CONSUMPTION OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS COLLECTED FROM NATURE IN BAYBURT

Turkey has quite a rich variety of products in terms of medicinal and aromatic plants. Because of the therapeutic properties of these plants, it has been known to be used since human history. Medicinal and aromatic plants are used for cosmetic industry or as a foodstuff in addition to their therapeutic properties. Therefore, its economic importance is increasing every day. A very medicinal and aromatic plant in the province of Bayburt is cultivated by farmers, besides in the mountainous regions and in the highlands, it is spontaneously formed and consumed by the citizens of Bayburt. In particular, it is observed that plants that spontaneously form in nature are widely collected and consumed. With this paper, it is tried to understand how and for what purpose these natural and medicinal plants are consumed by consumers. In the study findings, it is seen that plants are consumed mostly for food purposes and then for medical purposes. The most collected plant is the labada plant. Consumers believe that these plants are natural, organic, safe, healthy and curative. Therefore, these plants quickly become the subject of business and marketing.