Herbal Remedies for Skin Diseases in Serbian Folk Medicine: A Review of 19th- and 20th-Century Practices

This study explores Serbia’s rich ethnopharmacological heritage by systematically documenting the traditional use of medicinal plants for treating skin diseases during the 19th and 20th centuries. Drawing on key ethnographic sources—including monographs, scholarly articles, and field reports—the review analyzes historical records of folk medicine practices and their cultural contexts. A total of 164 plant species from 63 botanical families, as well as one mushroom species, were identified as being used in the treatment of skin-related conditions classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care. Reported ailments were grouped into three main categories: hair and scalp disorders, bites, and various inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Remedies for wound healing were the most frequently documented, both in terms of application and diversity of plant species employed. By preserving and systematizing this historical knowledge, the study provides a valuable foundation for future pharmacological and dermatological research, highlighting the continued relevance of traditional remedies in modern clinical practice.