits | Decoction | Tuberculosis Influenza Increase immunity | |||||
Fruits | Eaten fresh fruits Jam | Consumption | |||||
Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae) 80/DE/10 | Mjedra | Raspberry | W | + | Leaves | Decoction | Sore throat Influenza Increase immunity |
Sambucus ebulus L. (Adoxaceae) 83/DE/10 | Kinla | Dwarf elderberry | W | ++ | Areal parts | Topically in applied in pain place | Anti rheumatic |
Fruits | Tincture | Menstrual pains Regulation of menstrual cycle | |||||
Flowers | Tincture | Urinary inflammations | |||||
Sambucus nigra L. (Adoxaceae) 85/DE/10 | Shtogu | Elderberry | W | +++ | Stem cortex | Extracted with sunflower oil | To treat sunburns |
Boiled with butter milk | To treat thermal burns | ||||||
Flowers | Infusion mixed with lemon and sugar | Anti asthmatic Bronchitis | |||||
Infusion | Antitussive | ||||||
Fruits | Drunk fruit juice | Anti-anaemic | |||||
Areal parts | Decoction | Anti-allergic | |||||
Salix purpurea L. (Salicaceae) 86/DE/10 | Shelgu | Purple willow | W | + | Leaves | Applied topically in breast | Anti-fever |
Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) 88/DE/10 | Sherbela | Garden sage | C | + | Leaves | Decoction | Sedative Antipyretic |
Sempervivum tectorum L. (Crassulaceae) 87/DE/10 | Bar veshi | Houseleek | W | + | Leaves | Decoction after cooled applied in ear | Ear ache |
Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanaceae) 84/DE/10 | Patatja | Potato | C | + | Tuber | Cut in several pieces and placed in front of the head | Head-ache |
Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg. (Asteraceae) 96/DE/10 | Lule dielli | Dandelion | W | + | Flowers | Decoction mixed with lemon fruits. | Bronchitis |
Teucrium chamaedrys L. (Lamiaceae) 94/DE/10 | Arrsi i vogël | Wall germander | W | + | Areal parts | Infusion | Anti-haemorrhoidal |
Whole parts | Infusion | Anti diabetic | |||||
Thymus spp. (Lamiaceae) 93/DE/10 | Shpirti i nënës | Wild thyme | W | ++ | Areal parts | Decoction | Respiratory inflammations Expectorant |
Whole plant | Infusion | Bronchitis Anti-tussive Expectorant | |||||
Areal parts | Infusion | Lung inflammations Expectorant | |||||
Tilia platyphyllos Scop. (Malvaceae) 95/DE/10 | Blini | Largeleaf linden | W | + | Flowers | Decoction | Sore throat Lung inflammations |
Trifolium pratense L. (Fabaceae) 92/DE/10 | Tërfoja e kuqe | Red clover | W/C | + | Leaves | Squeezed leaves juice | Stomach disorders |
Trifolium repens L. (Fabaceae) 91/DE/10 | Tërfili i bardhë | White clover | W | + | Flowers | Decoction | Anti-diarrhoeal |
Triticum vulgare L. (Poaceae) 89/DE/10 | Gruri Karajpeli | Wheat | C | + | Seeds | Boiled seeds with water and added sugar | Constipation Anti-haemorrhoid |
Flowers | Decoction | Kidney disorders Anti rheumatic Neuro-relaxant | |||||
Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) 97/DE/10 | Hithi | Common nettle | W | ++ | Leaves | Eaten fresh | Anti anaemic |
Leaves and stem | Tincture | Improve blood circulation | |||||
Roots and Leaves | Decoction | Alopecia | |||||
Roots | Decoction | Anti-haemorrhoidal | |||||
Vaccinium myrtillus L. (Ericaceae) 98/DE/10 | Boronica | Bilberry | W | + | Areal parts | Infusion | Anti-diabetic |
Fruits and Leaves | Decoction | Neuro-relaxant Urinary inflammations Lung inflammations Stomach disorders Anti-hypertensive | |||||
Fruits | Eaten fresh | Consumed | |||||
Veratrum album L. (Melanthiaceae) 99/DE/10 | Shtara | White hellebore | W | + | Leaves | Decoction | Anti-lice |
Roots | Decoction | Head ache | |||||
Leaves | Extracted with sunflower oil | Eczemas Haemorrhoids | |||||
Zea mays L. (Poaceae) 100/DE/10 | Misri | Corn | W | + | Silks | Infusion | Anti-diabetic |