Rescue and conservation of traditional knowledge on medicinal plants in the Sierra de Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico: The case of Toronjil (Agastache mexicana subsp. mexicana)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate and document traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants, with emphasis on the uses and properties of lemon balm (Agastache mexicana subsp. mexicana) in three localities in the mountains of the municipality of Taxco de Alarcón, Guerrero, Mexico, contributing to the rescue and conservation of ancestral knowledge. The hypothesis was that, in the three localities studied, there is extensive traditional knowledge on the use of lemon balm (Agastache mexicana subsp. mexicana) and other medicinal plants, mainly for the treatment of common health problems. To obtain information, semi-structured interviews were conducted with people over 18 years of age and the ꭓ² test (chi square) was applied to analyze the relationships between the variables. The results identified 52 species of medicinal plants grouped into 26 botanical families. The most prominent family is Lamiaceae (12 species), followed by Asteraceae (7 species). People mention that they use medicinal plants mainly for gastrointestinal problems (39%); secondly, for respiratory and musculoskeletal problems (17%). The plants used come mainly from the wild (56%) and to a lesser extent (44%) are cultivated. Regarding Agastache mexicana subsp. mexicana, all three localities know, consume and have it at home. Its main uses are to counteract: stomach pain and/or colic, respiratory problems, nerves and finally problems of cultural affiliation known as susto. The way of consuming medicinal plants is through decoction using mainly the leaves. In addition, 90% of those interviewed showed interest in preserving medicinal plants by cultivating them in family gardens, promoting sustainable management to avoid the decline of species.