Uso popular de plantas medicinais em um município do norte gaúcho

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants is a common therapeutic practice in Brazil, often preferred or complementary to traditional pharmacological therapies due to the high price of medications, the generational culture of plant use, and the low risk of adverse effects. Objective: To describe the popular use of medicinal plants in the municipality of Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: Qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research, using semi-structured interviews and a sociodemographic questionnaire, with participants selected by convenience and consent. The content of the interviews was recorded, transcribed on a digital platform, and analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis. Results: A total of seven participants were interviewed, all female, aged between 49 and 76 years, who use medicinal plants. All of them use teas and share plants and knowledge with family and community members, and most participants obtain the plants through their own cultivation. Regarding the use of medicinal plants and herbal remedies in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), participants stated that professional training, public awareness, and investment in projects are necessary. Conclusions: Participants emphasized the importance of a health practice that considers the popular use of medicinal plants, through the training of health professionals and public awareness of these complementary integrative practices, which do not replace traditional health treatments but enhance forms of care and community belonging within the territory. Keywords: Primary Health