ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AMONG COASTAL AND HIGHLAND COMMUNITIES IN PEKALONGAN REGENCY

Abstract

In Indonesian society, including in Pekalongan Regency, the use of medicinal plants has been passed down from generation to generation as part of the cultural heritage preserved by coastal and highland communities. Understanding of ethnobotany can help nurses design holistic approaches that integrate traditional medicine with modern health services. With the increasing public interest in herbal medicine, it is important for nurses to have insight into the use of medicinal plants to ensure their safe and effective use in community nursing practice. This study used a qualitative approach to explore the use of medicinal plants in coastal and highland communities in Pekalongan Regency. The population in this study was people living in coastal and highland communities in Pekalongan Regency who had experience in using medicinal plants. The sample in this study was selected using purposive sampling techniques. This study shows that there are differences in the use of medicinal plants between highland and coastal communities in Pekalongan Regency. People living in highland areas mostly use rhizomes and warming herbs such as ginger, turmeric, temulawak, and lemongrass. Meanwhile, coastal communities mostly use leafy plants and multifunctional plants such as bidara, pandan, betel, and moringa. The community's view of herbal medicine is that it has the same benefits as medical treatment and supports the healing process. This reflects the community's open attitude towards various forms of treatment, both traditional and modern.