Plantas medicinais utilizadas para o alívio da dor pelos agricultores ecológicos do Sul do Brasil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the medicinal plants used by ecological farmers for pain relief in Southern Rio Grande do Sul. This qualitative study was performed with the families of eight farmers, adding up to a total of nineteen participants living in four cities in the referred region. Data collection took place between January and May of 2009. The subjects reported using 48 medicinal plants with analgesic effects, 23 of which had reported evidence supporting their positive effects. Among the referred plants, twelve are included in the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) list for use in humans. No scientific evidence was found for nineteen plants, and two of these were not identified in terms of taxonomy. Medicinal plants can represent an important complementary therapy for population health care, including the treatment of pain, and may be used by health professionals to prevent and promote the clients' health. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]