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. 2019 Apr 1;2019:4513792. doi: 10.1155/2019/4513792

Table 1.

Ethnobotanical uses of plants in the regions of Edessa and Naoussa (Central Macedonia, Greece).

Families/Species Local names Parts used Use categories, preparation, and ailment treated No. citations per population group No. of total reports WS/CS Sold in Thessaloniki market 
[8]
OTH MI PO DO VL
Adoxaceae
Sambucus nigra L. (TAU 60500) Zampouko Inf MED-RES: decoction against inflammation of the respiratory tract, cough or as expectorant, (also combined with Le. of Alcea rosea or with Se of Linum usitatissimum, Ap of Verbascum longifolium and Thymus vulgaris) 5 1 3 7 2 21 W +
MED-SKI: stems' bark with wax and olive oil applied on cuts, bruises, burns, and wounds 1 0 2 1 0

Amaryllidaceae
Allium cepa L. Kremidi Bu MED-SKI: used as cataplasm with salt or wine or olive oil against skin burns, bruises, and edemas 0 2 0 1 0 3 C +
Allium sativum L. Skordo Bu MED-CAR: eaten raw or cooked to prevent and treat hypertension 0 0 1 3 0 4 C +

Anacardiaceae
Pistacia lentiscus L. var. chia Masticha Re MED-GAS: chewed against gastric ulcers and ailments of the digestive system 0 0 1 0 0 1 C +

Apiaceae
Apium graveolens L. Selino Le MED-CAR: decoction against hypertension 1 0 0 0 0 2 C
MED-RES: boiled with milk to treat the symptoms of common cold 1 0 0 0 0

Aquifoliaceae
Ilex aquifolium L. (TAU 60501) Ou Le MED-MUS: decoction to treat joint and muscular pains 0 0 0 1 0 1 W

Araceae
Arum italicum Mill. (TAU 60502) Drakontia/ Smiina bilka (DO) Le, Ro MED-RES: decoction against cough, bronchial catarrh, and sore throat 0 0 1 1 0 2 W
Arum maculatum L. (TAU 60503) Drakontia Le, Ro MED-RES: decoction against cough, bronchial catarrh, and sore throat 0 0 1 1 0 2 W

Araliaceae
Hedera helix L. (TAU 60504) Kissos Le MED-RES: decoction against cough 2 0 0 1 0 3 W +

Asparagaceae
Ruscus aculeatus L. (TAU 60505) Agathi Ap MED-GEN: decoction for the treatment and prevention of prostatitis and as diuretic (combined in the decoction with Fr. of Paliurus spina-christi) 0 0 0 3 0 3 W +

Asphodelaceae
Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. Aloi Le MED-SKI: parenchymatic gel used as poultice applied on wounds, sunburns, and insect bites 0 0 0 1 0 1 C

Asteraceae
Achillea holosericea Sm. (TAU 60506) Kitrini Achillia Inf MED-RES: decoction against inflammation of the respiratory tract and cough or as expectorant 0 0 0 0 2 4 W
MED-GEN: decoction against cystitis 0 0 0 0 1
MED-SKI: water of maceration as cataplasm against hemorrhoids 1 0 0 0 0
Achillea millefolium L. (TAU 60507) Lefki Achillia Inf MED-RES: decoction against inflammation of the respiratory tract and cough 0 0 3 0 2 17 W +
MED-GEN: decoction against cystitis, urogenital inflammation, and regulation of menstrual cycle (with Capsella bursa-pastoris, cinnamon bark and orange peel) 4 0 5 0 1
MED-SKI: water of maceration as cataplasm against hemorrhoids; used fresh as cataplasm against acne 1 0 1 0 0
Arctium lappa L. (TAU 60508) Arktio Ro FOOD: eaten raw as depurative 1 0 2 0 0 11 W +
Le MED-MUS: decoction for joint pain and inflammation 2 1 2 0 0
Le MED-SKI: decoction used as poultice applied on wounds and furuncles 1 0 2 0 0
Cirsium eriophorum (L.) Scop. (TAU 60509) Kirsio Fl MED-MET: decoction for detoxification and treatment of liver diseases 0 2 0 0 0 2 W
Helianthus tuberosus L. (TAU 60510) Kolokasi Tu FOOD: eaten boiled as salad to improve intestinal function 0 0 3 0 0 6 C
MED-GAS: decoction against constipation 0 0 3 0 0
Lactuca serriola L. (TAU 60511) Agriomarulo Le, Fl MED-MET: decoction against hypercholesterolemia 2 0 0 1 0 3 W
Matricaria chamomilla L. (TAU 60512) Chamomili Inf MED-NER: decoction or infusion against insomnia and otitis 1 6 1 5 1 33 W +
MED-GAS: decoction against abdominal pain 3 3 4 1 0
MED-GEN: washing to treat vaginitis 3 0 1 0 0
MED-RES: oily extract or decoction against cough 1
MED-SKI: oily extract applied for wound healing 3 0 0 0 0
Pulicaria dysenterica (L.) Bernh. Pulicaria Ap, Fl MED-GAS: decoction for constipation and intestinal problems 1 0 0 0 0 1 W
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (TAU 60513) Gaiduragatho Fl, Fr MED-MET: decoction for detoxification and treatment of liver diseases 3 0 0 2 0 5 W +
Taraxacum sp. (TAU 60514) Taraxaco Ap MED-NER: decoction against headache and insomnia 1 0 1 0 1 4 W +
MED-MET: to decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels 1 0 0 0 0
Tussilago farfara L. (TAU 60515) Vihio/ Flomos Ap MED-RES: decoction against cough and inflammation of the respiratory tract 2 0 0 1 0 3 W +

Boraginaceae
Cynoglossum creticum Mill. Kynoglosso/ Fr MED-SKI: eaten triturated for the treatment of warts 4 0 0 0 0 4 W
Aritsovotano

Caprifoliaceae
Valeriana officinalis L. (TAU 60516) Valeriana Ro MED-NER: tincture against insomnia and as calmative (combined with Capsella bursa-pastoris) 1 0 4 0 0 5 W +

Caryophyllaceae
Saponaria officinalis L. (TAU 60517) Sapunochorto Fl MED-SKI: cataplasm applied on skin against eczema and dermatitis 2 0 0 1 0 3 W +

Convolvulaceae
Cuscuta campestris Yunck. (TAU 60518) Kitrino parasito Ap MED-SKI: stems of the aerial part rubbed on bee stings 0 0 0 3 0 3 W

Cornaceae
Cornus spp. Krana Fr MED-GAS: alcoholic extract drunk against abdominal pain 1 1 W

Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbita pepo L. Kolokithi Se MED-GEN: oily extract drunk to cure and prevent prostatitis 0 0 0 1 0 2 C
MED-MUS: oily extract topically applied against joint pain 0 0 0 1 0
Momordica charantia L. (TAU 60519) Kanturi Fr MED-SKI: oily extract against wounds, burns, calluses; drunk against gastric ulcers. 5 2 0 6 1 30 C
VET: oily extract used on goats and pigs to cicatrize wounds 5 2 0 6 0

Cupressaceae
Juniperus communis L. (TAU 60520) Mavros Kedros Ga MED-CAR: eaten raw or used as flavoring for meat to prevent cardiovascular diseases 0 0 2 0 0 2 W
Juniperus oxycedrus L. (TAU 60521) Kedros Ga FOOD-MED: flavoring for meat and digestive 0 0 1 1 0 2 W +

Dennstaedtiaceae
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn (TAU 60522) Fteri Le DOM: wrap up raw meat to keep it fresh 0 1 0 4 0 7 W
MED-GEN: decoction as diuretic and to remove kidney stones 1 1

Dioscoreaceae
Tamus communis L. Riza tou Adam Ro MED-MUS: alcoholic extract of sliced root (forms a cream) against muscular pain and inflammation 1 0 2 0 0 3 W

Equisetaceae
Equisetum arvense L. (TAU 60523) Ekuiseto/ Polikombi/Ura tu alogu Ap MED-GEN: decoction against urogenital diseases and for the treatment of prostatitis as diuretic 0 0 0 10 0 10 W +

Ericaceae
Vaccinium myrtillus L. (TAU 60524) Mirtillo Fr MED-NER: eaten raw to improve vision 0 0 2 0 0 3 W +
MED-SKI: pulped against gums' inflammation 1

Fabaceae
Robinia pseudoacacia L. (TAU 60525) Akakia Fl MED-MUS: decoction against joint pains and rheumatisms (also combined with Fl. of Cercis  siliquastrum) 0 0 0 5 0 5 W
Cercis siliquastrum L. (TAU 60526) Kutsupia Fl MED-MUS: decoction against joint pains and rheumatisms (also combined with Fl. of Robinia pseudacacia and Le. of Alcea rosea) 0 0 0 7 0 7 W

Fagaceae
Castanea sativa Mill. (TAU 60527) Kastania Fl MED-GAS: decoction against diarrhea 6 0 0 0 0 6 C +

Grossulariaceae
Ribes uva-crispa L. (TAU 60528) Fragostaphilo Ap MED-MET: decoction or tincture to increase iron levels and as tonic 1 0 2 0 0 3 W

Hypericaceae
Hypericum perforatum L. (TAU 60529) Valsamochorto/
Rumana/
Spathochorto
Inf MED-SKI: oily or alcoholic extract applied on wounds, burns; mixed with wax and Re. of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia and applied on deep sores 8 7 14 6 9 65 W +
MED-MUS: as massage to alleviate arthritis symptoms and joint pain 0 1 3 0 0
MED-GAS: drunk to treat gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disturbs (1 spoon/day) 1 4 6 1 3
MED-NER: decoction against insomnia and as antidepressant 0 0 1 1 0

Iridaceae
Crocus sativus L. Krokos Fl MED-MET: water of maceration of stigmas as immunostimulant or for the prevention of common colds and flu 0 0 1 0 0 1 C +

Lamiaceae
Hyssopus officinalis L. (TAU 60530) Issopos Ap MED-NER: decoction against headache 1 0 2 0 0 3 C
Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (TAU 60531) Levanta Inf MED-NER: decoction as bland sedative 1 1 1 0 0 6 C +
MED-CAR: against hypertension if combined with Le. of Mentha spicata 1 1 1 0 0
Melissa officinalis Melissochorto Le MED-NER: decoction or infusion as sedative; used as decoction in combination with Ap. of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases 4 0 0 2 0 6 W +
subsp. altissima (Sm.) Arcang. (TAU 60532)
Mentha spicata L. (TAU 60533) Menta Le, Ap MED-MET: decoction or infusion against hypercholesterolemia 1 0 0 4 0 18 W +
MED-CAR: cardiovascular problems and hypertension 1 0 0 4 0
MED-GAS: decoction in combination with Inf. of Hypericum perforatum for the treatment of gastric ulcers, nausea and flatulence 1 2 1 4 0
Mentha spp. Menta/Dyosmos Le MED-GAS: decoction against nausea and flatulence 2 1 6 W
MED-RES: decoction against inflammation of the respiratory tract and cough 2
1
Micromeria juliana (L.) Rchb. (TAU 60534) Kiparissaki Ap MED-GEN: decoction as diuretic and for the prevention and treatment of prostatitis (also in combination with Se of Rosa canina and Ap. of Equisetum arvense) 1 1 6 0 0 8 W +
Ocimum basilicum L. (TAU 60535) Vasilikos Le MED-NER: used fresh as decoction or infusion against insomnia and to improve memory and concentration 0 1 0 2 0 3 C +
Origanum dictamnus L. Diktamo Ap MED-RES: decoction against cough and symptoms of common cold 1 1 C +
Origanum majorana L. (TAU 60536) Matzurana Ap MED-GAS: decoction as digestive, against nausea and gastric disturbs 1 2 3 1 0 8 C +
MED-GEN: decoction against menstrual pain 1
Origanum vulgare Rigani Ap MED-MET: decoction or water of maceration as blood depurative 0 0 0 2 0 3 W +
subsp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart (TAU 60537)
MED-GAS: eaten raw to improve digestion 1
Origanum vulgare Tourkiko tsai Inf MED-RES: decoction with honey and butter against allergic cough 2 0 0 0 0 2 W
subsp. viridulum (Martrin-Donos) Nyman (TAU 60538)
Rosmarinus officinalis L. (TAU 60539) Dentrolivano Ap MED-MET: decoction against hypercholesterolemia 0 4 0 0 0 4 C +
Salvia officinalis L. (TAU 60540) Faskomilo Le MED-NER: decoction or water of maceration against insomnia and anxiety (in combination with Inf. of Aloysia citrodora) 2 1 0 3 0 6 W
Satureja montana subsp. macedonica (Formànek) Baden (TAU 60541) Thymari/ Thympiron (PO) Inf MED-RES: decoction against inflammation of the respiratory tract and for cough 0 0 4 0 0 8 W
MED-MET: decoction against hypercholesterolemia 0 1 0 0 0
MED-NER: decoction to alleviate symptoms of tinnitus 0 0 3 0 0
Sideritis montana Aspro tsai Inf, Ap MED-RES: decoction against inflammation of the respiratory tract and cough 2 0 1 0 2 5 W
subsp. remota (d'Uvr.) P.W. Ball (TAU 60542)
Sideritis scardica Griseb. (TAU 60543) Tsai tu vunu Inf, Ap MED-RES: decoction against inflammation of the respiratory tract and cough 6 11 7 2 4 30 W +
Teucrium capitatum L. (TAU 60544) Tefkrio Fl MED-GAS: decoction against abdominal pain 0 0 1 2 0 3 W
Thymus sibthorpii Benth. (TAU 60545) Materina Inf, Le MED-GAS: decoction against abdominal pain or gastrointestinal disturbs 3 0 0 0 1 4 W

Linaceae
Linum usitatissimum L. Linari Se MED-GAS, decoction against constipation 0 0 3 0 0 13 C +
MED-RES: decoction or infusion as expectorant or to alleviate cough (also in combination with Inf. of Sambucus nigra and Ap. of Verbascum longifolium. and Thymus vulgaris) 1 3 5 0 0
MED-SKI: as cataplasm to treat wounds and furuncles 1

Loranthaceae
Loranthus europaeus Jacq. (TAU 60546) Parasito Ap MED-CAR: decoction of twigs to treat hypertension, varicose veins and to improve blood circulation 2 0 0 5 0 7 W

Malvaceae
Alcea rosea L. (TAU 60547) Althea Le MED-RES: decoction or infusion against cough in combination with Inf. of Sambucus nigra; decoction against rheumatisms and musculoskeletal pain in combination with Fl. of Robinia pseudacacia and of Cercis siliquastrum 1 0 0 3 0 4 W
Malva sylvestris L. (TAU 60548) Molocha Fl MED-RES: decoction or infusion as expectorant and against cough 6 4 2 1 0 14 W +
Tilia platyphyllos Scop. (TAU 60549) Tilios/Flamuri Inf MED-GAS: decoction against intestinal pain 0 2 2 1 0 26 W +
MED-RES: decoction for cough and bronchial catarrh 3 5 6 6 1
MED-NER: decoction as sedative 0 0 0 1 0

Oleaceae
Fraxinus ornus L. (TAU 60550) Fraksos Ap VET: bark of stems into chickens' water to prevent their illnesses 0 0 1 1 0 2 W +

Onagraceae
Epilobium angustifolium L. (TAU 60551) Epilovio Le MED-GEN: decoction to treat and prevent prostatitis or as diuretic 3 1 0 1 1 6 W
Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. Epilovio Le MED-GEN: decoction to treat and prevent prostatitis and cystitis or as diuretic 1 0 0 0 0 1 W

Orchidaceae
Dactylorhiza  sambucina (L.) Soó (TAU 60552) Salepi Bu MED-RES: decoction as expectorant against cough and common cold 5 0 2 0 1 8 W

Papaveraceae
Papaver rhoeas L. (TAU 60553) Paparuna Se MED-NER: infusion or decoction as sedative 0 0 2 0 0 2 W

Passifloraceae
Passiflora sp. (TAU 60554) Passiflora Fl MED-NER: decoction as sedative 0 0 0 2 0 2 C +

Piperaceae
Piper nigrum L. Piperi Se MED-RES: alcoholic extract used as cataplasm against cough 1 1 W +

Plantaginaceae
Plantago media L. (TAU 60555) Pentanevro/
Tigavits (DO)
Le MED-SKI: used fresh, rubbed on wounds, furuncles and hemorrhoids 3 1 1 3 0 10 W
MED-GEN: decoction or eaten as salad to treat or prevent urogenital ailments (prostatitis) and improve kidneys' function 2 0 0 0 0
Digitalis lanata Ehrh. (TAU 60556) Digitalis Le MED-CAR: decoction to improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular diseases 1 0 0 0 0 1 W

Poaceae
Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski (syn. Agropyron repens (L.) P. Beauv.) Agriada Ap MED-MUS: decoction or infusion against joint and muscular pains 1 1 0 0 0 2 W
Zea mays L. Kalampoki StyFl MED-NER: decoction or water of maceration as sedative 1 1 0 1 0 6 W +
MED-GEN: decoction in combination with fruit stalksof Prunus avium as diuretic or for the prevention and treatment of urogenital disturbs 2 1 0 0 0

Portulacaceae
Portulaca oleracea L. (TAU 60557) Glistrida/
Adrakla
Ap MED-MET: eaten raw or boiled against hypercholesterolemia 0 0 1 1 0 6 W
MED-NER: eaten raw against toothache and to remove tartar 0 0 0 1 0
MED-CAR: eaten raw to prevent cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obstructed arteries 0 0 1 2 0

Ranunculaceae
Helleborus odorus subsp. cyclophyllus (A. Braun) Maire & Petitm. (TAU 60558) Elevoros/ Spres (DO) Ro MED-MUS: decoction of fragmented root (1 part of root in 2 liters of water) to treat joint pain; toxic plant 0 0 0 2 0 4 W
VET: decoction of fragmented root with salt to treat joint pain in goats, cows and pigs 0 0 0 2 0

Rhamnaceae
Paliurus spina-christi Mill. (TAU 60559) Paliuri/ Fluri Fr MED-GEN,: decoction for urinary tract and urogenital diseases and the treatment of prostatitis as diuretic 3 0 1 6 0 11 W +
MED-MET: decoction against hypercholesterolemia 0 1 0 0 0

Rosaceae
Agrimonia eupatoria L. (TAU 60560) Agrimonio Ap MED-SKI: infusion applied as cataplasm for the cicatrization of wounds 1 0 2 0 0 3 W +
Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (TAU 60561) Krategos Ap, (Fl, Fr, LeSh) MED-CAR: decoction (Ap) or alcoholic extract (Fr) for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and for the treatment of hypertension 1 4 2 3 3 13 W +
Prunus avium L. (L.) (TAU 60562) Kerasia FrPed, Se MED-MUS: decoction against arthritis and joint pain (in combination with StyFl. of Zea mays); as diuretic 1 0 0 1 1 3 C +
Rosa canina L. (TAU 60563) Agriotriantafilia/ Kynorodo/
Masura (PO)
Fl, FOOD: marmalade; tonic liquor (made of petals) 0 0 0 2 0 24 W +
Fr
Se MED-MUS: against rheumatisms in combination with Fl. of Cercis siliquastrum; to treat osteoarthritis; eaten pulverized against arthritis pain 0 1 0 1 0
Fr
Fr MED-GEN: decoction helps to remove kidney stones, against prostatitis in combination with StyFl. of Zea mays and Ap. of Micromeria juliana 0 0 1 0 0
Fl, Fr MED-MET: eaten raw as antioxidant, for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases; decoction, syrup, marmalade or liquor as immunostimulant (to prevent cold and flu) 3 3 4 7 2
Rosa x damascena Herrm. (TAU 60564) Palia triantafyllia Fl MED-MUS: oily extract of petals applied to treat musculoskeletal pain/also used to treat children's joint pain while they grow up 0 0 0 2 0 2 C

Rutaceae
Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Lemoni Le MED-MET: decoction against hypercholesterolemia 0 0 2 0 0 2 C

Scrophulariaceae
Verbascum longifolium Ten. (TAU 60565) Verbasco/ Lupusiou (VL) Ap MED-RES: decoction to treat cough 3 0 3 1 0 10 W
Ap MED-GEN: decoction to treat and prevent prostatitis 0 0 2 0 0
Le MED-GAS: decoction against abdominal pain 0 0 2 0 0

Solanaceae
Alkekengi officinarum Moench. (syn. Physalis alkekengi L.) (TAU 60566) Fanaraki Fr MED-MET: eaten raw as immunostimulant and tonic 1 0 0 1 0 2 W
Nicotiana tabacum L. (TAU 60567) Kapnos Le MED-SKI: used fresh, applied on wounds as cicatrizing, hemostatic, disinfectant 0 0 2 0 0 2 C

Urticaceae
Urtica dioica L. (TAU 60568) Tsouknida Le MED-SKI: decoction for greasy hair 0 0 2 0 0 19 W +
MED-MUS: infusion or decoction against rheumatisms 3 0 0 1 0
MED-GEN: decoction against prostatitis and as diuretic 3 0 2 0 0
MED-MET: decoction or eaten raw as salad as blood depurative and against anemia 3 0 2 3 0

Legends: OTH= others; MI= Mikrasiates; PO= Pontians; DO= Dopioi; VL=Vlachs. CS=cultivated species; WS= wild species; Ap=aerial part; Bu= bulb; Ga=galbula; Fl=flowers; Fr=fruits; FrPed= fruit pedicels; Inf= inflorescences; Le= leaves; LeSh=leaf shoots; Re=resin; Ro= roots; Se=seeds; StFl=styles of female flowers; Tu=tubers. DOM=domestic; FOOD=for human nutrition and health; MED-CAR=cardiovascular diseases; MED-GAS=gastrointestinal diseases; MED-GEN=genitourinary diseases; MED-MET=metabolic diseases; MED-MUS=muscular-skeletal diseases; MED-NER=nervous-sensorial diseases; MED-RES= respiratory diseases; MED-SKI=skin diseases. Reported in Hanlidou et al. [8] for at least one of the uses cited in the present study.