Ethnobotanical Insights from Central and Southern Italy
Author Information
Author(s): Paolo Maria Guarrera, Lucia Leporatti
Primary Institution: Museo Nazionale Arti e Tradizioni Popolari, Roma, Italy
Conclusion
Traditional phyto-therapy in central and southern Italy is now mainly practiced by a few elderly individuals for mild complaints, with a decline in ritualistic uses.
Supporting Evidence
- The study highlights the decline of traditional plant use in modern society.
- Medicinal plants are primarily used for mild ailments by elderly individuals.
- The research emphasizes the importance of preserving ethnobotanical knowledge.
Takeaway
Elderly people in central and southern Italy still use plants for minor health issues, but fewer people know about these traditional remedies now.
Methodology
Field data were collected through open interviews with local farmers, shepherds, and elderly residents, along with a comparative analysis of ethnobotanical literature.
Limitations
The study may not capture all uses due to the declining knowledge of traditional practices among younger generations.
Participant Demographics
Interviews were conducted mainly with farmers, shepherds, and elderly individuals from central and southern Italy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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