Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by the Y’Apayaos of Sta. Praxedes in the Province of Cagayan, Philippines

Abstract

This ethnobotanical study documents the medicinal plant species used by the Y’Apayaos of Sta. Praxedes, Province of Cagayan, Northern Philippines. The descriptive design and the rapid rural ethnobotanical appraisal method were utilized in gathering the data from 39 elderly Y’Apayaos using a semi-structured interview guide as the tool in gathering the profile of the respondents and to find out the different medicinal plants used by the Y’Apayaos. Frequency counts and percentage distribution were used in treating the quantitative data. The findings show that the Y’Apayaos identified a total of 38 medicinal plant species used with the Subosub, or Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) as the most frequently identified medicinal plant. The medicinal plants, mostly trees and herbs, are commonly found around their dwelling places and in the nearby forests within their locality. Also, the Y’Apayaos use medicinal plants in curing ailments such as common cold, cough, flu, fever, stomach ache and urinary tract infection (UTI). The leaves are the most utilized parts for medicinal purposes and are prepared for concoctions.