Medicinal plants used in traditional medicine among populations in Hawler (Erbil) Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Iraq has a historical heritage of folk medicine and is a multicultural country with an old civilization and the richest biodiversity, including Kurdistan Region due to its geolocation and biological characteristics. Thus, the current study presents a traditional medicinal plant assessment of the Hawler city using pre-designed semi-structured questionnaires. In this study, 122 species of therapeutic plants (including one fungal species) were recorded, representing 53 families and 108 genera to treat approximately 148 kinds of human disorders, as well as for use in fragrance and spice. The most widespread family of therapeutic herbs in the study area was Fabaceae, followed by Apiaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae. Nearly (25%) of herbs were being used as decorative plants. Herbs were the most used, followed by trees, shrubs and fungi. Fruits and leaves contributed equally to the synthesis of folk medicine. All ailments treated by medicinal herbs were classified into fifteen health classifications.