o:8782 Mentha piperita L. in the context of urban ethnobotany - a case study from the Niš District Mentha piperita L. у контексту урбане етноботанике - студија из Нишавског округа en sr Abstract: Mentha piperita L. (peppermint), a widely recognized medicinal and aromatic plant, holds significant ethnobotanical value in traditional healthcare practices across the Niš District of southeastern Serbia. This study explores the local knowledge, cultural relevance, and practical applications of M. piperita based on an online survey conducted among residents, primarily from urban areas of the region. Data collection focused on preparation methods, therapeutic uses, frequency of application, and socio-demographic patterns of knowledge transmission. The findings reveal that M. piperita is predominantly used generally as a favorite hot beverage (95%), against gastrointestinal disorders (69.5%), and respiratory issues (43.5%). The plant is primarily used in the form of infusion or essential oil, with notable seasonal variations in use and collection. The documented uses of M. piperita in the Niš District affirm its ongoing relevance and provide a foundation for further pharmacological and phytochemical studies. This research underscores the importance of preserving traditional plant knowledge and supports the integration of ethnobotanical practices into broader public health and conservation strategies. Keywords: Mentha piperita, ethnobotany, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory issues, Niš District 1552100 978-86-903786-2-3 2025-12-21T22:23:06.318Z 44 yes 46 Jovana D. Ickovski 46 Slobodan A. Ćirić 46 Katarina D. Stepić 46 Radomir D. Ljupković 46 Aleksandra S. Đorđević 46 Marija S. Marković 0000-0002-6070-6844 46 Vesna P. Stankov Jovanović application/pdf 3962483 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8782 no yes 16 70 92000004 71A07 Ethnobotany : book of abstracts / Third conference about medicinal and wild-growing edible plants, Pirot, Serbia, June 26 - 28. 2025. 113 115 Истраживачко друштво "Бабин нос", Темска, Пирот, Институт за шумарство, Београд, Штампарија "Свен", Ниш 2025