Etude Ethnobotanique sur les Plantes Médicinales Utilisée pour le Traitement des Infections du Système Respiratoire dans la Wilaya de Mila

Abstract

Respiratory infections are among the most common health issues, requiring effective and safe therapeutic solutions. In this context, medicinal plants represent a promising natural alternative, suitable for local health, social, and economic conditions. This ethnobotanical study, conducted in the Wilaya of Mila (Northeast Algeria), aims to document traditional knowledge and practices used to treat respiratory diseases with medicinal plants. The study relied on a questionnaire distributed to three groups: the general public, herbalists, and patients, with a total of 419 participants. The fieldwork covered 19 municipalities: Mila, Ferdjioua, Chelghoum Laïd, Oued Athmania, Oued Endja, Ahmed Rachdi, Rouached, Grarem Gouga, Sidi Merouane, Terrai Bainen, Zeghaia, Elayadi Barbes, Ain Bieda Ahrriche, Yahia Beni Guecha, Tadjenanet, Tassadane Haddada, Derrahi Bousselah, Ain Tine, and Sidi Khelifa. The results identified 17 species of medicinal plants belonging to 11 botanical families, most of which are used to treat respiratory conditions. The most commonly used plants include thyme (394), ginger (210), verbena (206), pennyroyal (170), green anise (166), eucalyptus (151), garlic (130), onion (120), mint (111), and olive oil (110). The Lamiaceae family is the most represented. The study also highlighted the most common traditional preparation methods (decoction and infusion), the plant parts used (leaves and roots), and the consumption protocols. These findings provide a solid scientific foundation for developing standardized phytotherapeutic treatments that consider patients’ economic and social constraints while offering effective and natural alternatives.