o:8783 Traditional use of wild aromatic herbs as spices in southeastern Serbia Традиционална употреба ароматичних самониклих биљака као зачина у југоисточној Србији en sr Abstract: Aromatic wild herbs have played an essential role in traditional cuisines and folk practices across the world. This ethnobotanical study investigates the traditional use of wild herb specifically Origanum vulgare L. (wild oregano), Mentha spp. (wild mint), and Thymus spp. (wild thyme) - as culinary spices in the Niš District of southeastern Serbia. Data was collected through an online survey, focusing on harvesting practices and culinary applications. The results indicate that these herbs are commonly harvested in late spring and early summer, dried naturally, and used to season dishes such as meats, cheeses, stews, and herbal teas. Beyond flavoring, the herbs are also associated with health-promoting properties, such as aiding digestion and boosting immunity. Out of the total 47 respondents, 17 reported using harvested wild herbs as spices, from which 5 reported using wild oregano, 7 reported using mint and 5 reported using thyme. The rest of the respondents stated that they use commercially available spices. Traditional knowledge about using wild herbs is gradually declining due to changes in lifestyle and the market availability of commercial spices. This study highlights the need to document and preserve ethnobotanical heritage related to wild aromatic herbs used as spices in the area of the Niš District, which benefits both health and culinary practices. Keywords: Origanum vulgare, Mentha spp., Thymus spp., spices, ethnobotany, Niš District 1552100 978-86-903786-2-3 2025-12-21T22:34:53.074Z 44 yes 46 Slobodan A. Ćirić 46 Jovana D. Ickovski 46 Katarina D. Stepić 46 Radomir D. Ljupković 46 Tijana V. Jovanović 46 Marija S. Marković 0000-0002-6070-6844 46 Vesna P. Stankov Jovanović application/pdf 3936890 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8783 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. 116 118 Истраживачко друштво "Бабин нос", Темска, Пирот, Институт за шумарство, Београд, Штампарија "Свен", Ниш 2025