Folk medicines of Kizilcahamam district

When studies made on folk medicines in Turkey are examined, it is determined that there is not a detailed study upon Kızılcahamam district of Ankara. Therefore, folk medicines of Kızılcahamam are studied by carrying out scientific trips to the region in years 2007 and 2008. In consequence of the surveys by using field interview method, 64 species (69 taxon) which belongs to 59 genus of 32 families are determined to be used as folk medicines. In addition, even if just a bit animal and other sourced folk medicines are determined to be used in the region. Plants from Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae families are determined to be used most as folk medicines in Kızılcahamam. Plants are mainly used for gastrointestinal system and respiratory tract diseases in the region; it is observed that genitourinary system, rheumatism, cardiovascular system diseases follow them. Approximately 83% of the plants that are used as folk medicine are used internally, the rest is used externally. 32% of them are used (internally or externally) without any processing. The others are mainly used by preparing like tea (infusion or decoction). Eight of the plants determined in the region are determined to be used as a folk medicine first time in Turkey. Furthermore, new usages of 16 plants are met other from known usages. In 41% of the villages which scientific trips carried out, it is determined that nobody is using or interested in folk medicines. Thus, it is arised once again that folk medicines are dissapearing rapidly. For this reason, folk medicine studies are needed to be done quickly in all the regions primarily aiming at not studied regions.Keywords: Kızılcahamam, Folk Medicines, Ankara, Medicinal Plants.