Table 2 Therapeutic uses of medicinal plants to treat local ailments at Loja province
From: Medicinal plants sold at traditional markets in southern Ecuador
Medical category | Local illnesses and diseases recognized by market vendors |
|---|---|
Circulatory system | Anemia, bad blood circulation, high cholesterol, and high or low blood pressure |
Culture-bound syndromes | “Calor encerrado”, evil air, evil eye, fright, “espanto de cerro”, and “pena de ausencia” or “tirisia” (see definition of syndromes in Tene et al. 2007) [88] and Rios et al. 2007 [104] |
Dermatological system | Acne, fungus infection, gangrene, rash, wounds, nosebleed, hair loss, and dandruff |
Digestive system | Diarrhea, constipation, sickness, hangover, flatulence, liver disorder (included inflammation), stomach infection and pain, and tooth pain |
General disorders | Inflammation, cancer, fever, headache, and sunstroke |
Genitourinary system | Kidney ailments (included inflammation and infection), and prostate and urinary tract disorders |
Gynecological system | Vaginal disorders, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps and related disorders, ovary inflammation, and promoting labor and childbirth recovery |
Hormonal system | Diabetes and galactogogue |
Musculoskeletal system | Bone fracture, bruise, rheumatism, sprain, and pains |
Nervous system | Nervousness |
Respiratory system | Cold, cough, flu, sore throat, and measles |
Sensorial system | Ear pain and eye infection |