Profile for use of herbal medicines in the municipalities of Volta Redonda and Barra Mansa/RJ

Abstract

Herbal constitute a form of complementary therapy on health needs. Their use has grown in population in several countries, including Brazil, where the federal government encourages the use of herbal treatments in the public health system. Given the current scenario of the search for natural treatments, this study aimed to characterize the use of herbal medicines in the districts of Barra Mansa and Volta Redonda/RJ. The expectation is that the information gathered will assist municipal actions for the implementation of herbal medicine in public health. It was observed that most herbal medicines marketed is sold by prescription. The acquisition focuses on monodrogas anxiolytic action, with the Passiflora incarnata L. present in 14,29 % of the marketed formulations. The inserts of the highest-selling herbal medicines contain legal wording regulated by ANVISA. Among the users interviewed, 70% reported using herbal medicines, mostly female (68%), without having a specific economic pattern, aged 19 and 30 years, with a degree of complete or incomplete higher education. Of these, 31% use herbal or prescription for self medication and believe that herbal medicines are not toxic, can make good health.