Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Natanz region (Kashan), Iran

Iran has a long history in ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology. The indigenous people in YahyaAbad area, is located in the conserved area of the Karkas mountains, are used many plants and natural material for treatment their diseases.  YahyaAbad area is an important part of central mountains of Kashan, Central Iran. There are many plant species in this area which have medicinal uses. The aim of this research was ethnobotanical study on medicinal herbs of YahyaAbad area in order to recognize custom, tradition, and application way of plants by the people. In current study, plant species were collected at several times. Plant identities were confirmed by botanist and references. An analysis was made of the species used, parts of the plant employed, preparation methods, administration means, and the ailments treated in relation to pathological groups. In total, 65 medicinal plant species collected and identified in YahyaAbad area. Results indicated some of medicinal plants are used commonly by the indigenous people. Many of medicinal plants are used for eliminating different pains. Generally, some of the uses were found to be new when compared with published literature on ethnomedicine of Iran. According to medicinal value of some plants in studied area, and non suitable climate condition such as droughts which caused to intensify livestock's grazing and irregular plants harvest, it seems using adopting the appropriate methods and conservation policies, we can prevent from this issue.