Ethnomedicine In Nias Island

Background: Medicinal plants have an important role in the traditional medicine system of the Nias people, which has been passed down from generation to generation. Although there has been some ethnobotanical research in Indonesia, especially in Nias, studies regarding people's knowledge, use and perception of medicinal plants on this island are still very limited. Objective: to investigate the knowledge, use and perceptions of the Nias community towards medicinal plants. Design: The research population involved communities in various areas of Nias, and samples were taken randomly from several villages or communities. Data collection methods include questionnaires, interviews, and observations to detail the use of medicinal plants, local knowledge, and factors that influence the choice and use of medicinal plants. The research variables involve the demographic characteristics of respondents, education level, access to health information as independent variables, while the dependent variables include the use of medicinal plants and knowledge about medicinal plants. Results: As a result of data collection on respondents on Nias Island, there were 50 medicinal plants that people have often used for generations to treat diseases. Data analysis involved analyzing factors related to the use of medicinal plants. It is hoped that this research will provide a better understanding of the use of medicinal plants in Nias and contribute to the preservation of local knowledge and the development of public health strategies. Conclusion: Most of the empirical data submitted by the local Nias community is in accordance with research that has been carried out, however, there are 13 plants that need to be explored further because the empirical data does not match.