O uso de plantas medicinais pela população usuária dos Centros de Referência de Assistência Social (CRAS) de Ituiutaba,MG

Abstract

Medicinal plants, known for their therapeutic properties, play a key role in healthcare, especially within traditional communities, where they have been used to treat various conditions since ancient times. Although the use of these plants has increased in Brazil, many still lack scientific validation, which poses a challenge for public health. In this context, this ethnodirected study, with a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional approach, aimed to analyze the habits and use of medicinal plants by elderly individuals assisted by the Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) in Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais. A total of 99 semi-structured questionnaires were applied, and 84 participants reported using medicinal plants, most of them women aged between 60 and 75 years. Fifty-four different species were identified, with lemongrass, mint, boldo, turmeric, ora-pro-nóbis, ginger, and fennel standing out. Tea was the most common preparation method. The plants were mainly sought for their sedative effects and for the treatment of mental disorders and colds. Some misconceptions were observed regarding the use of Aloe vera and the use of guava (Psidium guajava) and mango (Mangifera indica) plants in ways that differ from those recommended by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. This study highlights the importance of understanding the use of medicinal plants in communities, especially among the elderly, and their impact on public health. It also emphasizes the relevance of integrating academic knowledge with traditional practices to guide communities toward the safe and proper use of medicinal plants.