Advancements in Ethnobotanical Sciences 2 3 2026 09 30 Antipyretic Medicinal Plants Used by the Nasa People: An Ethnobotanical Study in the Colombian Andes 10 16 10.34172/jaebs.2026.16 EN Gisela Mabel Paz-Perafán https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9674-4180 Journal Article 10.34172/jaebs.2026.16 2026 07 12 2026 09 23 Background and Objective: The Nasa people of the Colombian Andes possess rich traditional knowledge concerning medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses. This study aimed to document the medicinal plants traditionally used for fever management among Nasa communities and to characterize their botanical diversity, preparation methods, and modes of administration. Methods: The study was conducted in the Jambaló Indigenous Territory of the Colombian Andes, predominantly inhabited by Nasa and Misak communities, at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 3,800 m above sea level. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews, direct field observations, and four field expeditions conducted in August 2016 and between March and July 2025. Medicinal plant specimens were collected, taxonomically identified, and deposited at the Herbarium of the University of Cauca (CAUP). Information on scientific nomenclature, habitat, geographic distribution, and traditional medicinal uses was documented and compared with the Colombian Vademecum of Medicinal Plants and relevant scientific literature Results: A total of 18 medicinal plant species belonging to 12 botanical families were identified as Seven medicinal plant species belonging to four families were documented as traditionally used for fever management among the Nasa people. Asteraceae was the most represented family, with three species (42.9%), followed by Verbenaceae with two species (28.6%). Infusion was the most frequently reported preparation method and mode of administration, being documented for five species (71.4%). Other reported practices included poultices, herbal baths, and the topical application of plant gel. Conclusions: This study documents a diverse set of medicinal plants traditionally used for fever management among the Nasa people and highlights the cultural importance of Indigenous knowledge in maintaining information on medicinal plant resources. Systematic documentation of such knowledge may contribute to the preservation of culturally important plant resources and provide a basis for future investigations into the phytochemical composition and biological activities of the documented species.