Medicinal plants of the Pilagá of central Chaco

Medicinal remedies of vegetal origin employed by the Pilagá in Central Chaco were studied through collections of plant specimens and interviews with local informants from several villages. Pilagá traditional medicine was mainly of a shamanic nature, yet plants were not completely excluded from the treatment of ailments; medicinal uses of 85 plants were recorded. Their local names, the parts employed, the manner of preparation and administration, and their uses for different illnesses are presented. Some of these remedies appear to be a part of the Pilagá traditional heritage. The employment of other remedies is due to contact with 'Criollo' settlers in the area.