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Abstract

Traditional knowledge about the use of medicinal plants is an important part of the rural healthcare system in Afghanistan and is gradually declining. This survey aimed to document medicinal plants and the indigenous knowledge of the people of Behsud in Maidan Wardak Province. Data were collected from Siabuta, Lora, Daman-e-Khalk, Baghzaghan, Sheikh Sang, and Panj Asiab villages through interviews using structured questionnaires. Plant specimens were collected, pressed, dried, and transferred to the Faculty of Pharmacy, Kabul University, where they were identified. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The results showed that 46 medicinal plants belonging to 20 families are used to cure various diseases. The dominant families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Fabaceae. Aerial parts of plants, infusions, and decoctions were the chief parts and preparation methods. The results show that indigenous medicinal knowledge is still well-kept among the older individuals. However, younger generations are ignorant. Therefore, documentation of this valuable indigenous knowledge is urgently needed.

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Behsud Maidan Wardak Medicinal Plants Indigenous Knowledge Traditional Medicine

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Halimi, M. T., Karimi, A. G., Joya, K., & Waziri, A. R. (2026). Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants by Local Communities in Behsud Regions, Maidan Wardak. Journal of Natural Sciences – Kabul University, 8(4), 121–148. https://doi.org/10.62810/jns.v8i4.519
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