Biljana Božin
University of Novi Sad,Yugoslavia
Title: E-BaMiF- Ethnopharmacology of Balkan Peninsula – Miths and Facts
Biography
Biography: Biljana Božin
Abstract
Ethnopharmacology of Balkan Peninsula – Miths and Facts (E-BaMiF): Ethnopharmacology of Balkan Peninsula is transmitted through generations, dates from 6th to 2nd centuries BC and originates from Illyrian tribes, Dacians, Thracians and Phrygian. Although originates from ancient times, the use of different medicinal plants is transmitted through generations and even today is widespread in certain regions of the Balkans. Most of them are used for therapeutic purposes, but their use in sacred and magical purposes is also widespread. Herbs are used either in fresh, raw or dried condition. Different herbal parts, depending on period of vegetation season, sometimes even in winter, are still the basis for preparation of traditional infusions, decocts, tinctures and especially original balms known as "mehlems" - fresh cuted herbal parts mixed with lukewarm resin, raw cow butter or honey. Majority of herbs is being used for treatment of illnesses of respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and genital system, for treatment of skin conditions, as well as for nervous system and heart diseases. Among them, most popular are basil, St. John’s wort, yarrow, thyme, chamomile, mints, gentian, immortelle, catnip, rue, germander... But, among them, several poisonous plants could be also found (some of poisonous and hallucinogenic mushrooms, european birthwort, coltsfoot, aconite, different plants with cardiac glycosides, etc). No significant differences are noticed in the frequencies and specific uses of medicinal plants among different ethnical groups. However, longer ethnotherapeutic tradition possess inhabitants of sub- and Mediterranean areas, as well as those of the mountain areas of Balkan Peninsula.