Plants Utilized for Folk Medicine in Pambujan, Northern Samar, Philippines

Abstract

This study, focused on the use of plants in folk healing practices and its economic uses, was conducted in isolated areas of Pambujan, Northern Samar, particularly Barangays Don Sixto Balanquit, Sr., Inanahawan, Senonogan, Igot, and Cagbigajo during the months of July to September, 2021. Environmental conditions such as habitat type, vegetation, air temperature, soil temperature, soil pH, and elevation were also gathered. Purposive sampling was done, together with the collection of specimens for herbarium preparation, and gathering data on the environmental factors. Interviews with respondents were done to know the local names and economic uses of each specimen. Sixty-seven (67) species of medicinal plants were found to be present and collected in the study area. In Barangay Don Sixto Balanquit, Sr., all 67 representative species were collected, while 48 species were collected in Barangay Inanahawan, 26 species in Barangay Igot, 59 species in Barangay Cagbigajo, and 32 representative species were collected in Barangay Senonogan. These results imply that there is a diversity of plant species utilized for folk medicine in the study area. Economically, plants in the study area were utilized mainly for human consumption as food, furniture, building and construction, livestock feed, forage, and for medicinal purposes. Observation and measurements made on the environmental conditions in the study area show that they are optimal for the growth of these economically important plants. On the basis of this research it was concluded that the conservation of these plant resources alongside the encouragement of indigenous folk healing practices for the benefit of the residents in isolated areas of Pambujan, Northern Samar. Similarly, further studies be done to document other plant species with potential medicinal applications.