Author's Accepted Manuscript

Plants, people and traditions: Ethnobotanical

survey in the Lombard Stelvio national park
and neighbouring areas (central Alps, Italy)
Sara Vitalini, Cristina Puricelli, Ilia Mikerezi,
Marcello Iriti

www.elsevier.com/locate/jep

PII: S0378-8741(15)00368-2
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.05.036
Reference: JEP9538

To appear in: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Received date: 20 March 2015

Revised date: 20 May 2015
Accepted date: 21 May 2015

Cite this article as: Sara Vitalini, Cristina Puricelli, Ilia Mikerezi, Marcello Iriti,
Plants, people and traditions: Ethnobotanical survey in the Lombard Stelvio
national park and neighbouring areas (central Alps, Italy), Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.05.036

This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for
publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of
the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and
review of the resulting galley proof before it is published in its final citable form.
Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which
could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal
pertain.
Plants, people and traditions: ethnobotanical survey in the Lombard Stelvio National Park and neighbouring areas (Central Alps, Italy)

Sara Vitalini a*†, Cristina Puricelli b†, Ilia Mikerezi c, Marcello Iriti a

a
Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy;

sara.vitalini@guest.unimi.it, marcello.iriti@unimi.it
b
Orto Botanico di Brera, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Brera 28 - 20121 Milano, Italy;

cristina.puricelli@unimi.itmailto:cristina.puricelli@unimi.it
c
Department of Biology - Faculty of Natural Sciences, Bulevardi Zog 1, Tirana University, Tirana, Albania; imikerezi@yahoo.com

* Corresponding author. Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 2, I-20133 Milano, Italy.

Tel: +39 02 50316766; fax +39 02 50316781.

E-mail address: sara.vitalini@guest.unimi.it

†
Co-first authors

1
Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The value of ethnobotanical information is now increasingly acknowledged. Our investigation added new data

to the traditional knowledge on the plant uses in Italian alpine areas, where only in recent years the awareness of losing such valuable heritage

stimulated interest of the scientific community and land managers in its recovery and enhancement. To this end, the present study aimed to

collect and analyse information on plant species employed in Northern Italy (Lombardy region), particularly in Alta Valtellina, an area of high

naturalistic interest, where ethnobotanical knowledge is at the risk of passing covering a secondary role compared to other aspects of the local

culture.

Materials and methods: A total of 328 people from six municipalities were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were

evaluated by quantitative parameters such as ethnobotanicity and ethnophytonomic indices, factor informant consensus (Fic), fidelity level (Fl).

Abandoned and current uses were compared. Herbarium materials were prepared and conserved.

Results: Inhabitants of Alta Valtellina used 212 plant species, including 19 mushrooms and 1 lichen for medicinal, food and cosmetic purposes.

Despite half of medicinal uses has fallen into disuse, this category was that for which the largest number of species was still collected. Digestive,

respiratory and skin systems were the most frequently treated. Fic and Fl values, in addition to simple percentage data confirmed this finding.

Although 40% of the known uses is now abandoned, a considerable number of them was recorded for the first time in an alpine area.

2
Conclusions: The study revealed that the popular knowledge of plant species is still alive in the Alta Valtellina. The prerogatives of some species

are now outdated, but leave room for other uses of the plant resources that may provide new opportunities from the scientific, cultural and

economic points of view.

Keywords: Alta Valtellina; Cultural heritage; Ethnomedicine; Nature reserve; Northern Italy; Phytoalimurgia

3
1. Introduction

The folk uses of plants, deriving from an ancient empirical knowledge and evolving in space and time, are an expression of the resilient

relationship between human communities and their environment, influenced by different cultural and socio-economic changes. The alpine lore,

remainder of a civilization relatively isolated and centered around subsistence economy, has an intrinsic cultural value, as well as a scientific and

social relevance (Camangi et al., 2009).

The aim of ethnobotanical investigation is often to select species to stimulate pharmacological studies, even if, in the context of a sustainable

land management, today the traditional knowledge (TK) can also be useful in the improvement of local products by promoting a responsible

tourism, particularly in nature reserves. This could revitalize the strong cultural identity of the alpine valleys, a valuable and not reproducible

resource of collective interest. As some authors pointed out, TK is dynamic (Leonti et al., 2013; Menendez-Baceta et al., 2014; Quave et al.,

2012) and its recovery can provide the basis for reformulating constructively the relationship between man and nature.

On these bases, we have carried out the present study aimed to collect, analyse and elaborate data on wild and cultivated plant species used in

an alpine area of high naturalistic interest, where TK has never been previously investigated. In this area, ethnobotanical knowledge covers a

secondary role compared to other aspects of the local culture and, therefore, it is at high risk of passing.

2. Material and methods

4
2.1. Study site

The investigated area, known as Alta Valtellina, belongs to the Sondrio province, in the Northern Italy, and includes the municipalities of

Bormio, Livigno, Sondalo, Valdidentro, Valdisotto and Valfurva (Fig. 1). Over the thousand years, its valleys were carved by glaciers and waters

flowing down from the imposing massif of the Ortles-Cevedale group. The lithology and geomorphological characteristics strongly influence the

vegetation, in particular in transition between metamorphic and carbonate rocks, whose contact occurs along the Zebrù line. Vegetation consists

of woods (Picea excelsa (Lam.) Link, Pinus mugo Turra, Larix decidua Mill., Pinus cembra L.) and alpine grasslands (associations of

Festucetum, Curvuletum and Seslerio-Semperviretum) relevant both for extension (more than 50% of the study area) and for biodiversity (more

than 1400 species). In the northern part of the Alta Valtellina, P. mugo with Erica carnea L. or Rhododendron ferrugineum L., Juniperus

communis Thunb. and Vaccinium myrtillus L. grow on the outcrop of sedimentary rocks (limestone and dolomite).

The basin of Bormio has been inhabited since ancient times. Archeological traces demonstrate the presence of the Romans who, in the early

years of their Empire, frequented the thermal baths, the area of whose springs is characterized by a climate favourable for the thermophilic

vegetation (e.g., Adiantum capillus-veneris L. and Fraxinus ornus Scop.).

During the Middle Ages, Bormio and adjoining valleys constituted a County of significant political importance, controlling vital alpine passes.

Towers, monuments, churches, stately homes, historical and ethnographic museums are witness of the past.

5
 Today, the Alta Valtellina is considered one of the most important ski and naturalistic areas in Europe, renowned for the ancient therapeutic

hot springs and for the respect and preservation of folklore and traditions. More than half of its territory is occupied by the Lombard sector

(59,700 hectares) of the Stelvio National Park (SNP) (Fig. 1). SNP, established in 1935, is a historic conservation area in the heart of the Alps,

known for the considerable variety of environments determined by significant differences in altitude (from 720 m to 3905 m a.s.l.) allowing the

existence of an array of ecosystems with many species of plants and fungi. These species are protected according to the Decree of SNP no.

7/2012 and the collection is possible only after permission. In virtue of cultural uses, customs and traditional activities, the residents can gather

some species such as Achillea moschata Wulfen, Thymus polytrichus Kern. ex Borbás, Vaccinium myrtillus L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., and

mushrooms in specific daily amounts. The Regional Law no. 10/2008 is in force in the areas of Alta Valtellina not falling within the boundaries

of the SNP (about 33% of the total area).

2.2. Field study

Ethnobotanical information was collected over a period of approximately 2 years (2012-2014) through semi-structured questionnaires

subjected to 328 inhabitants native or residents in the area since decades. The informants, in 28-88 years range (mean age 58), were selected

using snowball techniques. Before each interview, considering the Code of Ethics of the International Society of Ethnobiology (ISE), the prior

informed consent was obtained verbally from all respondents. The interviews were conducted trying to build a relationship of confidence with

6
informants, also with the help of a local person who facilitated the contact. Their age, gender, occupation, level of education and origin were

recorded (Table 1).

The questions, formulated in Italian, were aimed at documenting the use of plants as medicine for humans and animals, as food and in

cosmetic field. Sometimes the answers were given in the local dialect, which differs little among the six municipalities under study. It is an

Alpine-Eastern Lombard dialect, with Romansh influences. As much as possible, we have ascertained that the knowledge arises from the family

and the community, and not from other sources such as books, TV, Internet.

The quoted species were photographed in their natural environment or in the vegetable gardens, then collected and dried. The taxonomic

determination was carried out according to “Flora d’Italia” (Pignatti, 1982), the on-line system of Dryades Project (http://www.dryades.eu) and

with the support of Alta Valtellina Mycological Group. The specimens, after identifying their scientific names by International Plant Name Index

(IPNI, http://www.ipni.org) and Associazione micologica e botanica (A.M.I.N.T.) (http://www.funghiitaliani.it), were coded and stored at the

Herbarium of the Botanic Garden of Brera, Milan University (Italy).

2.3. Data analysis

Information documented during fieldwork on respondents and plant uses was entered in spreadsheets of Microsoft£ Excel, in order to

organize all collected data and to process the results of the survey. Reported uses for all species were distinguished in abandoned and current:

7
the former referred to those no longer practised, the latter referred to traditions still in use today. A comparison, concerning the plant popular

uses, with ethnobotanical field studies in other alpine areas was carried out. Then, we analyzed how much the folk plant knowledge was rooted

in Alta Valtellina. Two indices were applied, as following.

2.3.1. Ethnobotanicity index

Ethnobotanicity Index (EI) (Portères, 1970) allows to assess the importance of the useful plants in a well-defined area. It is the ratio,

expressed as a percentage, between the number of used plants and the number of species making up the flora of the considered territory.

2.3.2. Ethnophytonomic index

Ethnophytonomic index (EPI) (Bonet et al., 1999) is indicative of the wealth of the people’s knowledge about the local plant species. It is the

ratio between the number of plants with vernacular name and the total number of species belonging to the studied area.

2.3.3. Classification of human disorders

8
 Prior to the calculation of other indices, we classified the reported human disorders in 12 categories based on the International Statistical

Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) by the World Health Organization

(http://www.who.int/classifications/icd/icdonlineversions). Categories were: certain infectious and parasitic diseases; endocrine, nutritional and

metabolic diseases; mental and behavioural disorders; diseases of the nervous system; diseases of the eye and adnexa; diseases of the circulatory

system; diseases of the respiratory system; diseases of the digestive system; diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue; diseases of the

musculoskeletal system and connective tissue; diseases of the genitourinary system; pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium.

2.3.4. Factor informant consensus

Factor informant consensus (Fic) (Heinrich, 1998) is used to identify the main categories of diseases and to consider the agreement among the

respondents on the use of plants. It was calculated according to the formula: Fic =
( nur − nt ) , where nur refers to the number of use citations in
(nur − 1)
each category and nt to the number of species used in the same category. The values of Fic range from 0 to 1. A high value is obtained when one
or few plant species are utilized by a large proportion of informants to treat a given disease category, while a low value indicates that the
informants are in disagree about the taxa to be used in the treatment of a certain ailment.

2.3.5. Fidelity level

9
 Np
Fidelity level (Fl) (Friedman, 1986) is useful to identify the main use of a specific plant. It was calculated as follows: Fl = x100, where Np is
N
the number of informants who reported the use of a species to treat a particular ailment, and N is the total number of informants who mentioned
the plant for any other disease. The plants with the highest fidelity were assessed in relation to the number of citations of the respondents, by
correlating the Fl values with the use-mentions (UM) factor, as suggested by Andrade-Cetto and Heinrich (2011).

2.3.6. Simple percentage

The analysis was completed using simple percentage (El-Hilal, 2003) to highlight the relationship between medicinal plants and main

therapeutic indications selected according to informants. The sum of all indications was defined as 100% and the percentage of each single

indication was then calculated (Andrade-Cetto and Heinrich, 2011).

3. Results and discussion

At the end of the interviews, we collected information on 192 vascular plants (65 families and 149 genera), 19 mushrooms (9 families and 13

genera), 1 lichen. In addition to the wild species (177), we considered of interest also cultivated (30) and purchased (5) plants. As previously

reported (Cornara et al., 2014; Di Novella et al., 2013; Hayta et al., 2013; Mattalia et al., 2013; Menendez-Baceta et al., 2014; Tuttolomondo et

al., 2014; Vitalini et al., 2009, 2013), the most common families was Asteraceae, with 23 species, followed by Rosaceae (16), Lamiaceae (14),

Fabaceae (10) and Apiaceae (7). Concerning mushrooms, the dominant families were Russulaceae (6) and Boletaceae (4).

10
 Status, scientific and vernacular names, used parts, uses, preparations and administrations of all taxa are detailed in Table 2, where abandoned

practises were distinguished from those still current.

About 25% (49 vascular plants) of all species was mentioned recalling exclusively uses now outdated: in particular, treatments for human

disorders (Table 2). On the contrary, more than 30% (52 plants and 15 mushrooms) of the quoted species corresponded to taxa whose uses were

all still existing (Table 2). Several taxa had lost importance over time because many people preferred remedies easy to find, more effective and

safer. In fact, they were aware of the toxicity of some species (e.g., Aconitum napellus, Hyoscyamus niger, Paris quadrifolia), in addition to

observe the rules on the collection of the protected flora (e.g., Eriophorum scheuchzeri, Ribes alpinum, Pinguicula alpina and Pinguicola

leptoceras).

In general, although the lower number - about 10% - of reported veterinary uses, the percentage of neglected and present medicinal uses was

similar both for human (48.5% vs 51.5%, respectively) and animal (54.8% vs 45.2%, respectively) area (Fig. 2). For culinary uses, the popular

tradition seemed to be better preserved: only 11.1% of the known recipes was ignored compared to those still performed (88.9%). Species

employed as medicinal foods were 17%: their consumption was in disuse for 17.3%, while people still resorted to 83.7% of the known uses (Fig.

2). Among provided cosmetic uses, 22.7% was obsolete, 77.3% still present (Fig. 2).

As shown in Fig. 3, almost half of the species (45.3%) was reported for its exclusive use in one of the considered categories: 25.9% of

vascular plants was known for medicinal purposes; 7.6% of plants and 84.2% of mushrooms were collected exclusively to be cooked; 4.7% of

plants was used as medicinal foods and 0.9% in veterinary medicine; no species was cited for cosmetic use only. The remaining species (54.7%)

11
were useful in more categories: 28.3% in two while 21.7% in three (Fig. 3). The others were quoted in relation to four (3.3%) and five (1.4%)

different fields, respectively (Fig. 3).

Despite half of medicinal uses has fallen into disuse, this category was that for which the largest number of species was still collected. The

obtained Fic values attested that informants cited the same species to treat disorders of a given organ system. They showed a good consensus on

the choice of plants for almost all categories of diseases, with values close to 1 (from 0.84 to 0.96) (Table 3). The few quotations of remedies

related on pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal period, combined with a relatively high number of taxa, lowered Fic to 0.67 (Table 3).

As reported for other alpine areas (Cornara et al., 2014; Vitalini et al., 2013), also in Alta Valtellina the most frequent treatments were those of

the digestive, respiratory and tegumentary systems, with the highest citations (2044, 1184 and 954, respectively). In support of these results, the

simple percentage data highlighted that the main therapeutic indications were to cure digestive and abdominal problems, teeth and gums (31.4%)

(Table 4). In addition, cough and bronchitis (15.8% and 3.4%, respectively) were among the most treated disorders in the study area followed by

wounds, burns and in general skin problems (e.g., acne, eczema, rhagades) (14.7%) (Table 4).

Considering the use of certain plants in relation to specific disease categories, we identified the species with the broadest agreement by the

informants in each category. For this analysis, we decided to exclude the taxa only once or twice mentioned. For the gastrointestinal system, the

species with the highest value of fidelity level (Fl = 100%) used to improve digestion were Achillea moschata, Artemisia umbelliformis, Ruta

graveolens, Gentiana acaulis, Angelica sylvestris and Balsamita major, followed by Artemisia genipi (Fl = 95.9%), Achillea nana (Fl = 90.9%),

Gentiana lutea (Fl = 86.4%) and Gentiana punctata (Fl = 82.0%). For the same system, other important species, according their fidelity, were

12
Aconitum napellus (Fl = 100%), Hyoscyamus niger (Fl = 100%), Peucedanum ostruthium (Fl = 100%) and Rumex acetosa (Fl = 80.0%) to treat

odontalgic disorders; Ficus carica (Fl = 100%), Prunus spinosa (Fl = 100%) and Ribes petraeum (Fl = 100%) for their laxative properties;

Armoracia rusticana (Fl =100%) to stimulate appetite; Laurus nobilis (Fl = 100%) and Ranunculus glacialis (Fl = 100%) to cure gastrointestinal

pain; Tanacetum vulgare (Fl = 100%) as vermifuge. For the respiratory system, Pinus sylvestris (Fl = 100%), Pinus mugo (Fl = 98.8%) and

Cetraria islandica (Fl = 90.0%) were used to prevent or relieve a cough; Hordeum vulgare (Fl = 100%) and Panicum miliaceum (Fl = 100%) to

cure bronchitis; Stellaria media (Fl = 100%) for sore throat. In the treatment of skin ailments, there were Eriophorum scheuchzeri (Fl = 100%),

Pinguicula alpina and Pinguicula leptoceras (Fl = 87.5%) as healing remedy; Hedera helix (Fl = 85.7%) against acne. The major species for

certain infectious disease category were Chelidonium majus, Euphorbia cyparissias and Euphorbia helioscopia, Crocus vernus all employed to

remove warts and characterized by fidelity levels of 100%. Valeriana officinalis and Papaver rhoeas (Fl = 100%), Tilia platyphyllos (Fl =

84.2%), Melissa officinalis (Fl = 81.6%) were mainly focused on nervous system. For genitourinary system, high Fl values were reached by

Betula pendula (Fl = 100%), Oxalis acetosella (Fl = 100%), Asparagus officinalis (Fl = 100%), Parietaria officinalis (Fl = 87%), Fraxinus

excelsior (Fl = 83.3%), Asplenium septentrionale (Fl = 80.0%) as diuretics, and by Alchemilla xanthochlora (Fl = 80.0%) useful for

dysmenorrhea. Euphrasia rostkoviana (Fl = 100%) was the most important taxa for eye inflammations; Agrimonia eupatoria (Fl = 100%) for the

circulatory system as hypotensive solution; Dryopteris filix-mas (Fl = 70.0%) for musculoskeletal system in the treatment of back pain.

Informants, instead, were not in agreement to the specific use of a particular species within other documented categories (mental and behavioural

disorders; endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases; pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium). Analysis of the data showed that the plants

13
with the highest level of fidelity not always were the ones with the highest number of mentions. In other words, some species with a high Fl

(100%) had only three or four mentions in contrast with other species having a lower Fl (between 70% and 80%), but dozens of mentions. To

avoid this problem, we correlated Fl of each plant with their UM for a specific purpose. The results permitted to identify the taxa with higher

fidelity by all informants, undeniably. Table 5 lists the top twenty, including, for example, Allium sativum (Fl = 72.3%) cited by more than a

hundred people as a good remedy against high blood pressure in contrast with Agrimonia eupatoria quoted by four out of four respondents for

the same purpose. Despite UM of Solanum tuberosum was higher than that of Euphrasia rostkoviana (60 vs 18), its Fl was lower (75.0% vs

100%). The use of Thymus species against bronchitis determined a Fl = 70.5%, lower than that of Hordeum vulgare and Panicum miliaceum,

even if the number of their citations was much higher (103 vs 8). Larix decidua Mill., compared to Eriophorum scheuchzeri, had Fl equal to

72.2%, but more mentions (78 vs 8). It was the only species receiving a high degree of fidelity by local population for its abandoned healing use.

All other 19 plants obtained a major fidelity for a main use still existing, mainly related to ailments of one of the three systems – digestive,

respiratory, skin – more treated with folk medicine in Alta Valtellina (Table 5), confirming the results reported above (Table 4).

Previous studies validated some of these traditional uses: Chelidonium majus (keratolytic) (Doudi and Setorki, 2014); Valeriana officinalis

(sedative) (Maroo et al., 2013; Patidar et al., 2012); Cetraria islandica (antimicrobial) (Grujicˇic et al., 2014); Gentiana lutea (digestive)

(McMullen et al., 2014); Melissa officinalis (sedative) (Ghayour et al., 2012; Miladi-Gorji et al., 2011); Hypericum perforatum (antimicrobic and

anti-inflammatory) (Iabichella, 2015); Matricaria chamomilla (sedative) (Kesmati et al., 2009); Sambucus nigra (antiviral and antimicrobial)

(Chen et al., 2014; Kravitz et al., 2011); Solanum tuberosum (eye anti-inflammatory) (Umadevi et al., 2013); Allium sativum (hypotensive)

14
(Shouk et al., 2014; Ried et al., 2013); Larix decidua (antimicrobial) (Laireiter et al., 2014); Taraxacum officinale (cleasing) (Huseini et al.,

2012); Thymus sp. (antibacterial) (Kavita et al., 2011); Arnica montana (analgesic and anti-inflammatory) (Gaspar et al., 2014; Cassu et al.,

2011).

The same twenty species were also quoted in relation to other uses, many of which (65.3%) still current (Table 5). Four species, Chelidonium

majus, Pinus mugo, Hypericum perforatum and Sambucus nigra, showed only uses previously documented (Cappelletti et al., 1979, 1981;

Chiovenda-Bensi, 1955; Coassini Lokar and Poldini, 1988; Guarrera, 2006; Longhi and Scanavino, 1986; Mattalia et al., 2013; Pieroni and

Giusti, 2009; Renzetti and Taiani, 1988; Vitalini et al., 2009, 2013; Vogl et al., 2013). Sixteen taxa were cited also for new uses, never before

provided in alpine areas (Table 5). To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, Achillea moschata was quoted as balsamic, diuretic,

emollient, to treat cough, cold, gout and menstrual pains; Artemisia umbelliformis as laxative; Valeriana officinalis to treat muscle cramps and

colitis; Artemisia genipi as appetizer and laxative, to cure cold and wounds; Cetraria islandica for its properties against whooping-cough, sore

throat, gastric pains, wounds and acne. The latter was used as food (boiled lichen) and in veterinary field as depurative, restorative, anti-

inflammatory after the birth, ingredient of pigswill. Gentiana lutea seemed useful also as diuretic, febrifuge, tonic while Gentiana punctata as

odontalgic, against anaemia and cough; both to cure thrush and aphtha, only G. punctata as tonic and febrifuge after the birth for the livestock.

Melissa officinalis was never recorded as toning lotion; Matricaria chamomilla to cure gingivitis, thrush and bronchitis; Solanum tuberosum to

treat sinusitis and to remove warts; Allium sativum as carminative and to treat muscle cramps; Taraxacum officinale as anti-inflammatory,

15
immunostimolant and against burns; Larix decidua as revulsive (for both men and animals), to cure nipple rhagades. L. decidua resin was

collected to replace a piece of chewing-gum. Arnica montana was used to treat cramps and mouth inflammations only in Alps of Alta Valtellina.

Under the increasing importance attributed to the influence of food plants on human health maintenance (Abbet et al., 2014), it is noteworthy,

in this work, the fact that interviewees reported the use of more than 130 edible wild species (63.2% of all mentioned species), often in relation to

their healthy properties (22.2%). The medicinal cuisine was considered an integral part of healthy practices by the study participants. It aimed

mainly to have beneficial effects on the digestive, urogenital and nutritional disorders (48.3%, 10% and 9.2% of the uses, respectively).

Although most of the harvested species was used for a home consumption, we recorded the use of some of them also in the catering to be

appreciated as delicacies. There were a few restaurants that offered seasonal dishes prepared with wild plants (e.g., gnocchi of polenta with nettle

pesto, catchfly and good-king-henry soups) or the dandelion syrup as an alternative to the honey.

Interestingly, our investigation, differently from most of the other ethnobotanical studies carried out in Italian or alpine areas, documented the

use of mushrooms. Among them, the species most frequently cited were two: Boletus edulis and Chantarellus cibarius var. cibarius (by 100%

and 62% of respondents collecting fungi, respectively). B. edulis was gathered exclusively as source of food, as described by Pieroni and Giusti

(2009). C. cibarius, together with other three fungal species, was quoted for its medicinal use. In the past, it was used in treating rheumatism; the

two recorded species belonging to Calvatia genus were dried to cure burns, while Armillaria ostoyae was given to the cows to improve digestion

(Table 2). These their properties were not never verified experimentally, and the available data on the antimicrobial properties of Calvatia

16
species are conflicting and require further studies (Dulger, 2005; Suay et al., 2000). All reported fungi were eaten as ingredients of some dishes

or an accompaniment, confirming a typical alpine feature (Rivera et al., 2006).

The veterinary ethnobotanical species represented 25.9% of the total, used both as medicines and foods. It was difficult to gather information

in this regard. A limited number of breeders are now present in the study area and almost all preferred to contact their vet and administered

synthetic products for a faster recovery. However, our inventory enriched the existing data set with uses never recorded before such as

compresses of Achillea moschata infusion against the skin inflammations of cows and calves; stomachic infusion of Artemisia absinthium;

digestive decoction of Aconitum napellus, Tussilago farfara and Veratrum album; Cirsium spinossisimum, Brassica rapa or Beta vulgaris in a

digestive or restorative mash for pigs, cows and hens; Betula pendula fresh leaves to keep moving the gastrointestinal tract of the rabbits;

Juniperus sabina fruits to promote the bovine oestrus; Gentiana lutea to fight infections and Gentiana punctata to improve the cow appetite;

Aesculus hippocastanum fruits as digestive; Lamium album and Malva verticillata as galactagogue; Mentha longifolia infusion for stomachache

of the cows, Picea excelsa for nipple inflammations and Rumex alpinus as astringent for cows; Urtica dioica to stimulate laying hen to produce

more eggs. Sometimes, also among the new uses, the veterinary remedies coincided with those for the human health care. By way of example,

Arnica montana, Sedum telephium, Euphrasia rostkoviana and Verbascum thapsus (see Table 2).

Ten plant species useful in veterinary field, and in other three use categories, were also considered in cosmetic area (Fig. 3), where the total

number of used taxa was 19 (9%). In addition to uses previously reported in alpine areas (Pieroni and Giusti, 2009; Sella, 1992; Vitalini et al.,

2009, 2013), we documented new uses for thirteen plants. Four of them (Thymus polytrichus and Thymus pulegiodes, Dryopteris-filix-mas,

17
Petroselinum sativum) were collected to obtain natural products as foot perspiration remedies. The powdered parts of two taxa (Equisetum

arvense and Juglans regia) were used like talcum. It is believed that other four species (Betula pendula, Parietaria officinalis, Verbascum

thapsus, Campanula scheuchzeri) had effective properties for hair care and beauty, while two different species (Rubus idaeus and Sedum

telephium) for the skin. Mentha longifolia was rubbed on the teeth to make them clean and white.

At last, the general importance of the useful plants in the study area was evaluated calculating EI and EPI indices, taking into account the total

number of vascular species present in the Alta Valtellina municipalities obtained through personal communication with the Museum of Natural

History of Morbegno (Sondrio, Italy), which provided an indicative number because the ongoing investigations continue to reveal new entities

and sometimes the disappearance of others.

The EI value was 9.7%. It measured a broader medical knowledge, including veterinary field, than other Italian areas showing a lower

percentage ranging from 3.83% in Basilicata region and 8.36% in Latium region (Guarrera et al., 2008; Vitalini et al., 2013).

The richness of popular knowledge about the wild species was verified by EPI (0.1) index, significantly higher than the only EPI value

previously reported in Italy and, in general, for the alpine areas (Vitalini et al., 2013). It suggested that 10% of the quoted taxa was known well

enough to have a vernacular name. Sometimes the respondents used the same name to refer to species belonging to the same genus. For example,

both Artemisia genipi and Artemisia umbelliformis were indicated as genepì; Carlina acaulis and Cirsium spinosissimum as
ardó; ; Thymus

polytrichus and Thymus pulegioides as érba pvrína, but if in the first two cases, they distinguished the species, attributing them different

properties, in the third case, the people gathered different thyme species indiscriminately. In some instances, the dialect names were more

18
significant than other ones, showing a deeper knowledge of some plants: malàm, which means dangerous or something that hurts, was referred to

poisonous plants such as Veratrum album and Aconitum napellus. On the contrary, Camaméla, Chamomíla or Camumíla (Matricaria

chamomilla) were merely expression of a local language system, derived from the Latin, without any particular meaning attributable to its use,

medicinal properties or shape. No information was obtained regarding the vernacular names of 16 plant species.

4. Conclusions

The study revealed that the popular knowledge of medicinal plants and, in general, the collection and use of plant species is still alive in the

study area, even if a process of cultural erosion is markedly taking place. Indeed, the inhabitants of the Alta Valtellina neglected about 40% of

the known uses. The prerogatives of some species are now outdated by modern pharmaceuticals, but leave room for other uses of the plant

resources. Several taxa were never investigated in relation to a number of their metabolites and properties, in which the local people claims to

believe. These species could represent the starting point of further studies, possibly leading to the discovery of new molecules and related

biological activities.

In addition, the culinary use of some species could be improved by revisiting them in more modern recipes, an interactive approach to

stimulate the people’s curiosity about traditional foods and their nutritional value, as well as botanical characteristics of the green ingredients.

19
 Finally, the resources of a country can drive its development. For example, in Italy, they consist of a plethora of landscapes, traditional agro-

food products and cultural heritages. In line with Europe 2020 strategy

(http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/pdf/COMPLET%20EN%20BARROSO%20%20%20007%20-%20Europe%202020%20-%20EN%20version.pdf),

Alta Valtellina could supply the tourist offer further valuing the richness and diversity of its territory, in respect of both the environment and lore.

The results of this study provide an opportunity to develop an alternative of quality based on the identity and roots of the alpine culture, whose

references should be disseminated and shared in all their facets.

Acknowledgements

We express gratitude to all the informants for helpfulness of information. Special thanks are due to Mrs Iole Pedroncelli and Mr Alberto Vitalini

for their support in several interviews, construction of the picture desk and herbarium samples. We are grateful to Prof. Franca Tomè for the

comments on the original manuscript. Many thanks are also due to Dr. M. Gabriella Bianchi of the Museum of Natural History of Morbegno

(Sondrio, Italy), Mr Giancarlo Donadelli of the Centro Floristico Massara and Mr Giuliano Giacomella of the Gruppo Micologico Alta

Valtellina.

References

20
Abbet, C., Mayor, R., Roguet, D., Spichiger, R., Hamburger, M., Potterat, O., 2014. Ethnobotanical survey on wild alpine food plants in Lower

and Central Valais (Switzerland). J. Ethnopharmacol. 151, 624-34.

Andrade-Cetto, A., Heinrich, M., 2011. From the field into the lab: useful approches to selecting species based on knowledge. Front. Pharmacol.

2, 20.

Bonet, M.A., Parada, M., Selga, A., Vallès, J. 1999. Studies on pharmaceutical ethnobotany in the regions of L’AltEmpordà and Les Guilleries

(Catalonia, Iberian Peninsula). J. Ethnopharmacol. 68, 145-168.

Cappelletti, E.M., Cirio, M.E., Mutti, L., 1979. L’uso delle piante officinali nella medicina popolare del Feltrino (Belluno). Atti dell’Istituto

Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti, 137, 113-131.

Cappelletti, E.M., Trevisan, R., Foletto, A., Cattolica P.M., 1981. Le piante utilizzate in medicina popolare in due vallate trentine: Val di Ledro e

Val dei Mocheni. Studi Trentini di Scienze Naturali (Acta Biologica), 58, 119-140.

Camangi, F., Stefani, A., Sebastiani, L., 2009. Etnobotanica in Val di Vara - l’uso delle piante nella tradizione popolare. Scuola Superiore

Sant’Anna di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento di Pisa. Press Service srl, Sesto Fiorentino – Osmannoro, Firenze.

Cassu, R.N., Collares, C.M., Alegre, B.P., Ferreira, R.C., Stevanin, H., Bernardi, C.A., 2011. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Arnica

montana 12CH in comparison with ketoprofen in dogs. Cien. Rur. 41, 1784-1789.

21
Chen, C., Zuckerman, D.M., Brantley, S., Sharpe, M., Childress, K., Hoiczyk, E., Pendleton, A.R. 2014. Sambucus nigra extracts inhibit

infectious bronchitis virus at an early point during replication. BCM Vet. Res. 10, 24.

Chiovenda-Bensi, C., 1955. Piante medicinali nell’uso tradizionale della valle d’Ossola. Atti Accademica Ligustica di Scienze e Lettere, Genova,

32-52.

Coassini Lokar, L., Poldini, L., 1988. Herbal remedies in the traditional medicine of the Venezia Giulia region ( North East Italy). J.

Ethnopharmacol. 22, 231-278.

Cornara, L., La Rocca, A., Terrizzano, L., Dente, F., Mariotti, M.G., 2014. Ethnobotanical and phytochemical knowledge in the North-Western

Ligurian Alps. J. Ethnopharmacol. 155, 463-484.

Di Novella, R., Di Novella, N., De Martino, L., Mancini, E., De Feo, V., 2013. Traditional plant use in the National Park of Cilento and Valle di

Diano, Campania, Southern, Italy. J. Ethnopharmacol. 145, 328-342.

Dourdi, M., Setorki, M., 2014. Miraculous effect of smoke of pine tree fruit on human wart treatment: a case series. J. Biol. Sci. 14, 381-386.

Dulger, B., 2005. Antimicrobial activity of ten Lycoperdaceae. Fitoterapia. 76, 352-354.

El-Hilaly, J., Hmammouchi, M., Lyoussi, B., 2003. Ethnobotanical studies and economic evaluation of medicinal plants in Taounate province

(Northern Morocco). J. Ethnopharmacol. 86, 149-158.

22
Fallah Huseini, H., Zare Mahmoudabady, A., Naghdi Badi, H., Alavian, S.M., Mohammadi Savadroodbari, R., Mehdizadeh, M., 2012. The

protective effect of medicinal herbs extracts including Cynara scolymus L., Cichorium intybus L. Taraxacum officinale L. and Berberis

vulgaris L. in single and in combination form in CCl 4 induced rat liver toxicity. J. Med. Plants. 11, 78-85.

Friedman, J., Yaniv, Z., Dafni, A., Palewitch, D., 1986. A preliminary classification of the healing potential of medicinal plants, based on a

rational analysis of an ethnopharmacological field survey among Bedouins in the Negev Desert, Israel. J. Ethnopharmacol. 16, 275-287.

Gaspar, A.; Craciunescu, O.; Trif, M.; Moisei, M., Moldovan, L., 2014. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of active compounds from

Arnica montana L. Rom. Biotechnol. Lett. 19, 9353-9365.

Ghayour, M.B., Behnam-Rassouli, M., Ghayour, N., Tehranipour, M., Kamyabi-Abkooh, A., 2012. Investigating the anti-epileptic and sedative

effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) leaf on pentylenetetrazol induced epileptiform seizures in wistar rat. J.

Med. Plants. 11, 64-73.

Grujicic, D., Stosic, I., Kosanic, M., Stanojkovic, T., Rankovic, B., Milosevic-Djordjevic, O., 2014. Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant,

antimicrobial, genotoxic and anticancer activities of lichen Cetraria islandica. Cytotechnology. 66, 803-813.

Guarrera, P.M., 2006. Usi e tradizioni della flora italiana. Medicina popolare ed etnobotanica, first ed. Aracne, Roma.

Guarrera, P.M., Lucchese, F., Medori, S., 2008. Ethnophytotherapeutical research in the high Molise region (Central-Southern Italy). J.

Ethnobiol. Ethnomed. 4, 7.

Hayta, S., Polat, R., Selvi, S., 2013. Traditional uses of medicinal plants in Elagiz (Turkey). J. Ethnopharmacol. 154, 613-623.

23
Heinrich, M., Ankli, A., Frei, B., Weimann, C., Sticher, O., 1998. Medicinal plants in Mexico: healers' consensus and cultural importance. Soc.

Sci. Med. 47, 1859-1871.

Iabichella, M.L., 2015. Antimicrobic and anti-inflammatory In vitro bacteriostatic effect of a scaffold with a mixture of Hypericum perforatum

and Azadirachta indica oil extracts. Br. J. Med. Med. Res. 6, 431-438.

Kavita, G., Santosh, K., Reeta, S., 2011. Evaluation of antibacterial activity of aerial parts of Thymus serpyllum Linn. J. Pharm. Res. 4, 641-642.

Kesmati, M., Moghadam, A.Z., Nia, A.H., Abasizadeh, Z., 2009. Comparison between Matricaria recutita L. aqueous and hydroalcoholic extract

on morphine withdrawal signs in the presence and absence of Tamoxifen. Iran. J. Med. Aromatic Plants. 25, 170-181.

Krawitz, C., Mraheil, M.A., Stein,M., Imirzalioglu, C., Domann, E., Pleschka, S., Hain, T., 2011. Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry

liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. Compl. Alt. Med. 11,

http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-16.

Laireiter, C.M., Schnabel, T., Koeck, A., Stalzer, P., Petutschnigg, A., Oostingh, G.J., Hell, M., 2014. Active anti-microbial effects of larch and

pine wood on four bacterial starins. Bioresources. 9, 273-281.

Leonti, M., Casu, L., Sanna, F., Bonsignore, L., 2013. Traditional medicines and globalisation: current and future perspective in

ethnopharmacology. Front. Pharmacol. 25, 255-267.

Longhi, M., Scanavino, C., 1986. Alpi occidentali. Una ricerca sulle tradizioni erboristiche. Erboristeria Domani, 11, 54-58.

24
Maroo, N., Hazra, A., Das, T., 2013. Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal sedative-hypnotic formulation NSF-3 in primary insomnia in

comparison to zolpidem: a randomized controlled trial. Indian J. Pharm. 45, 34-39.

Mattalia, G., Quave, C.L., Pieroni, A., 2013. Traditional uses of wild food and medicinal plants among Brigasc, Kyé, and Provençal communities

on the Western Italian Alps. Genet. Resour. Crop Evol. 60, 578-603.

McMullen, M.K., Whitehouse, J.M., Whitton, P.A., Towell, A., 2014. Bitter tastants alter gastric-phase postprandial haemodynamics. J.

Ethnopharmacol. 154, 719-727.

Menendez-Baceta, G., Aceituno-Mata, L., Molina, M., Reyes-García, V., Tardío, J., Pardo-de-Santayana, M., 2014. Medicinal plants

traditionally used in the northwest of the Basque Country (Biscay and Alava), Iberian Peninsula. J. Ethnopharmacol. 152, 113-134.

Miladi-Gorji, H., Vafaei, A.A., Bageri, A., 2011. To investigate the effect of Portulaca oleracea L. and Melissa officinalis L. extract on sleeping

time in mice. J. Med. Plants. 10, 95-101.

Patidar, P., Shaikh, A., Sharma, M., Dubey, D., Dashora, K., 2012. Herbal formulation for sedative and anti-anxiety activity. J. Pharm. Res. 5,

5134-5136.

Pieroni, A., Giusti, M.E., 2009. Alpine ethnobotany in Italy: traditional knowledge of gastronomic and medicinal plants among the Occitans of

the upper Varaita valley, Piedmont. J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed. 5, 32.

Pignatti, S., 1982. Flora d’Italia. Ed. Edagricole, Bologna, Italy.

Portères, R., 1970. Ethnobotanique générale. Laboratoire d’Ethnobotanique et Ethnozoologie. Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris.

25
Quave, C.L., Pardo-de-Santayana, M., Pieroni, A., 2012. Medical ethnobotany in Europe: from field ethnography to a more culturally sensitive

evidence-based CAM? Hindawi Publishing Corporation Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1-17.

Renzetti, E., Taiani, R., 1988. Sulla pelle del villano. Profili di terapeuti e metodi di cura empirica nella tradizione trentina. Collana degli Annali

del Museo di usi e costumi della gente trentina. S. Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy.

Ried, K., Frank, O.R., Stocks, N.P., 2013. Aged garlic extract reduces blood pressure in hypertensives: a dose-response trial. Eur. J. Clin. Nut.

67, 64-70.

Rivera, D., Obón, C., Heinrich, M., Inocencio, C., Verde, A., Fajardo, A., 2006. Gathered Mediterranean food plants – ethnobotanical

investigations and historical development. Local Mediterr. Food Plants Nutraceuticals. 59, 18-74.

Sella, A., 1992. Flora popolare biellese. Nomi dialettali, tradizioni e usi locali. Collana della Fondazione Sella, Ed. Dell’Orso, Alessandria.

Shouk, R., Abdou, A., Shetty, K., Sarkar, D., Eid, A.H., 2014. Mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive effects of garlic bioactives. Nutr.

Res. 34, 106-115.

Suay, I., Arenal, F., Asensio, F.J., Basilio, A., Cabello, M.A., Díez, M.T., García, J.B., González Del Val, A., Gorrochategui, J., Hernández, P.,

Peláez, F., Vicente, M.F., 2000. Screening of basidiomycetes for antimicrobial activities. Ant. Leeuw. 78, 129-139.

Tuttolomondo, T., Licata, M., Leto, C., Savo, V., Bonsangue, G., Gargano, M.L., Venturella, G., La Bella, S., 2014. Ethnobotanical investigation

on wild medicinal plants in the Monti Sicani Regional Park (Sicily, Italy). J. Ethnopharmacol. 153, 568-586.

26
Umadevi, M., Sampath Kumar, P.K., Debjit Bhowmik, Duraivel, S., 2013. Health benefits and cons of Solanum tuberosum. J. Med. Plants

Studies. 1, 16-25.

Vitalini, S., Tomè, F., Fico, G., 2009. Traditional uses of medicinal plants in Valvestino (Italy). J. Ethnopharmacol. 121, 106-116.

Vitalini, S., Iriti, M., Puricelli, C., Ciuchi, D., Segale, A., Fico, G., 2013. Traditional knowledge on medicinal and food plants used in Val San

Giacomo (Sondrio, Italy)-An alpine ethnobotanical study. J. Ethnopharmacol. 145, 517-529.

Vogl, S., Picker, P., Mihaly-Bison, J., Fakhrudin, N., Atanasov, A.G., Heiss, E.H., Wawrosch, C., Reznicek, G., Dirsch, V.M., Saukel, J., Kopp,

B., 2013. Ethnopharmacological in vitro studies on Austria’s folk medicine-An unexplored lore in vitro anti-inflammator activities of 71

Austrian traditional herbal drugs. J. Ethnopharmacol. 149, 750-771.

27
Table 1

Demographic profile of the study participants.

Structural characteristics
Gender % Job %
Female 69.5 Retired 28.6
Male 30.5 Housewives 24.2

Age % Public servants 15.5

28 - 40 9.4 Handicraftsmen 12.4
41 - 50 32.0 Office workers 5.6
51 - 60 17.7 Shopkeepers 5.6
61 - 70 16.8 Hoteliers 4.4
71 and more 24.1 Farmers 1.9

Educational level % Unemployed 1.8

Primary school 31.1 Residence time %
Middle school 31.1 Always 97.3
Secondary school 36.0 For more than 30 years 1.5
University 1.9 15 - 30 years 1.2

28
 Table 2

Plant species from traditional knowledge of the Alta Valtellina.

KINGDOM
Family Vernacular names Used parts Use, preparation and administration
Species
VOUCHER SPECIMEN CODE

PLANTAE
Alliaceae
Allium cepa L.  í
ola (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Bulbs (fresh) Med: syrup (to drink) against aphonia, cough, hoarseness, sore throat;
OBB351-AV íula (B, VT) infusion (to drink) as diuretic; decoction with milk as hypotensive, to treat
gígola (L, S) aphonia, bronchitis, cold, cough, flu; rubbing with minced bulb against
ícula (VT) chilblains, epistaxis, Herpes, insect bites, wart; cut in half and leant on sore
ear. Alim: flavouring in several dishes.

Allium sativum L.  Al (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Bulbs (fresh) Med: minced (to rub) against chilblains, corns and cramps; odontalgic (to
OBB352-AV Agl (L, VD, VF) chew); decoction with milk to cure flu and as vermifuge. Med/Alim:
Aij (S, VD, VT) flavouring in several dishes as carminative, hypotensive, vermifuge.

Allium schoenoprasum L.  ión (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves (fresh) Med/Alim: pan-fried with butter to flavour plain rice and pasta or as
OBB353-AV Erba cigùlina (VD, VT) flavouring in the salad, fritters and risotto for its anthelmintic, diuretic, natural
disinfectant and pressure regulator properties.

Allium lusitanicum Lam. Aij mat (B, VD, VF) Bulbs (fresh) Med: syrup (to drink) against cough, as natural antibiotic, disinfectant,
OBB354-AV Aij de mont, Aij selvadic, Aij de li stria expectorant and pressure regulator. Med/Alim: flavouring in several dishes as

29
 (VT) pressure regulator.

Apiaceae
Angelica sylvestris L. Leaves, seeds, roots Med: root or seed maceration in wine (to drink) as digestive
digestive; leaf infusion
OBB355-AV (fresh or dried) (to drink) as carminative, digestive, sedative
sedative.

Apium nodiflorum (L.) Lag. Séler (B) Leaves and stems Med/Alim: eaten raw as depurative and diuretic.
diuret
OBB356-AV Sélar (VF) (fresh)
Séler dei rìn (VD)

Carum carvi L. Choré (B) Seeds Med: decoction (to drink) as galactagogue
galactagogue; infusion (to drink) as
OBB357-AV Sèm da prĄ (L) carminative, digestive and for gastric pains. Med/Alim: flavouring in liqueur
Cumín (L, S, VT) and grappa as carminative, digestive and for gastric pains. Alim: flavouring in
Caré (S) bread.
Churé (VD, VF)

Heracleum sphondylium L. Vr; éna (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Aerial parts, leaves Med: leaf infusion (to drink) as digestive
digestive; root as odontalgic (to chew).
OBB358-AV Vr; avéna (B, S) and roots (fresh) Alim: boiled and stir-fried
fried with butter leaves.
Med: crushed leaves (poultice) against the cow’s sores
sores. Alim: aerial parts
in the mash of rabbits and cows.
cows

Petroselinum sativum Hoffm. 
OBB359-AV
Prèzemol (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves and roots Med: root decoction (to drink) as diuretic;
diuretic minced leaves (poultice) to
Pdersém (L) (fresh) inhibit milk production and against insect bites;
bites leaf sap against cough; leaf
Pedrusém (VT) infusion (to drink) to prevent breast infections af
after feeding; leaf decoction (to
drink) as abortifacient. Med/Alim: leaves in several dishes as vitaminizing and
remineralizing. Cosm: leaf infusion (foot-bath)
(foot against bromhidrosis.

Peucedanum ostruthium W.D.J.Koch Imperatòria (B, VF) Roots (fresh) Med: odontalgic (to chew).
chew)
OBB360-AV Musela (B) Alim: in the mash of cows.
Arzelena (S)

30
Pimpinella anisum L.  Anèsc (B, VD, VF, VT) Seeds Med: infusion (to drink) as carminative, dig
digestive, diuretic, galactagogue,
Anèsam, Feno (VT) cough Alim: ingredients of fritter and as flavouring
sedative; against cold and cough.
OBB361-AV
in bread, sweet, dishes of meat and liqueurs.

Apocynaceae
Vinca minor L. Viòla de li sc‘trìa, Carniola (B) Leaves (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) to inhibit milk production,
pro as digestive,
OBB362-AV hypotensive, vasodilator; infusion (compress) against skin inflammations
inflammations;
wine (to drink) as diuretic.

Araliaceae
Hedera helix L. Leaves (dried) Med: decoction (bath or compress) against acne, varicose veins, and as
OBB363-AV cellulitis draining. Cosm: decoction (washes) to dye one’s hair.

Asparagaceae
Asparagus officinalis L.  Spar
(B) Roots and young Med: root decoction (to drink) as diuretic. Med/Alim: young shoots boiled
OBB364-AV Aspárag (VT) shoots (fresh) or ingredients of risotto as diuretic.

Aspleniaceae
Asplenium septentrionale (L.) Hoffm. Érba borchína (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as anthelmintic, diuretic,
di urinary tract anti-
OBB365-AV inflammatory.
Alim: in the mash of cows.

Asteraceae
Achillea millefolium L. Tanéda mata (B, VD, VF, VT) Flowers and leaves Med: infusion (to drink)
ink) as digestive, diuretic, depurative, astringent,
astringent tonic,
OBB366-AV Tanédón (B, VT) (fresh or dried) antihemorrhagic, urinary tract anti-inflammatory
anti and against menopause
Livia mata, Milafior, Lívia di préi (L) disorders, cold, cough, headache; infusion (gargles)
(gargles as throat and mouth anti-
Carè di verm (S) inflammatory; infusion (washes) against haemorrhoids;
haemorr infusion or decoction
Danéda mata (S) (compress) or salve (to rub) against Herpes, insect bites, skin inflammations
and as antirheumatic; fresh (poultice) for bruises, infected wounds, rhagades.
rhaga
Med/Alim: flavouring in liqueur as digestive.
Med: infusion (to drink) against cough, colic and digestion disorders in

31
 cows.

Achillea moschata Wulfen Tanéda (B, S, VD, VF, VT) Flowers (fresh or Med: salve (to rub) as emollient. Med/Alim: herbal tea and liqueur as
OBB367-AV Livia (L) dried) digestive, diuretic, balsamic, sedative and against cough, cold, gout, menstrual
Danéda (S) pains. Alim: to flavour salt, pizzoccheri,
pizzoccheri risotto, salmì, semifreddo and sorbet.
Med: infusion (to drink) as digestive for cows and calve
calves; infusion
inflammations Alim: in the mash of cows.
(compress) against skin inflammations.

Achillea nana L. Tanéda (B, VF) Flowers (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as digestive and against cold. Med/Alim: liqueur
OBB368-AV Tanéda mata (B) as digestive.
Livia di ges (L)
Tanéda basa (VD)
Erba iva (VT)

Arctium lappa L. Nápula (B, VD, VF, VT) Leaves (fresh), roots Med: leaf maceration (compress) against varicose veins with ulcer and
OBB369-AV Nápol, Moros, Berdèna (B) and flowers (fresh or sores; leaves (poultice) as antiseptic and healing
healing; root decoction (bath) against
Grignapola (VD) dried) eczema and milk-crust; root decoction (to drink) as depurative, diuretic aand in
the case of infectious diseases (e.g. measles)
measles); flower tincture (to rub) for skin
cough. Alim:
inflammations (e.g., acne); flower infusion (to drink) against cough
flowers for making jam; roots in fritters.

Arnica montana L. Árnicha, rnika (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Flowers (fresh), Med: minced root infusion (to drink) as febrifuge and an
anti-diarrhoea; flower
OBB370-AV Fior de li bota (S) leaves (fresh) and decoction (fumigations) for cough and cold
cold.
roots (dried)
Med: flower decoction (compress) and tincture, salve or maceration
m in
water (rubbing) as antirheumatic, to treat haematom
haematomas, backache, chilblains,
cramps and sprains; tincture (gargles)
(gargl for mouth inflammations; fresh leaves
(poultice) for sprains.

Artemisia absinthium L. Ašénz (B, VT) Aerial parts Med: infusion (to drink) as anthelmintic, depurative, digestive, stomachic,
OBB371-AV Šénz (B) (fresh or dried) emetic, febrifugal and for throat inflammations
inflammations; infusion (to inhale) against

32
 Ešénz (L) cold and as anthelmintic; tincture (compress) as odontalgic;
odontalgic infusion (to drink)
Ascénz (S, VD, VF) for gastric pains; crushed (poultice) for haematomas and anti-inflammatory.
anti
Med/Alim: liqueur and grappa as appetizer and digestive.
Med: infusion (to drink) as anthelmintic and stomachic
stomachic; dried with salt in
the mash as digestive for cows.
cows

Artemisia genipi Stechm. Genepì (L, S, VD, VF, VT) Aerial parts Med: infusion (compress) for wounds. Med/Alim: grappa and liqueur as
OBB372-AV Genepì scur (VD) (fresh or dried) appetizer, digestive, laxative and against cold. Alim: flavouring in several
dishes.
Artemisia umbelliformis L. Genepì (L, VD, VF, VT) Aerial parts (fresh) Med/Alim: grappa and liqueur as digestive an
and laxative.
OBB373-AV Genepì de semenza (VD)

Artemisia vulgaris L. Ašénz salvádich (B, VD) Leaves and roots Med: infusion (to drink) for menstrual pains, epilepsy, gastric pains,
OBB374-AV Ešénz (L) (dried) inappetence and as febrifuge and anthelmintic
anthelmintic.
Ašénz (S, VF, VT) Med: infusion (to drink) as digestive for cows.

Aster alpinus L. Leaves (fresh) Med: fresh material (poultice) for wound healing.
OBB375-AV
Balsamita major Desf.  Érba de sant Pédro (B) Leaves (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as digestive.
digestive Med/Alim: ingredients of sweet as
OBB376-AV Balsamina (VD) stomachic and sedative.

Calendula officinalis L.  Flowers and leaves Med: flower salve (to rub) for haematomas, rhagades, sores, chilblains,
chi
OBB377-AV (fresh) wounds, naevus, insect bites, corns, gingivitis, bu
burns, skin inflammations (e.g.,
acne), varicose veins and as anti-inflammatory,
anti anti-rheumatic and emollient;
tincture (to rub) for corns; infusion
infusio (to drink) as depurative and tonic and for
gastrointestinal pains; oil (to smear) on burns and for skin inflammations.
Alim: flowers as ingredients of salads.

Carlina acaulis L. ardó; , Tórta (B) Receptacle (fresh), Med: root infusion (to drink) as diuretic, digestive, disinfectant
di and
OBB378-AV Pa; di alpí; , Tortin, Spin
Spinè, roots (dried) diaphoretic. Alim: receptacle raw or cooked as artichokes.

33
 Tórta da sc’pi; (L) Alim: root crushed in the mash of pigs and hens.
Tortárela (L, VD)
Tortìna, Garzón (S)
Cardó; (VD, VF, VT)

Cichorium intybus L. Zuchória (B, L) Leaves and roots Med: leaf infusion (to drink) as diuretic and digestive, agai
against gastric pains;
OBB379-AV (fresh) purgativ Med/Alim: leaves and
root decoction (to drink) as emollient and purgative.
roots like raw salad or boiled and stir-fried
stir with butter as depurative. Alim:
minced roots as coffee substitute.
substitute

Cirsium spinosissimum Scop. ardó; (B, L, S, VD, VD, VT) Stems and receptacle Alim: stems and receptacles as ingredients in salads and soups.
OBB380-AV Atición dal ción, Sc’pí;
Sc’pí (L) (fresh), aerial parts Med: aerial parts cooked or crushed in the mash as digestive
diges for pigs,
Garzó; (S, VT) (fresh) cows and hens.
Cardó; de li rozocola (VD)
Cardó; (VD, VF)

Hieracium pilosella L. Sporeir, Pelas (VD) Leaves (fresh) Med: fresh material (to rub) for wound healing
healing.
OBB381-AV
Lactuca sativa L.  Latú
a (VD) Leaves (fresh) Med: decoction (to drink) as sedative.
sedative Alim: ingredients of salads.
OBB382-AV

Leucanthemum alpinum Lam. Chamamiló; , Chameló;

Cham (B) Flowers and leaves Med: flowers (to chew) as digestive;
digestive flower infusion (to drink) as sedative
OBB383-AV Margaríta (L) (fresh) and against cough, cold and bronchitis
bronchitis; leaves (poultice) as expectorant.

Matricaria chamomilla L.
OBB384-AV
Chamamíla (B) Flowers (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as antitussive, sedative, carminative,
carmi digestive,
Camaméla (L, S, VF, VT) against menstrual and gastrointestinal pains; oil ((to smear) for rheumatism;
Dendeglion (VD) infusion (compress or gargles) against thrush, aphtha,
apht gingivitis, toothache,
Chamomíla (VF) eczema and eye inflammations; dried
d flowers with lard (poultice) as bronchitis
Camumíla (S, VF, VT) and indigestion remedy. Med/Alim:
Med/Alim flavouring in liqueur as digestive. Cosm:
infusion (washes) to bleach hair.

34

Tanacetum vulgare L. Taneda (B)
OBB385-AV Tanéda di préi (L)
Amarògna (VD)
Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg. Insaláta di pra’ (B)
OBB386-AV Insaláta di pra (B, L)
Dent da prà, Dent de can, Letació
Letació;
Ataciòn (B, VF, VT)
Fiór dal diául (B, L, VF)
Dent de lìon (B, S, VD, VF, VT)
Tragopogon pratensis L. Ancéta (L, S)
OBB387-AV Lancéta, Pancéta da pra (L)
Tussilago farfara L. Fóaa de l’áchua, Plantána de l’áchua (B,
OBB388-AV L, S, VD, VD, VT)
Foglia del porcel (L, VD)
Foglia dei rin (VD)
Rodelet de l’aqua (VT)
Berberidaceae
Berberis vulgaris L. Špi; d’u
ét (B, L, S, VD, VD, VT)
OBB389-AV Spin d’asen (B, VD)
Feruda (VD)
Crispin (VD, VT)
Betulaceae
Betula pendula Roth Bd; ñ (B, L, S, VD, VD, VT)
Med: infusion (to drink) as digestive for cows
cows.
Flowers and roots Med: flower infusion and root decoction (to drink or enema)
enem as
(dried) anthelmintic.
Young leaves and Med: flower oil (to smear) on burns; latex as keratolyti
keratolytic; flower syrup (to
flowers (fresh), roots drink) against cough and as depurative. Med/Alim: leaves served like salad
(L) (dried), latex with boiled eggs, ingredients of pies or stir-fried
stir with butter as depurative,
laxative, immunostimolant remedy and anti-inflammatory;
anti leaf or root infusion
(to drink) as depurative, diuretic and tonic; roots as an ingredient of depurant
liqueurs. Alim:: flowers as an ingredient in salads, fritters and jam.
j
Buds and stems Alim: ingredients in salads
salads.
(fresh)
Flowers and leaves Med: infusion (to drink) against cough and aas expectorant; fresh parts
(fresh) (poultice) for hematomas and insect bites; infusion (compress) as healing and
for skin inflammations; cold infusion (compress) for
fo neuralgia; decoction (to
drink) as emollient, expectorant and tonic.
tonic
Med: decoction (to drink) as digestive for cows. Alim: in the mash of
cows, goats, pigs, rabbits and sheep.
Flowers and fruits Med: fruit decoction and syrup (to drink) as astringent. Med/Alim:
(fresh) vitaminizing fruits as an ingredient of jam. Alim: flowers as snack.
Leaves (fresh) Med: leaf infusion (to drink) as diuretic;
diuretic leaves (poultice) against acne.
35
OBB390-AV Bödogn (L) Cosm: macerations or infusion (compress) against dandruff
dandruff.
Med: to keep moving the gastrointestinal tract of rabbits
rabbit and cows.

Boraginaceae
Anchusa officinalis L. Leaves (fresh) Med/Alim: ingredients in salads as diuretic and emollient.
OBB391-AV
Borago officinalis L.  Borajin (VD) Leaves (fresh) Med: infusion (to drink) as diuretic, anti-rheumatic,
anti depurative, laxative,
OBB392-AV Boragina (VT) sedative, against cold, flu, bronchitis and cough. Med/Alim: filling for ravioli,
ingredients of omelettes, fritters and salads as diuretic.
di

Pulmonaria officinalis L. Aerial parts (dried) Med: decoction (to drink) for respiratory tract diseases.
diseases
OBB393-AV

Brassicaceae
Armoracia rusticana G.Gaertn., B.Mey. Chri; , chr; (B) Roots (fresh) Med/Alim: ingredients of sauce as appetizer and depurative.
et Scherb
OBB394-AV

Brassica rapa L. ssp. rapa  Roots (fresh) Med: in the mash of cows as digestive.
OBB395-AV

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. Borsa del pastór (B) Aerial parts (fresh or Med: infusion (to drink) for stomach cramp remedy and hypotensive;
OBB396-AV Scion (L) dried) infusion or decoction (compress) as anti-hemorrhagic, for sores and
Barba de li pelù (VD) hemorrhoids.

Cardamine amara L. Chršó; (B, L, VF) Aerial parts (fresh) Med: decoction (compress) for joint pain caused by rheumatism.
OBB397-AV Med/Alim: as snack, ingredients in salads or cooked as appetizer,
appeti depurative,
stomachic, vitaminizing.

Nasturtium officinale W.T.Aiton Cresció; (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Aerial parts (fresh or Med: decoction (compress) against rheumatism, salve (to rub) against
OBB398-AV dried) headache. Med/Alim:: as snack, ingredients in salads or cooked as appe
appetizer,
depurative, stomachic, vitaminizing.

36
Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. Érba dei cantant (B) Aerial parts (fresh or Med: infusion (to drink) for aphonia, hoarseness, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and
OBB399-AV dried) as diuretic, tonic and expectorant.

Campanulaceae
Campanula scheuchzeri Vill. Campaneli (B, VF) Flowers (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) to treat wounds. Cosm: decoction (to rub) against
OBB400-AV Campanela (VD, VF, VT) hair loss.
Campanula rapunculus L. Li campanela (VD) Leaves and root Alim: boiled and stir-fried with butter.
OBB401-AV (fresh)

Phyteuma betonicifolium Vill. Chúc (B) Young aerial parts Alim: boiled and stir-fried with butter.
OBB402-AV Man del diaul (L) (fresh)

Cannabaceae
Humulus lupulus L. Bruscando’i (B) Flowers (fresh or Med: flower infusion (to drink) as sedative and digestive, (rinses) against
OBB403-AV Lupól (L, VF) dried), buds (fresh) toothache. Alim: buds cooked like asparagus or ingredients of omelettes and
Ligabosch (S, VD, VT) soups.

Caprifoliaceae
Sambucus nigra L. Sambúch (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Bark, flowers and Med: crushed bark (poultice) for lymph nodes inflammation, eczema and
OBB404-AV Sambúch neir (VT) fruits (fresh), leaves erysipelas; bark decoction or tincture (compress or to drink) to cure arthritis,
Confecc (S) (dried) gout, rheumatism, and as diuretic; bark wine (to drink) as diuretic; flower
Confacc (VT) infusion or syrup (to drink) against asthma, cold, cough, fever, rheumatism; as
diuretic and expectorant; flower infusion (to inhale) for throat inflammations
and bronchitis; flower infusion (to drink) as diaphoretic; fruit syrup (to drink)
against cough and sore throat, as diuretic and laxative; leaves decoction
(compress) for skin and eye inflammation. Med/Alim: herbal tea against
cough and bronchitis, as laxative and diuretic; flower and fruits flavouring in
liqueurs as digestive. Alim: flowers in batter and as refreshing drink; fruit as
an ingredient of jam.
Sambucus racemosa L. Samb ch salvádik (B) Flowers and fruits Med: flower syrup (to drink) for cough and throat inflammations.
OBB405-AV Sambúch ros (VD) (fresh) Med/Alim: flower and fruits flavouring in liqueurs as digestive. Alim: fruits

37
 Sambúch mat (VF)
Sambúch (VT)
Caryophyllaceae
Saponaria ocymoides L.
OBB406-AV
Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke Šchlopét (B, L, VD, VF, VT)
OBB407-AV Sgrizul (B)
Sdrizzega (S)
Stellaria media (L.) Vill. Sandósc‘clo (B, L)
OBB408-AV Budégl de gálna (L)
Chenopodiaceae
Beta vulgaris L.  Rà rossa (B, VD, VT)
OBB409-AV Mani
ólt, Radš ró (B)
Pásola, Rà rósa, Èrba da la
manèsc’tra (L)
Rava rosa (VF, VT)
Barbabietula (VD, VF, VT)
Chenopodium album L. Chú
ol màt (B, VF, VT)
OBB410-AV
Chenopodium bonus-henricus L. Chú
ol (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT)
OBB411-AV Sgrizica, Spinaza selvadiga (B)
Clusiaceae
Hypericum perforatum L. Érba de sant ; oán (B, L)
as ingredients of jam.
Roots (dried) Med: decoction (to drink) for gout
gout.
Young aerial parts Alim: ingredients in soups, risotto and salads.
(fresh)
Aerial parts (fresh) Med: crusched (poultice) for sore throat, erythema,
er erysipelas, varicose
veins, and as antirheumatic.
Roots (fresh) Med: syrup (to drink) for whooping cough.
cough Med/Alim: ingredients in salad,
soups and sausages as galactagogue, tonic and diuretic.
diure
Med: in the mash of cows as restorative.
Young leaves and Alim: ingredients in soups and gnocchi.
buds (fresh)
Young aerial parts Med: aerial part decoction (poultice) as emollient;
emo root decoction (to drink)
(fresh), roots (fresh or as febrifuge. Med/Alim: ingredients of soups, gnocchi, pizzoccheri, pies,
dried) fritters, salads or boiled and stir
stir-fried with butter as laxative and against
anemia.
Flowers and leaves Med: infusion (to drink) for menstrual and stomach disor
disorders, and as
38
OBB412-AV (fresh or dried) hypotensive;; oil (to rub) on burns, wounds, for sciatica and aas antirheumatic;
infusion (to drink) as antidepressant. Med/Alim: flavouring in grappa as
digestive.

Corylaceae
Corylus avellana L. Chólr (B, L, S, VD, VT) Fruits (fresh) Med: green fruit decoction (to drink) for sore throat and flu. Alim: fruits as
OBB413-AV Còlar (L) snack and ingredients of cakes.
Chólr (VF)
Ni
óla de chólr (B, L, S, VD, VT)
Nisooler, Niciol (S)

Crassulaceae
Sedum maximum Suter Érba di cal, Rs d mur (B) Aerial parts (fresh) Med: macerations (poultice) for corns and wa
warts.
OBB414-AV

Sedum telephium L. Rs d mur (B) Leaves (fresh) Med: fresh material (poultice) or salve (to rub) on insect
inse bites, burns,
OBB415-AV Érba de la Madona (VF)
corns, ulcer, sty, as antibacterial (e.g., whitlow). Cosm: salve (to rub) as
emollient.

Sempervivum montanum L. Coiòn de gàt (S) Leaves (fresh) Med: crushed (compress) to treat corn, Herpes, wart, wounds.
OBB416-AV

Cupressaceae
Juniperus communis L. Anébri (B, VF) Fruits (fresh or dried), Med: minced fruit infusion in milk, water or wine (to drink)
drin against cough
OBB417-AV ; nébro (B, VT) young branches and sore throat, as diuretic and digestive;
digestive infusion (bath) as antirheumatic;
; ip (VD) (fresh) young branch and fresh fruit infusion (to inhale) against
a cold, cough, catarrh;
Žnébro,
nébro, Sgenebro, Genébro, fresh fruits as digestive; fruit salve (to rub) as antirheumatic and for veric
vericose
Genebri (L) veins. Med/Alim: fruits in grappa and liqueur as digestive. Alim: fruits as
Ginevri (S) flavouring in dishes
es of meat and fishes; minced fruits in coffee.
coffee
Poméla (B) Alim: young branches in the mash of sheep
sheep.
Ampómola (L, VF)

39
Juniperus sabina L. Erba sabina (B, VT) Fruits (fresh or dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as abortifacient
abortifacient.
OBB418-AV Genebri (L) Med: to promove the bovine oestrus.
oestrus

Cyperaceae
Eriophorum scheuchzeri Hoppe Plumí; (B) Fruits (fresh) Med: pappus as haemostatic cotton wool for wounds and aga
against epistaxis.
OBB419-AV Fior del cotón (VD)

Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott. Félš maš
( B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Aerial parts (fresh) Med: between the mattress and the sheets to fight back pa
pain, gout and as
OBB420-AV Félc (L, VD, VT) burns Cosm: in the
antirheumatic; burned to ashes (plaster with butter) on burns.
Falesc (VT) shoes against foot sweating.
Félasc (L)

Elaeagnaceae
Hippophae rhamnoides L. Špi; d’; ; n (B,
B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh) Med: syrup (to drink) as vitaminizing. Alim: flavouring in liqueur.
OBB421-AV

Equisetaceae
Equisetum arvense L. Erba cavalina (B, L) Sterile stem (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) for dizziness and rheumatism,
rheumatism as diuretic and
OBB422-AV Peciòla (VD) mineralizing; decoction (to drink) against haemorrhoids and gout
gout; decoction
Cùa de cavál (VF) (compress) to healing wounds and as antibacterial (e.g., whitlow). Cosm:
pulverized and used as talcum powder.
Alim: in the mash for rabbit.

Ericaceae
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Spreng. Farinél (B) Leaves (dried) Med: leaf and fruit infusion or decoction (to drink) for urogenital tract
OBB423-AV Bagorsina (B, L, VD) fruits (fresh) inflammation and as diuretic. Alim: fruits as snack.
Bagarossa, Chelúda li vípara, Porcelána
(L)
Caluda (VD, VT)
Farinola, Ursina (VF)

40
Erica carnea L. Br k (B) Leaves and Med: infusion or decoction (to drink) as depurative.
OBB424-AV Bruch (L) young shoots (dried)
Brucch (VD)

Rhododendron ferrugineum L.
OBB425-AV
Mažréjta (B, VF) Flowers (dried), Med: flower infusion (to drink) as digestive and against cough; gall oil
Majareit (B, VD, VF, VT) galls (fresh) (compress) on wounds; gall infusion (to drink) as diuretic. Alim: galls as
Rosa di munt, Magenedréidta (L) snack.
Pa; de la magenedréita (L)
Granfior, Fior de giup, Fior del fior (S)

Vaccinium myrtillus L.
OBB426-AV
Vaccinium uliginosum L.
OBB427-AV
Bá
a (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh), leaves Med: fruit maceration in brandy (to drink) as astringent; leaf infusion (to
(dried) drink) as diuretic and hypoglycemic; syrup (to drink) against cough.
Med/Alim: fruits (to eat) for varicose veins and sight. Alim: fruits as
ingredients of jam, cake and risotto, mixed with boiled potatoes, flavouring in
grappa.
Bá
orsína (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh) Alim: snack or ingredients of jam.
Búrsi; (L)
Bagurzula, Baga (VD)
Bá
a mata (VF)

Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Chalúda (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh) Alim: snack or ingredients of jam and cakes.
OBB428-AV Cheluda (L, VD)

Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia helioscopia L. Érba del le
(B) Latex Med: keratolytic.
OBB429-AV Le
iar; la (VF)

Euphorbia cyparissias L. Fiór da li rúgola (L) Latex Med: keratolityc.

OBB430-AV Le
iar; la (VF)

Fabaceae
Anthyllis vulneraria L. Flowers (fresh) Med: decoction (compress) for varicose veins with ulcer.

41
OBB431-AV

Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link Poglí; (L) Flowers and branches Med: decoction (to drink) as diuretic.
OBB432-AV Fagiolin selvadic (VD) (fresh or dried)

Galega officinalis L. Aerial parts (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as diaphoretic, diuretic, galac
galactagogue,
OBB433-AV and seeds hypoglycemic.

Lupinus albus L.  Seeds (dried, roasted Med: infusion (to drink) as anti
anti-diabetic.
OBB434-AV and ground)

Medicago falcata L.  Érba médi
a

a gálda, Érba médi
a
médi salvádi
a Aerial parts (fresh) Med: fresh (poultice) on wounds and burns. Alim: flavouring in liqueurs.
OBB435-AV (B) Med: in the mash of cows as galactagogue, depurative and digestive.
Érba médi
a (VD, VT)

Medicago sativa L.  Érba médi
a (B, S, VD, VT) Aerial parts (fresh) Med: fresh (poultice) on wounds and burns. Alim: flavouring in liqueurs.
OBB436-AV Med: in the mash of cows as galactagogue and digestive.

Melilotus officinalis Pall. Flowers (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as astringent, sedative, diuretic
diuret and antispasmodic;
OBB437-AV infusion or sap (compress) for haemorrhoids, varicose
varico veins, gingivitis and eye
inflammation.

Trifolium medium L. Trfól (B, L, VD, VT) Aerial parts (fresh or Med: aerial part decoction (to drink or compress) as expectorant
exp and
OBB438-AV Trifogl (VD, VF) dried), flowers (fresh) diuretic. Alim: flowers as snack; dried and pulverized leaves as fla
flavouring in
cakes; flower tea.
Alim: aerial parts in the mash of cows
cows.

Trifolium pratense L.
OBB439-AV
Trfól (B, L, VD, VT) Aerial parts (fresh or Med: aerial part decoction (to drink or poultice) as expectorant and diuretic.
Trifogl (VD, VF) dried), flowers (fresh) Alim: flowers as snack; dried and pulverized leaves as flavouring
fla in cakes;
Trefoil de pra (VD) flower tea.
Alim: aerial parts in the mash of cows.
cows

42
Trifolium repens L. Trfól (B, L, VD, VT) Aerial parts (fresh or Med: aerial part decoction (to drink or poultice) as expectorant
exp and diuretic.
OBB440-AV Trifogl (VD, VF) dried), flowers (fresh) Alim: flowers as snack.
Trefoil blanc (VD) Alim: aerial parts in the mash of cows.
cows

Fagaceae
Castanea sativa Mill. Chaštéña (B) Fruits (fresh or dried) Med/Alim: fresh, boiled, roasted and flour as astringent and recostituent.
OBB441-AV Chesc’tégna (L)
Castegna (L, S, VD, VF)
Ferúda (L, S)

Gentianaceae
Gentiana acaulis L. Fíor da Sánta Catarína (L) Roots (dried or fresh) Med: decoction (to drink) as digestive and depurative.
d Med/Alim:
OBB442-AV Gianzena (S) flavouring in liqueurs as digestive.
; nzána (VD)
Genzianela (VF)
Genzèna (VT)

Gentiana lutea L. ; nzána (B) Roots (dried or fresh) Med: infusion, decoction or tincture (to drink) against inappetence, as tonic,
OBB443-AV Gianzána (L) febrifuge, stomachic, diuretic, depurative, appetiz
appetizer and digestive; infusion
Anzàna (L, VD, VT) aphtha. Med/Alim: flavouring in liqueurs as
(compress) against thrush and aphtha
Radš (B) digestive.
Riš, Radisc (L) Med: a piece of root in the neck skin of cows to fig
fight infections (e.g. after
Rš (VD, VF) the birth).
Raš (VT)

Gentiana punctata L. ; nzána (B) Roots Med: odontalgic or appetizer (to chew)
chew); decoction (to drink) as
OBB444-AV Gianzána (L) (dried or fresh) anthelminthic, antipyretic, diuretic, hypotensive, against cough and
Anzàna (L, VD, VT) inappentence; infusion (to drink) as tonic, febrifuge, stomachic, tonic;
Radš (B) maceration or tincture (to drink) as appetizer, digestive
dig and for anemia;
Riš, Radisc (L) tincture (compress) against thrush and aphtha
aphtha. Med/Alim: flavouring in

43
 Rš (VD, VF) liqueurs as digestive.
Raš (VT) Med: in the mash to improve the cow appetite;
appetite decoction (todrink) as
digestive, tonic and for fever after parturition.

Geraniaceae
Geranium robertianum L. Aerial parts Med: fresh (poultice) as healing;
healing dried infusion (gargles) for mouth and
OBB445-AV (fresh or dried) throat inflammations.

Grossulariaceae
Ribes alpinum L. Ro; éla (B) Fruits (fresh) Med/Alim: ingredients of jam as laxative and expectorant.
OBB446-AV Ansúa (B, VD)
Anzúa (VF, VT)

Ribes petraeum Hort.Prag. ex Tausch Ro; éla (B) Fruits (fresh) Med/Alim: ingredients of jam as laxative and expectorant
expectorant.
OBB447-AV Ansúa (B, VD)
Ozúas, Ríbas (L)
Anzúa (L, VF, VT)

Hippocastanaceae
Aesculus hippocastanum L. Chaštéña d’india (B, L, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh) Med: decoction (to drink) for colic
colic; salve (to rub) for varicose vein;
OBB448-AV Chaštéña mata (L) pulverized and inhaled for sinusitis.
Chaštéña (S) Med: in the mash of cows as digestive.
digestive

Iridaceae
Crocus vernus (L.) Hill i
ámola (B, VD) Flower and stgmas Med: flowers as keratolytic. Alim: stigmas as snack.
OBB449-AV Cigambula (B, S, VD, VT) (fresh)
Cigámbola del diául (L)
Bucanef (VD, VF)

Juglandaceae
Juglans regia L.  Nozéjra (B, VT) Leaves and fruits Med: salve (to rub) on wounds. Med/Alim: fruits as mineralizing and
OBB450-AV Nughera (S) (fresh) flavourin in liqueurs. Cosm: leaf
energizing snack, ingredients of cake and flavouring

44
 Nošch (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) pulverized and used as talcum powder;
powder walnut-husk decoction (washes) to dye
one’s hair.

Lamiaceae
Lamium album L. Ortí
a máta (B, VD, VF) Flowers and leaves Med: infusion (to drink) as depurative and for menstrual pains. Alim:
OBB451-AV Ortía máta (L) (fresh) cooked leaves; flowers as snack and ingredients of cakes.
Urti
a mata (VT) Med: in the mash of cows as galactagogue.

Lavandula officinalis Chaix  Lavandula (VF) Flowers (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as tonic and antispasmodic, for asthma; salve (to
OBB452-AV rub) for cramps, wounds, haematomas, as emollient aand antirheumatic;
infusion (bath) as sedative.

Melissa officinalis L.  Flowers and leaves Med: tincture (to rub) for headhache. Med/Alim: infusion (to drink) as
OBB453-AV (fresh or dried) headache Cosm: infusion (to rub) as
sedative, digestive, for gastric pains and headache.
tonic.

Mentha aquatica L. Ménta (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves Med: infusion (to inhalate) against cold. Med/Alim: infusion (to drink) for
OBB454-AV Susembri (VD) (fresh or dried) stomach cramps. Alim: ingredients of gnocchi, fritters, cakes.

Mentha arvensis L. Ménta (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves Med: crushed (poultice) for eczema and eye inflammations. Med/Alim:
OBB455-AV (fresh or dried) antiemetic, expectorant. Alim:
herbal tea or liqueur as digestive, sedative, antie
ingredients of biscuits, bread, fritters, omelettes.
omelettes

Mentha longifolia L. Ménta (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves Med: fresh sap (to drink) for menstrual pains
pains; infusion (gargles) for abscess.
OBB456-AV (fresh or dried) Med/Alim: wine (to drink) as stimulant, digestive, astringent and carminative;
cramps as antiseptic and analgesic. Alim: ingredients
herbal tea for stomach cramps,
of fritters, biscuits and bread. Cosm: to clean and bleach the teeth.
Med: infusion (to drink) for stomach ache of cows.

Nepeta cataria L. Salvióla (B) Leaves Med: infusion or decoction (to drink) as digestive, carminative,
carm
OBB457-AV Erba gata (VF) (fresh or dried) antispasmodic, sedative and for menstrual pains;
pains fresh (to chew) as odontalgic.

45
Ocimum basilicum L. 
OBB458-AV
Origanum vulgare L.
OBB459-AV
Rosmarinus officinalis L. 
OBB460-AV
Salvia officinalis L. 
OBB461-AV
Salvia pratensis L.
OBB462-AV
Thymus polytrichus Kern. ex Borbás
OBB463-AV
Thymus pulegioides L.
Basilic (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves (fresh) Med: infusion or decoction (to drink) as sedative and di
digestive. Alim:
flavouring in several dishes.
Orighen (S, VD) Flowers and leaves Med: infusion (to drink) for heartburn and aasthma, as appetizer, carminative,
Origan (VF, VT) (fresh or dried) depurative, digestive, sedative. Alim: flavouring in several dishes.
Ošmarí; (B) Leaves (fresh) Med: infusion (to drink or bath) as antispasmodic, tonic and for asthma;
Rog’ marí; (L) infusion (to drink) as antidepressant; infusion (to rub) as antirheumatic and for
Rosmarin (S, VD, VF, VT) headache. Alim:: flavouring in several dishes.
Sálvia (B, L, VF) Leaves Med: infusion (to drink)
ink) for menopause disorders, menstrual pains,
(fresh or dried) headache and as tonic; decoction (gargles) as digestive, astringent, diaphoretic
and for aphtha, gingivitis, stomatitis, odontalgia, cough, sore throat; infusion
(to inhale) against cold; decoction (to drink) for headache, urinary tract
antiemetic Alim: ingredients of fritters and
inflammation, as astringent and antiemetic.
flavouring in several dishes and in liqueurs.
Sálvia (B, L, S, VF) Leaves (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) against aphtha, thrush and gingivitis;
gingi infusion (to
drink) as tonic. Cosm: to clean and bleach the teeth.
Érba pvrína (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Aerial parts Med: infusion, decoction or syrup (to drink) against bronchitis,
bro cough, cold,
Pvrèl (S) (fresh or dried) sore throat, thrush, whooping
whooping-cough and as diuretic, digestive, appetizer;
Timu (VF) decoction (gargles) as disinfectant of the orophary
oropharynx; salve (to rub) on
wounds, burns and as balsamic; deco
decoction (to rub) for wounds, boils, pustules,
insect bites, sores, boils, rheumatism and to delete lice; infusion
(suffimigations) against cold and cough. Alim: flavouring in liqueurs and in
several dishes. Cosm: pulverized as deodorant for feet.
Med: decoction
ction (compress) against epizootic aphtha.
aphtha
Aerial parts Med: infusion, decoction or syrup (to drink) against bronchitis,
bro cough, cold,
46
OBB464-AV (fresh or dried) sore throat, thrush, whooping
whooping-cough and as diuretic, digestive, appetizer;
decoction (gargles) as disinfectant of the orophary
oropharynx; salve (to rub) on
wounds, burns and as balsamic; decoction (to rub) ffor wounds, boils, pustules,
insect bites, sores, boils, rheumatism and to delet
delete lice; infusion
cough. Alim: flavouring in liqueurs and in
(suffimigations) against cold and co
several dishes. Cosm: pulverized as deodorant for feet.
Med: decoction (compress) against epizootic aphtha.
aphtha

Lauraceae

Laurus nobilis L.  Orbá
a (B) Leaves (fresh or Med: leaf decoction (to drink) as digestive; leaf decoction (footh-bath) as
dried), fruits (dried) stimulant blood circulation, against cold and hemorrhoids;
hemor fruit decoction (to
OBB465-AV
disorders. Alim: flavouring in several dishes.
drink) for gastrointestinal disorders

Lentibulariaceae
Pinguicula alpina L. Érba del tagl (B) Leaves (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) on wounds and against Herpes.
OBB466-AV Érba del tai (L, VF, VT)

Pinguicula leptoceras Rchb. Érba del tagl (B) Leaves (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) on wounds and against Herpes.
OBB467-AV Érba del tai (L, VF, VT)

Liliaceae
Lilium martagon L. Fiór de la pasció;; dal Signór (L) Flowers (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) on burns and sores
sores; crushed (to rub) for arthritis,
OBB468-AV Giglio de prà, Gigl (VT) rheumatism and gout.

Linaceae
Linum usitatissimum L.  Li; (B,
B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Seeds Med: oil (to drink) to facilitate the parturition, against whooping-cough and
OBB469-AV Linósa (L, VD, VT) urogenital tract inflammation;
inflammation decoction with flour or oil (poultice) on infected
wounds, burns, for urogenital tract inflammation, ssore throat, bronchitis and as
emollient; infusion (to drink) as antiphlogistic, hypotensive, diuretic, laxative
and for stomach disorders. Alim: ingredients of bread.
Med: oil (to drink or poultice) for urogenital tract inf
inflammation and to

47
 facilitate the parturition of cows
cows.

Lythraceae
Lythrum salicaria L. Leaves (fresh) Med: tincture (to drink) as astringent
astringent.
OBB470-AV

Malvaceae
Malva neglecta Wallr. Málva (B, L, S, VD, VT) Flowers and leaves Med: fresh leaves (to chew) as odontalgic;
odontalgic flower decoction (compress) on
OBB471-AV Málvia (VD, VF, L) (fresh or dried) wounds, sores, tooth abscess; flower infusion or decoction (to dri
drink, to inhale,
gargles, poultice, enema or bath) as anti-inflammatory,
anti depurative, laxative,
emollient, for stomach ache and cough; flower and leaf
le infusion (to drink) as
digestive; flower infusion (to drink or compress) for
fo vaginal and urogenital
tract inflammations and haemorrhoids; flower decoct
decoction (to inhale) against
cold; fresh leaves (poultice) on haematomas and burns
burns.
Med: flower decoction (compress) for
fo eye inflammation of cows.

Malva sylvestris L. Málva (B, L, S, VD, VT)
OBB472-AV Málvia (L, VD, VF)
Malvia selvadiga (VD)
Flowers and leaves Med: flower decoction (compress) for eczema, haematomas, sty and thrush;
(fresh or dried) crushed leaves (poultice) on insect bites and as healing;
he leaf infusion (bath) to
facilitate the parturition and for eczema; flower and leaf decoction (to drink)
against whooping-cough and as diuretic; flower infusion (to drink
drink) against
cough, throat and gastrointestinal inflammations; fflower infusion (to drink or
inflammations. Alim: fresh leaves
compress) for vaginal and urogenital tract inflamma
ingredients of soups.
Med: fresh leaves or infusion in the mash of cows against
agains toothache and
as digestive.

Malva verticillata L. Málvó; (B,

B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Flowers and leaves Med: infusion (compress) as analgesic for little fracture;
fractur decoction (gargles)
OBB473-AV (fresh or dried) for gingivitis; infusion (to drink or compress) for vaginal and urogenital tract
inflammations and haemorrhoids.
Med: infusion (compress) for mastitis and rhagades
rhagades; decoction (to drink)

48
 as galactagogue for cows.

Melanthiaceae
Veratrum album L. Malám (B) Roots (fresh or dried) Med: decoction or salve (to rub) for sheep mange
mange; decoction (to drink) as
OBB474-AV Èrba dal diául (L) digestive for cows.

Moraceae
Ficus carica L.  Fic (B,
B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh) Med/Alim: an ingredient of jam as laxative.
OBB475-AV

Oleaceae
Fraxinus excelsior L. Frášn (B) Leaves (fresh or Med: decoction (to drink) against gout;
gout infusion (to drink) as diuretic.
OBB476-AV Frascen (B, S, VD, VT) dried)
Frascian (VF)

Olea europaea L.  Ulíf (B, VD, VF, VT) Leaves and fruits Med: decoction (to drink) as hypotensive;
hypotensive oil (compress) for earache.
Olía L; Ulía (VD, VT) (fresh)
OBB477-AV

Orchidaceae
Nigritella nigra Rchb.f. Moréti, Morétino, Moréto (B, L, S, VD, Aerial parts (dried) Alim: flavouring in sweets.
sweets
OBB478-AV VF, VT)
Man de la madona (B)
Manina de la Madòna, Ma
Ma; del Signór (L)
Fior neir (VF)

Oxalidaceae
Oxalis acetosella L. Pa; del Siñor (B, VF) Aerial parts (fresh) Med/Alim: snack as diuretic and digestive.
OBB479-AV Pan cuc (B, VD, VT)
Pa; del angel, Pa;; e vi; ,
Pan del cucù (VF)

Paeoniaceae
Paeonia officinalis L.  Pónia (B) Roots (dried and Med: infusion (to drink) against asthma
asthma.

49
OBB480-AV minced)

Papaveraceae
Chelidonium majus L. Érba di por (B, VD, VF, VT) Latex Med: against wart and corns.
OBB481-AV Erba de li veruca (VD, VT)
Erba de li rugula (VT)

Fumaria officinalis L. Aerial parts (dried) Med: decoction (to drink) as depurative;
depurative decoction (compress) for skin
OBB482-AV inflammations and milk-crust
crust.

Papaver rhoeas L. Madonín (B) Flowers (fresh) Med: petal infusion (to drink) as sedative.
OBB483-AV Papaver (B, VD, VF, VT)
Papáiar (L)

Pinaceae
Larix decidua Mill. Láreš (B, L, S, VD, VT) Flowers (fresh) Med: resin (poultice with lard) on nipple rhagades, wounds, little fractures
OBB484-AV Láraš (VF) Resin revulsive. Alim: flowers as flavouring in grappa; resin as
and sprains, and as revulsive
Lar
á B; Lar
é (L, S, VD, VF, VT) chewing gum.
Med: resin (poultice) as revulsive for cow’s hoof inflam
inflammations.

Picea excelsa (Lam.) Link P

(B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Young shoots (fresh), Med: shoot syrup (to drink) against cough and sore throat;
throa resin
OBB485-AV resin (suffumigations) for sinusitis;
sinusitis resin (poultice) as healing, revulsive, for little
fractures, rheumatism, haemorrhoids, rhagades, stomatitis. Alim: resin as
chewing gum.
Med: resin (poultice) forr cow’s nipple inflammations.

Pinus cembra L. ; émbro (B, VD, VF, VT) Resin, seeds Med: resin (poultice) for skin inflammations, wounds and as revulsive.
OBB486-AV gémbro (L, S) Alim: seeds as snack or ingredients of cake and sauces.

Pinus mugo Turra Muf (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Young cones and Med: cone syrup or macerations in grappa (to drink) against bronchitis,
b
OBB487-AV Pin (VF, VT) shoots (fresh) cough, sore throat, as expectorant; decoction (to drink)
d against cough; cone

50
 Bègiola (L) decoction
ction (gargles) for throat inflammations; cone and shoot infusion (to
a expectorant. Med/Alim:
inhale) against sore throat; shoot salve (to rub) as
shoots as flavouring in jam against cough.

Pinus sylvestris L. Téol (B, VF) Resin, buds (fresh) Med: resin (poultice) as revulsive;
revulsive bud syrup against cough; bud infusion (to
OBB488-AV Tíul (VF) drink) as balsamic.
Teul (VD, VT)

Plantaginaceae
Plantago alpina L. Plantána (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves (fresh) Med: infusion (compress) on burns, wounds and as antihemorrhagic.
OBB489-AV

Plantago lanceolata L. Plantána (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) on haematomas, bruises and as healing;
he infusion (to
OBB490-AV drink) as expectorant.

Plantago major L. Plantána (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) for haemorrhoids
haemorrhoids, wounds, sores, insect bites, skin
OBB491-AV inflammations (e.g. acne), bruises, haematomas, sprains,
spr as anti-inflammatory
and antibacterial (e.g., whitlow); sap or infusion (washes) for eye
inflammations; syrup (to drink) as depurative, expectorant, recostituent and
againstbronchitis; sap (to drink) as anti-hemorrhagic;
anti infusion (to drink) for
intestinal disorders. Alim: an ingredient in salads.
Alim: fresh or boiled in the mash of pigs and rabbits.

Plantago media L. Plantána (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Leaves (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) for haemorrhoids
haemorrhoids, wounds, sores, insect bites, skin
OBB492-AV inflammations (e.g. acne), bruises, haematomas, sprains,
spr as anti-inflammatory
and antibacterial (e.g., whitlow); sap or infusion (washes) for eye
inflammations; syrup (to drink) as depurative, expectorant, recostituent and
againstbronchitis; sap (to drink) as anti-hemorrhagic;
anti infusion (to drink) for
intestinal disorders. Alim: an ingredient in salads.
Alim: fresh or boiled in the mash of pigs and rabbits.

51
Poaceae
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Érba gremeña (B) Roots (dried) Med: infusion or decoction (to drink) as diuretic, depurative
depur and for urinary
OBB493-AV Erba plata (VF) tract inflammations.

Hordeum vulgare L.  Domé
a (B, VD) Seeds Med: decoction (poultice or to drink) against bronchitis and cold; flour
OBB494-AV Doméa (L) (poultice) on insect bites. Med/Alim: soups as galactagogue. Alim:
Orz (L, S, VD, VF, VT) ingredients of coffee.
Dumé
a (VF, VT) Alim: seeds in the mash of cows.
Mach (VF)

Panicum miliaceum L.  Méj (B) Seeds Med: decoction (poultice) against bronchitis.
bronchitis Alim: ingredients of soups.
Migl (L, VD, VF) Alim: seeds in the mash of cows.
OBB495-AV

Secale cereale L.  Sé
el (B, S, VD, VF) Seeds Med: flour (poultice) for vaginal inflammation;
inflammation flour (poultice with butter)
OBB496-AV Sé
al (L, VF) on burns. Alim: ingredients of bread and coffee.
Séal (L) Med: flour (poultice) on rhagades.
rhagades
Alim: seeds in the mash of cows.

Triticum sp.  Mak (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Seeds Alim: ingredients of bread and soups.
OBB497-AV Frùment (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Alim: seeds in the mash of cows.
Formént (VD, L)

Zea mays L.  Granturc (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Flowers (fresh), Med: stigmas infusion (to drink) as diuretic
diuretic. Alim: seeds as ingredients of
OBB498-AV Scarfogl (L) seeds bread and soups.
Sc’píga (L) Alim: seeds in the mash of cows.

Polygonaceae
Fagopyrum esculentum Moench  Farina neira (B) Leaves (fresh), seeds Med: leaf infusion (to drink) to improve blood circulation.
circulati Med/Alim: flour
OBB499-AV Formentó; (L) with milk as recostitutive. Alim: flour as an ingredients in polenta and
gnocchi.

52
Polygonum bistorta L. Leaves (fresh) Alim: an ingredient in rolls with ricotta
OBB500-AV

Rheum rhabarbarum L.  Rabarbar (VD, VF) Leaves and stems Med: leaf decoction (to drink) as digestive, depurative and hypotensive.
OBB501-AV (fresh) Med/Alim: stems as an ingredient in jam as laxative and cholagogue;
flavouring in liqueurs as digestive. Alim: stems as an ingredient in sweets.

Rumex acetosa L. An; í
ola (B, VF) Aerial parts and stems Med: aerial parts (to chew) for scurvy;
scurvy aerial part infusion (gargles) for
OBB502-AV An; í
ula (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) (fresh) mouth inflammations (gingivitis, aphtha and little wounds). Med/Alim:
Pa; e vi; (B, VF) diuretic and vitaminizing aerial parts as an ingred
ingredient of raw salad and soups.
Pan cucch (B, L, VF) Alim: stems as snack.
Li ží
ola (L) Alim: aerial parts in the mash of cows.

Rumex alpestris Jacq. Pancúch, cígola

cígola da pra (L) Leaves (fresh) Alim: as snack with salt or sugar.
OBB503-AV
Rumex alpinus L. Limöria (B, L, VD, VF) Leaves and stems Med: leaves crushed (poultice) for burns, menstrual pains,
pain colic and
OBB504-AV Limöira, Lavaz (B, VF) (fresh) circulation disorders;; leaf infusion (to drink) as depurative and against
agains anemia.
Limöera (S) Alim: stem as snack and as an ingredient in jam and sweets.
Med: boiled leaves in the mash as digestive for pigs and cows; infusion
with M. chamomilla as astringent for cows
cows.

Polypodiaceae
Polypodium vulgare L. Féles dól
a (B) Rhizome (fresh or Med: decoction (to drink) as sedative and purgative
purgative. Alim: fresh as snack.
OBB505-AV Radš dól
a (B, VF, VT) dried)
Riš dól
a (L)
Raš dól
a (VD)

Primulaceae
Primula veris L. Primola, Galet (B) Flowers (fresh), Med: flower infusion or decoction (to drink) against whooping-cough, gout,
OBB506-AV Fior de san giusef (VD) roots (dried) as sedative and diuretic; root decoction (to drink) as expectorant; root
Calet (VF) haematoma. Alim: flower
decoction (compress) for bruises, rheumatism and haematoma

53
 as snack and as an ingredient of sweets, salads and soups.

Ranunculaceae
Aconitum napellus L. Malàm (B) Leaves (fresh) Med: (to chew) as odontalgic.
odontalgic
OBB507-AV Mapél (B, VF) Med: decoction (to drink) as digestive for cows.
cows
Fior da li vipara, Mapèl da li vipera (L)

Pulsatilla vernalis Mill. Caròoma,

oma, Fior da l òrz, Flowers (fresh) Med: smelled as remedy against headache
headache.
OBB508-AV Gigámbola dal lòf (L)
Cigamula (VD)

Ranunculus bulbosus L. Visigánt (L) Aerial parts Med: crushed (poultice) as revulsive (e.g., sciatica) an
and as odontalgic.
OBB509-AV Ranuncòl (VD) and roots (fresh)

Ranunculus glacialis L. Érba chamocéjra, Erba de camosc (B, VD) Aerial parts (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) for eye inflammation
inflammation; decoction in water or wine
OBB510-AV Èrba camoicéira, Èrba camocína (L) (to drink) against stomach ache and tertiary fever.
fever

Rosaceae
Agrimonia eupatoria L. Aerial parts (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as hypotensive, astringent,
ast depurative, cholagogue,
OBB511-AV sedative and for sore throat; crushed (poultice) against headache; decoction
(compress) for dermatitis.

Alchemilla xanthochlora Rothm. Érba štéla, Málva salvádi

salvádi
a (B) Leaves (fresh and Med: infusion (to drink) for pharyngitis and menst
menstrual pains.
OBB512-AV Málvia selvádia (L) dried)
Alchemula (VT)

Aruncus dioicus (Walter) Fernald Buds (fresh) Alim: ingredients of risotto,

risotto soups and omelettes.
OBB513-AV

Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Bianc de špín (B) Flowers and leaves Med: flower and leaf decoction or infusion (to drink) as sedative, digestive,
OBB514-AV Špín (VD) (fresh), root (dried) cardiotonic, hypotensive; root decoction (gargles) for mouth inflammations.
Biancospín (S, VD, VT) Med/Alim: flower as ingredients in liqueurs and grappa as digestive.

54
Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC. Cispeir (VD) Flowers (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) as cardiotonic, antispasmodic, hypotensive and
OBB515-AV sedative.
Cotoneaster integerrimus Medik. íšpa (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh) Alim: to eat as snack.
OBB516-AV

Fragaria vesca L. Mažóštri (B) Fruits (fresh) Alim: to eat as snack or as an ingredient in jam and sweets; flavouring in
OBB517-AV Maiostra (S) grappa.
Fraer (B, VD, VF, VT)
Frl (L, S, VD, VT)
Flr (VF)

Malus domestica Borkh.  Pom (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh), seeds Med: seed decoction as digestive. Med/Alim: fresh fruit for

OBB518-AV hyperchlorhydria

Potentilla erecta (L.) raeusch. Roots (dried) Med: decoction (drink) as astringent; infusion (compress) for epistaxis.
OBB519-AV

Prunus avium L. ríža (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (dried), seeds Med: peduncle decoction (to drink) as diuretic; heated seeds (compress) as
OBB520-AV rižina, Cirisch (B) antirheumatic. Med/Alim: flavouring in liqueurs as digestive.
Ceréa (L, S)
Sceregia, Sciresa (S)

Prunus persica (L.) Batsch  Pérsich (B, VD) Flowers and leaves Med: flower decoction (to drink) as purgative; leaf decoction (to drink) as
OBB521-AV Prugn (VF) (fresh) febrifuge.

Prunus spinosa L. Brúmol (B, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh),leaves Med: bark and root decoction (to drink) against hypermenorrhea; fruits (to
OBB522-AV Brugn selvadic (B, S, VD, VF, VT) (fresh), bark and root eat) as laxative. Alim: fruit as flavouring in grappa, syrup, liqueurs, sweets
Brúgna (L) (dried) and as an ingredient in jam; toasted leaf tea.

Rosa canina L. Špi; de fró; ola (B) Fruits (fresh or dried), Med: flower decoction (compress) on rhagades, wounds, burns, sores;
OBB523-AV Róa salvádia (L) flowers (dried), leaves flower (poultice) on rhagades. Med/Alim: flowers as an ingredient in liqueurs

55
 Špi; de anfró; ula (VF) (dried) as laxative; leaf and fruit infusion (to drink) as vitaminizing, expectorant,
Rosa selvadega (VF) depurative, against anaemia, cold, sore throat. Alim: fruit as an ingredient in
Fró; ola, Fró; ula (B) risotto and jam.
Anfró; ula (VF)

Rubus fruticosus L. Móra (B, S, VD) Fruits (fresh) Med: syrup (to drink) against cough and sore throat. Alim: to eat fresh or
OBB524-AV flavouring in grappa.

Rubus idaeus L. Ampómola (B) Fruits (fresh) and Med: leaf infusion (to drink) to facilitate the parturation; leaf salve (to rub)
OBB525-AV Ampómula (L, VD, VF) leaves (dried) for haemorrhoids. Med/Alim: fruits as snack, as an ingredient in jam and
Ámpas, Ámpasc (L) sweets, flavouring in grappa and dishes of meat as mild laxative, refreshing
Ampoma (S) and enriching in vitamin C. Cosm: fruits crushed (poultice) for dry skin.

Sorbus aucuparia L. Tmlí; (B, VD, VF, VT) Fruits (fresh) Alim: an ingredient in jam.
OBB526-AV Tmòl e Tmòlí; (VF)

Rutaceae
Ruta graveolens L. Érba rú
a (B) Leaves (fresh) Med: oil (to drink) for nervous disorders and abdominal colic; oil (to rub) on
OBB527-AV digestive Med/Alim: flavouring in grappa as
wounds; decoction (to drink) as digestive.
digestive.

Salicaceae
Populus nigra L. Piop neir (VF) Buds (dried) Med: salve (to rub) on haemorroids.
haemorroids
OBB528-AV Pianta tremula, Piopp (VD)

Salix alba L. Salic (B, VT) Bark (fresh) Med: macerations (to drink) against fever;
fever tincture (compress) as
OBB529-AV Salicia, Selicia (VD) antirheumatic and as healing.
Salesch (S, VD, VF)

Scrophulariaceae
Euphrasia rostkoviana Haine Aerial parts (fresh or Med: infusion (compress) for eye inflammations.
OBB530-AV dried)

56
Verbascum thapsus L. Táso barbáso, Tabac mat, Fior d’orso (B, Flowers and leaves Med: flower infusion (to drink) against coug
cough and as expectorant, astringent
OBB531-AV S) (fresh or dried), root and disphoretic;; flower oil (to rub) on chilblains, burns, warts, hemorrhoids;
Coreda, Barbassi (VD) (dried) flower and leaf infusion (enema) for constipation; root decoction (to drink) as
Tas (VD, VT) diuretic. Cosm: flower decoction (to rub) to lighten hair.
hair
Med: leaf infusion (to drink) against cow’s cough.
cough

Veronica beccabunga L. Aerial parts (fresh or Med: infusion (to drink) as diuretic and cholesterol lowering.
OBB532-AV dried)

Solanaceae
Hyoscyamus niger L. Érba de Sánta Apolónia (B, S, VT) Flowers (dried), Med: flower infusion (compress) or seed infusion (fumigations) against
OBB533-AV leaves (fresh), seeds toothache; crushed leaves (poultice) on sores
sores; oil (compress) for rheumatism.

Solanum dulcamara L. Dulchamara (B) Bunches (dried) Med: decoction (to drink) as anti-diabetic
anti and depurative.
OBB534-AV

Solanum tuberosum L.  Tartúfol (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Tuber (fresh) Med: slice of raw potato on the forehead against headach
headache and sinusitis, on
OBB535-AV the cheek for toothache, and on the inflamed eyes; crushed (poultice) on burns
and warts; infusion (to drink) against cough. Alim: an ingredient in several
dishes.
Med: potato boiling water against diarrhoea of cows.
cows

Tiliaceae
Tilia platyphyllos Scop. Tigl (B, L, S, VD, VF, VT) Flowers (dried) Med: infusion (to inhale) against cold, bronchitis and sore
s throat. Med
OBB536-AV /Alim: infusion (to drink) against cold, cough, as expectorant,
expecto sedative,
digestive and diaphoretic.

Trilliaceae
Paris quadrifolia L. Leaves (fresh) Med: crushed (poultice) for eye inflammation
inflammations.
OBB537-AV

Urticaceae

57
Parietaria officinalis L. Aerial parts (dried) Med: decoction (to drink) as diuretic and depurative
depurative. Cosm: infusion to
OBB538-AV wash hair.

Urtica dioica L. Ortí
a, Urtí
a (B, S, VD, VF, VT) Aerial parts (fresh or Med: fresh aerial parts (nettling) as galactagogue and as
a antirheumatic; fresh
OBB539-AV Ortía (L) dried), roots (fresh) (poultice) against epistaxis;; infusion (to drink) for anaemia and as depurative,
mineralizing,, diuretic, digestive, expectorant. Med/Alim: aerial parts as an
ingredient in gnocchi, risotto,
risotto soups, omelettes as depurative, diuretic and anti-
rheumatics. Alim: aerial parts as an ingredient in liqueurs. Cosm: macerations
or infusion (compress) against loss of hair and dandruff.
dan
Med: fresh aerial parts (nettling) as galactagogue for goats; roots
(poultice) for throat infections;
infections in the mash of hens to stimule the egg
production.

Urtica urens L. Ortí
a, Urtí
a (B, S, VD, VF, VT) Aerial parts (fresh or Med: fresh aerial parts (nettling) as galactagogue
galact and as antirheumatic; fresh
OBB540-AV Ortía (L) dried), root (fresh) (poultice) against epistaxis;; infusion (to drink) for anaemia and as depurative,
mineralizing,, diuretic, digestive, expectorant. Med/Alim: aerial parts as an
ingredient in gnocchi, risotto,
risotto soups, omelettes as depurative, diuretic and anti-
rheumatics. Alim: aerial parts as an ingredient in liqueurs. Cosm: macerations
or infusion (compress) against loss of hair and dandruff.
dan
Med: fresh aerial parts (nettling) as galactagogue for g
goats; roots
(poultice) for throat infections;
infections in the mash of hens to stimule the egg
production.

Valerianaceae
Valeriana officinalis L. Flowers and leaves Med: root decoction (to drink) against cramps;
cramp leaf and flower infusion (to
OBB541-AV (dried), roots (fresh or drink) for tachycardia, headache, colitis and as se
sedative.
dried)

Violaceae
Viola tricolor L. Vióla del pnséjr (B, VD, VF) Aerial parts (dried) Med: infusion (to drink) against bronchitis, as diuretic and laxative; infusion

58
OBB542-AV Viòli di pra (S) (compress) for skin inflammations.
Violeta (VD)

FUNGI
Agaricaceae
Macrolepiota procera (Scop.Fr.) Singer Mazza tambur (VD) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB543-AV Umbrela (B) dried)

Albatrellaceae
Albatrellus confluens (Alb. et Schw.Fr.) Fong del pan (B) Basidiocarp (fresh) Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
Kotlaba & Pouzar
OBB544-AV

Lycoperdaceae
Calvatia gigantea (Batsch) Lloyd Pét dal lóf, Pólvara di fóch (L) Basidiocarp (fresh or Med: dried and minced (poultice) for burns. Alim: ingredients of several
OBB545-AV dried) dishes and an accompaniment.

Calvatia utriformis (Bull.: Pers.) Jaap Pedeluf, Pet de luf, Li lofa (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Med: dried and minced (poultice) for burns. Alim: ingredients of several
OBB546-AV Fong blanc, Pólvara di fóch (L) dried) dishes and an accompaniment.
Puìna (VD)
Pet de stria, Pét dal lóf (VD, VF, VT)

Boletaceae
Boletus edulis Bull.: Fr. Fo; ch feréjr (B, VD, VF, VT) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB547-AV Fo; ch (S) dried)
Porcin (VD, VF, VT)

Leccinum aurantiacum (Bull.) S.F.Gray Gamba grigia (B, VD, VF, VT) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB548-AV Cambiacolor (B) dried)

Leccinum scabrum (Bull.: Fr.) S.F. Gray Gamba grigia (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB549-AV dried)

59
Suillus grevellei (Klotzsch: Fr.) Singer Fong del laresc, Laregin (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB550-AV dried)

Cantharellaceae
Cantharellus cibarius var. cibarius Fr. Fo; ch persi
í; , Chantaréla (B, VF) Basidiocarp (fresh or Med: tincture (friction) as antirheumatic. Alim: ingredients of several dishes
OBB551-AV Capelina (B, S, VD, VT) dried) and an accompaniment.
Finferlin (L)
Persighin (B, S, VD, VT)

Coprinaceae
Coprinus comatus (Müll.: Fr.) Pers. Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB552-AV dried)

Morchellaceae
Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. Spungiola (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB553-AV dried)

Russulaceae
Lactarius deterrimus Groger Fong del sang (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB554-AV dried)

Lactarius deliciosus (L.: Fr.) S.F. Gray Fong del sang (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB555-AV dried)

Russula vesca Fries Colombina (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB556-AV Rusich (VF) dried)

Russula aurea Pers. Colombina (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB557-AV dried)

Russula cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr. Colombina (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB558-AV dried)

60
Russula mustelina Fries Colombina (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB559-AV dried)

Tricholomataceae
Calocybe gambosa (Fr.) Donk Fong de la saeta (B) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes and an accompaniment.
OBB560-AV dried)

Armillaria ostoyae (Romagn.) Herink Chiodin (B, L, VD, VT) Basidiocarp (fresh or Alim: ingredients of several dishes aand an accompaniment.
OBB561-AV dried) Med: in the mash of cows as digestive.

Permaliaceae
Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. Lichn (B, S, VD, VT) Thallus (dried) Med: decoction (compress) against bronchitis
bronchitis; decoction (to drink) as
OBB562-AV Lichan (L, VF) whooping-cough remedy; tincture (compress) on wounds and acne; infusion,
Nícal (L) decoction with milk, water or syrup (to drink) for gastric
g pains, cough,
Nichel (VD) bronchitis, sore throat, as expectorant, digestive and reconstitutive. Alim:
boiled and flavouring in liqueurs.
Med: infusion (to drink) against cough and sore throat
throat; decoction (to
drink) as depurative, and reconstitutive, administered to cows after calving as
anti-inflammatory. Alim: boiled in the mash of pigs
pigs.

Ŷ = cultivated species, Ɣ = purchased species; = human use, = veterinary use; B = Bormio, L = Livigno, S = Sondalo, VD = Valdidentro,
VF = Valfurva, VT = Valdisotto; Med = medicinal use, Med/Alim = medicinal food use, Alim = alimentary use, Cosm = cosmetic use. The
underlined sentences refer to abandoned
ed uses, the other
other-ones refer to current uses.

61
Table 3

Factor informant consensus (Fic) index related to the agreement on species used to treat diseases of different systems among respondents living in Alta Valtellina.

Number of Number of
Disease category Fic
citations species

Diseases of the digestive system 2044 92 0.96

Diseases of the eye and adnexa 202 10 0.96

Diseases of the nervous system 492 26 0.95

Diseases of the respiratory system 1184 62 0.95

Mental and behavioural disorders 20 2 0.95

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue 460 27 0.94

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue 954 65 0.93

Diseases of the circulatory system 532 42 0.92

Certain infectious and parasitic diseases 262 30 0.89

Diseases of the genitourinary system 454 55 0.88

Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases 90 15 0.84

Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium 34 12 0.67

62
Table 4

Main treatments based on medicinal plants used by Alta Valtellina people expressed as simple percentage (%).

Main therapeutic indications Number of citations %

Digestive ailments 974 27.4

Bronchopulmonary disorders 682 19.2

Sedative 422 11.9

Emollient 190 5.4

Eye inflammations 178 5.0

Wound and burn remedies 174 4.9

Keratolytic 156 4.4

Diuretic 150 4.2

Blood cleansing 146 4.1

Bruise remedies 124 3.5

Hypotensive 86 2.4

Urogenital disorders 82 2.3

Abdominal discomforts 76 2.1

Odontalgic disorders 66 1.9

Antirheumatic 46 1.30

63
Table 5

The top 20 species for which the inhabitants of Alta Valtellina indicated the highest fidelity.

Number of uses
Species Fl Number of uses
UM UR Main use never documented
(%)
Abandoned Current in alpine areas
Achillea moschata Wulfen 100 328 328 Digestive

Artemisia umbelliformis L. 100 110 110 Digestive

Chelidonium majus L. 100 94 94 Keratolytic

Valeriana officinalis L. 100 74 74 Sedative

Pinus mugo Turra 99.8 158 160 Against cough

Artemisia genipi Stechm. 95.9 142 148 Digestive

Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. 90.0 162 180 Against cough

Gentiana lutea L. 86.4 76 88 Digestive

Gentiana punctata L. 82.0 82 100 Digestive

Melissa officinalis L. 81.6 62 76 Sedative

Hypericum perforatum L. 78.2 36 46 Against burns

Matricaria chamomilla L. 76.6 210 274 Sedative

Sambucus nigra L. 75.6 136 180 Against cough

Eye anti-
Solanum tuberosum L. 75.0 60 80
inflammatory
Malva neglecta Wallr. 73.8 59 80 Emollient

Allium sativum L. 72.3 68 94 Hypotensive

Larix decidua Mill. 72.2 78 108 Healing

Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg. 70.5 124 176 Cleansing

64
 Thymus sp. 70.5 103 146 Against bronchitis

Arnica montana L. 70.1 201 286 Against bruises

Fl, Fidelity level; UM, use-mentions; UR, use-reports

reports = number of informants that mention a given species during the interviews.
cosmetic use; food use; medicinal use; medicinal food use; veterinary medicinal
medi use; veterinary food use.

65
Fig. 1. Location and general data of the Alta Valtellina including Stelvio National Park area (yellow).

Fig. 2. Human and veterinary uses no longer practised and still existing in Alta Valtellina.

Fig. 3. Number of species (plants, mushrooms and lichens) in each recorded category of use.

66
Figure
Figure
Figure
*Graphical Abstract (for review)