PLANTS EMPLOYED IN TRADITIONAL VETERINARY MEDICINE BY THE CRIOLLOS OF THE NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINE CHACO

Abstract

A total of 81 uses of a veterinary nature were recorded for 61 native and exotic plant species belonging to 54 genera and 37 botanical families, among the peasants of the Argentine Semiarid Chaco. The scientific and vernacular names, parts employed, forms of preparation and administration, and specimens examined are listed for each of the taxa involved. Half the plant remedies referred to are used as vulneraries, oxitocics, purges, antidiarrhetic, and expectorants. Cows, horses, and dogs receive the greatest attention. Veterinary uses of plants show that these people’s therapy involves different approaches to treatment: the ancient Hippocratic medicine, magical procedures and Christian religious practices.