Abstract

GARCIA DE ALBA GARCIA, Javier E. et al. Knowledge and Use of the Medicinal Plants in the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara, Mexico. Desacatos [online]. 2012, n.39, pp.29-44. ISSN 2448-5144.

This research emphasizes the popular use given to medicinal plants utilized by herbolarios, hierberos, yerberos or yerbateros in some markets of the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara, as compared through phytochemical studies. Cognitive anthropology techniques were applied to compile data about medical herbal practices.The species used more often are: árnica, cuachalalate, tila, gordolobo, salvia, cola de caballo, and boldo. The results revealed the existence of a cultural consensus on the use of medicinal plants, their effectiveness and their economic benefit against the patent medicines. The importance of understanding the use and the meaning of the disease and the acquisition of knowledge among the hierberos generations is emphasized as a pattern of cultural knowledge.

Keywords : medicinal plants; cultural consensus; hierberos; metropolitan area of Guadalajara; Ethnobotany.