KAJIAN ETNOBOTANI TANAMAN OBAT BERBASIS KEARIFAN LOKAL PADA MASYARAKAT BATAK KARO

Abstrak

This study aims to examine and describe the forms of local wisdom of the Batak Karo community in utilizing medicinal plants. The Karo people possess a deep understanding of their surrounding environment as well as the ability to process various types of plants into traditional remedies used in daily life. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach with a phenomenological method through a literature review that explored the types of medicinal plants, their methods of use, and the social and ecological values contained within them. The results of the study show that the Batak Karo community utilizes various medicinal plants based on local wisdom to fulfill their healthcare needs. The use of these plants is not only based on their healing effectiveness, but also contains cultural and spiritual values that reflect respect for nature and the balance of life. Some of these include betel leaf (Piper betle) for postnatal care (suntil), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) for steam therapy and body warming, bitter herb (Andrographis paniculata) to reduce fever, and Java turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) to enhance body immunity. This traditional healing system illustrates the worldview of the Karo people, which highly values harmony between humans and the environment. The preservation of this local knowledge has the potential to be used as a source of culture-based science learning in elementary schools to foster love for the environment, appreciation of cultural heritage, and improvement of students’ scientific literacy.