Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Medicinal Shrubs and Herbaceous Plants in Arasbaran Forest

Traditional knowledge is a part of the unique culture of each territory for environmental compliance, that has been achieved through experience and has become part of the social and productive culture of that society. Ethnobotany is the best possible way to study people's awareness of the numerous uses of plants. This study examined the traditional ecological knowledge of local people on herbaceous and shrub plants that took place in forest villages of Arasbaran area, northwestern Iran. The human population studied in this research were villagers of Mishepareh, rural district located in Kaleybar County and west Manjovan, rural district located in Khodaafrin County of eastern Azarbayjan. In this study, we used qualitative data collection techniques such as unstructured interviews, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation. In total, 46 herbaceous and shrub species were detected with traditional medicinal uses. Local people's knowledge about medicinal plants includes ways to use, medicinal uses, proper harvest season, local distribution, processing methods and special parts used. In general, people in the study area have a rich knowledge in this field and ethno-botanist researchers are in need to record these treasures and prevent their loss and forgetfulness.