Ethnobiology and Therapeutics/Cosmetics

The paper is focused on cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, and remedies for skin used in the Republic of Karelia. The material was collected in 2018 and 2019. According to the data, plants – wild, cultivated, or bought – take the leading part in this area (60 species, more than 300 plant uses), though animal, mineral, and magical remedies were used, too. The most popular among them are Urtica sp. (43 plant uses), Betula sp. (30), Matricaria chamomilla L. (24), Chelidonium majus L. (23), Bidens tripartita L. and Viburnum opulus L. (18). The problem annoying Karelia inhabitants the most is bathing babies with skin problems (miliaria, allergy, diathesis). The second place is taken by warts. Rinsing hair after washing with additions of various herbs also takes an important part in hygienic practices. At the same time, freckles or bad smell from mouth were not supposed to be problems drawing attention. Funding: ERC 714874

Traditional healers are doing great job in today’s era by extending a big hand to physicians and curing ailments by way of medicinal plants. The rare knowledge which they have acquired through their forefathers needs to be documented and brought forward in order to contribute to the ethnobotanical world. The healing of knee pain through plants fumigation and applying the salt based plant parts is main focus of the paper which also intends to help elderly people by home remedies.The remotest tribes/aboriginals still rely on the most cheapest and natural therapy for easy and quick recovery. An insight into the village healers gave meticulous results. A person on bed healed to the extent that he started flying a plane.