Herbalists and herbs in Southeastern Anatolia of Turkey

Abstract

In this study, interview technique (face to face) was used to collect data from 56 herbalists in three provinces of the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey (Mardin, Diyarbakir and Sanliurfa). The main purpose of the study was to determine the education level, learning methods of their job, professional experiences, the parts of the plants used and the problems of the herbalists. The average age of the herbalists were 41,7 and majority of them had a high school diploma. They learned this job mainly from older family members or working at the herbal shop. They mainly obtained their products from local people and wholesalers. Especially spices, food supplements, treatments, cosmetic and weight loss products were sold by herbalists.