Routine Usage of Medicinal Plants in Northern Jordan

Backgorund and Objective: Jordan is rich in medicinal herbs. The present study examined the medicinal use of herbs commonly found in northern Jordan to determine their usage value and importance for treatment of routine ailments. Materials and Methods: Data regarding use of 13 herbs grown in Irbid and Zarqa, Jordan, was collected from 108 participants using a questionnaire and assessed according to usage value. Results: Survey results revealed all 13 herbs were utilized daily in food, drinks and as home remedies for different ailments, including digestive, respiratory, nervous, genitourinary, circulatory, liver, dental, diabetic, skin and menstrual cramp issues. Treatment of digestive ailments involved the most species (n = 7) followed by respiratory and nervous system problems (n = 6 each). Salvia officinalis had the highest usage value (0.88) followed by Mentha piperita (L.) Huds (0.8) and Pimpinella anisum (0.76), indicating their significance. Conclusion: The present study not only preserves local ethnopharmacological knowledge of plants grown in northern Jordan but also provides important information regarding their potential for treating mild to moderate ailments.