Medicinal plants used for women's healthcare in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

There is persistent use of traditional medicine for women's health care in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, they generally depend on traditional medicinal plants as the source for the treatment of their reproductive health issues. This study aims to document and collect information on herbal remedies used by traditional healers for women's healthcare in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah. Data about traditional uses of medicinal plants for female healthcare were collected through qualitative tools (questionnaire, interviews, and group discussions). A total of 31 medicinal plant species from 15 different families have been documented as being used for female healthcare. Different methods of preparation of the medicinal remedy were prescribed usually as maceration or decoction of one plant or as a mixture of two or more plant species with an average dose of two glasses per day. Literatures confirm the use of most of these plants in the treatment of women's gynecological problems. This study indicates that a wide range of remedies are used by women for the treatment of several complications and problems associated with women's health issues.