Ajloun Governorate is rich in unique plant diversity, making it home to many medicinal and aromatic plants that have been associated with human life since ancient times. Among the most notable is the Khalla plant, known for its therapeutic properties and widespread presence in various natural and agricultural areas of the governorate.
اضافة اعلان
The Director of Agriculture in Ajloun, Engineer Sitan Al-Sarhan, said that Ajloun is distinguished by its great plant diversity due to its geographical nature and moderate climate, which has contributed to the spread of many medicinal and aromatic plants of environmental and economic value.
He added that the Khalla plant is among the species found in forested areas and agricultural lands in the governorate, stressing the importance of preserving vegetation cover and protecting wild plants from overgrazing and random uprooting to ensure their sustainability for future generations.
For his part, heritage researcher Dr. Abdullah Al-Qudah said that the Khalla plant has been present in the cultural heritage of Ajloun residents for decades, as its use has been linked to many traditional remedies passed down through generations to benefit from its natural properties.
He noted that knowledge of wild plants and their properties was part of the prevailing cultural practices in Ajloun’s villages and towns, where generations passed down experience in dealing with these plants and benefiting from them in various aspects of daily life
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In turn, Dr. Muath Al-Qudah confirmed that the Khalla plant contains in its fruits a substance called “khellin”, a natural compound used in the production of certain medications for various therapeutic purposes, reflecting the long-standing medical importance of this plant.
He added that decoctions of Khalla fruits are used as a sedative for renal colic, as they help relax the ureter muscles, facilitating the passage of small kidney stones. It is also considered a diuretic.
He noted that medical studies have indicated its effectiveness in some uses related to heart diseases and whooping cough, while stressing the necessity of using it under medical supervision and not as a substitute for prescribed medication.
Additionally, Ashraf Al-Momani, a local herbal shop owner in Ajloun, said there is demand for the Khalla plant due to people’s traditional awareness of its benefits and its various uses in folk medicine.
Member of the “Environment Unites Us” initiative, Muhannad Al-Samadi, emphasized that medicinal and aromatic plants represent an important part of the biodiversity that characterizes Ajloun Governorate, calling for greater community awareness of the importance of preserving them.
