Study Of Ethnopharmacology Herbal Use For Treatment By The People Of Sei Bingai District Langkat Regency

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 105 views

**Ethnopharmacology Study of Herbal Utilization for Treatment by the Community of Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency**

Introduction

Traditional medicine that uses medicinal plants has become an integral part of the lives of Indonesian people, especially in rural areas, from ancient times until now. The people of Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, have in-depth knowledge of medicinal plants and their benefits in traditional medicine. In this study, an inventory of names, efficacy, plant parts used, processing methods, as well as rules and prohibitions in the use of medicinal plants in accordance with the local wisdom of the community will be discussed.

Background

The use of traditional medicine in Indonesia is a long-standing tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The people of Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in the use of medicinal plants for treatment. The community has a deep understanding of the medicinal properties of plants and their uses in traditional medicine. However, the knowledge of traditional medicine is often passed down through oral tradition, and there is a need to document and preserve this knowledge for future generations.

Research Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to identify various types of medicinal plants used by the Sei Bingai community for treatment, and understand how they process and use these plants. Through this research, it is expected to provide insight into valuable local wisdom and maintain a long-standing tradition of treatment.

Research Methodology

The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative. Data and information are obtained through semi-structured interview techniques conducted to five key informants who are experienced in traditional medicine. The key informants were selected based on their experience and knowledge of traditional medicine in the community. The data collection process involved conducting in-depth interviews with the key informants, which were then analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods.

Data Analysis

The data analysis was carried out using qualitative descriptive methods, which are processed in the form of tables and brief explanations. The data was analyzed to identify the types of medicinal plants used, their efficacy, plant parts used, processing methods, as well as rules and prohibitions in the use of medicinal plants.

Research Result

The results of the study showed that the Sei Bingai community used 58 types of plants from 35 families to treat 14 types of diseases. The most widely used plant family is Zingiberaceae, while the most commonly used plant parts are leaves. The commonly used processing method is boiling, and the rules of use applied are by drinking.

In addition, there are conditions and prohibitions in the use of medicinal plants that must be considered by the community so that the results of treatment can be maximized and safe. This shows the importance of a deep understanding of the medicinal plants used, so there is no error in processing and use.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the use of herbal plants for treatment in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, is very rich in biodiversity. Local people use 58 types of plants from 35 families, with the main focus on the Zingiberaceae family and the use of leaves. The most common processing method is by boiling, and the consumption is done by drinking. This research provides a clear picture of how local people use traditional wisdom in treatment, as well as the importance of preserving this knowledge for future generations.

Implications

This study not only enriching knowledge about the use of medicinal plants in Indonesia, but also emphasizes the importance of the integration of traditional medicine into a modern health system. By understanding the workings and benefits of medicinal plants, it is hoped that the community can be wiser in choosing the right treatment methods and in accordance with their health needs.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The community should continue to preserve and document their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants.
The government and health authorities should recognize the importance of traditional medicine and integrate it into the modern health system.
Further research should be conducted to explore the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a single district, and the findings may not be generalizable to other areas.
The study relied on semi-structured interviews, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the use of medicinal plants.
The study did not explore the economic and social impacts of the use of medicinal plants.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on exploring the following areas:

The efficacy and safety of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine.
The economic and social impacts of the use of medicinal plants.
The integration of traditional medicine into the modern health system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the use of medicinal plants in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency. The study highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and integrating traditional medicine into the modern health system. Further research is needed to explore the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine, as well as the economic and social impacts of their use.

Q: What is ethnopharmacology?

A: Ethnopharmacology is the study of the use of plants and other natural substances for medicinal purposes, particularly in traditional cultures.

Q: What is the main purpose of this study?

A: The main purpose of this study is to identify various types of medicinal plants used by the Sei Bingai community for treatment, and understand how they process and use these plants.

Q: What method was used in this study?

A: The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative. Data and information are obtained through semi-structured interview techniques conducted to five key informants who are experienced in traditional medicine.

Q: How many types of plants were used by the Sei Bingai community for treatment?

A: The Sei Bingai community used 58 types of plants from 35 families to treat 14 types of diseases.

Q: What is the most widely used plant family in the Sei Bingai community?

A: The most widely used plant family is Zingiberaceae.

Q: What is the most commonly used plant part in the Sei Bingai community?

A: The most commonly used plant part is leaves.

Q: What is the most common processing method used by the Sei Bingai community?

A: The most common processing method is boiling.

Q: How do the people of Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, use medicinal plants?

A: The people of Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, use medicinal plants by drinking the processed plant extracts.

Q: What are the conditions and prohibitions in the use of medicinal plants that must be considered by the community?

A: There are conditions and prohibitions in the use of medicinal plants that must be considered by the community so that the results of treatment can be maximized and safe.

Q: Why is it important to preserve traditional knowledge of medicinal plants?

A: It is important to preserve traditional knowledge of medicinal plants because it provides valuable insights into the use of medicinal plants and their benefits in traditional medicine.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: This study not only enriches knowledge about the use of medicinal plants in Indonesia, but also emphasizes the importance of the integration of traditional medicine into a modern health system.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study include continuing to preserve and document traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, recognizing the importance of traditional medicine, and integrating it into the modern health system.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the study being conducted in a single district, relying on semi-structured interviews, and not exploring the economic and social impacts of the use of medicinal plants.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research directions include exploring the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine, the economic and social impacts of the use of medicinal plants, and the integration of traditional medicine into the modern health system.

Q: Why is this study important?

A: This study is important because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the use of medicinal plants in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, and highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and integrating traditional medicine into the modern health system.