Uso de plantas medicinais pela população idosa do município de Avelinópolis-Go

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants is one of the oldest forms of medicinal practice of mankind. About 80% of the world population depends on traditional medicine for their basic health needs and almost 85% of traditional medicine involves the use of medicinal plants, their plant extracts and their active principles. The use of medicinal plants is as old as the human being himself. The consumption of medicinal plants is based on the family tradition, becoming a widespread practice in folk medicine, being considered complementary or alternative therapy for the promotion of health. The purpose of this study was to verify the consumption conditions, the types of use and the main medicinal plants used by the elderly population served in the Family Health Strategy of the city of Avelinópolis - Goiás. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out with quantitative approach and analysis based on descriptive statistics. It was carried out with the elderly population of the municipality of Avelinópolis - Goiás, served in the Family Health Strategy (ESF). The study was carried out with 139 elderly individuals enrolled in the FHS of the municipality of Avelinópolis - Goiás, where the patients were approached in their homes and in the ESF. Data collection was done through a questionnaire with objective questions, containing 21 questions. The majority of the elderly make use of and have knowledge about medicinal plants, focused especially in the treatment of some pathologies. Very often they use it. The influence on the use of these plants is through family and friends, and their way of obtaining in most studies is by their own plantation, thus demonstrating that popular culture still prevails in this age group and region of Brazil. It is important that the knowledge and rational use of medicinal plants are made available to the general population, especially the elderly, highlighting the ways of cultivation, harvesting and the best way of using each medicinal species, further instigating their use, within discernments that prevent harm to health.