Human has been always seeking for beauty of skin and face and the best possible treatments for skin diseases. Indeed, use of medicinal plants is an important approach to treat skin diseases. The present study was conducted to identify effective medicinal plants on skin diseases in Urmia, a city of northwest Iran. This study was done through questionnaire-assisted interview with local people from September, 2014 to January, 2015. First, a complete list of groceries across Urmia was obtained. Then common and effective properties for treatment of skin diseases were generated. The questionnaires consisted of items regarding the grocers’ demographic data and an empty list of native plants and/or items on used parts, the methods of use, and traditional therapeutic effects. After data analysis, 22 plants from 17 families, used for skin healthcare, were generated. Asteraceae and Scrophulariaceae families had most effective plants on skin diseases in Urmia. The plants were mostly used as boiled (56%). Leaves (22%) were mostly used part to treat skin diseases in Urmia. The plants presented in the present study contained bioactive substances and further studies are needed to investigate the efficacy and potential toxic effects of the medicinal plants of use because of the significance of these plants, and a step could be taken to develop natural and effective drugs for skin healthcare.
