Conhecimento e utilização de plantas medicinais por idosos usuários de Estratégias de Saúde da Família de Palmeira das Missões, RS

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants and phytotherapics has been recommended to meet the demands of Primary Health Care in Brazil. Thus, this research investigates the knowledge and use of medicinal plants by elderly users of Family Health Strategies in Palmeira das Missões, RS. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews with 70 people who mentioned 67 species. The 15 plants with the highest Use Value of the species (UVs) were analyzed for recommended uses and adverse effects. Achyrocline satureioides, Matricharia chamomilla, and Plectranthus barbatus were the most cited plants. The predominant medicinal uses are associated with the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, endocrine (metabolic and nutritional) systems, and psychological status. Respondents have an average age of 69.9 years, and there was a predominance of women, people with hypertension and/or diabetes, and who combine medicines with medicinal plants. The results demonstrate the importance of medicinal plants in the lives of communities, highlighting the need for health care services to offer guidance on the safe and appropriate use of the species.