Saberes que curam: levantamento sobre plantas medicinais e proposta educativa

Abstract

This work focuses on the theme of popular knowledge related to the use of medicinal plants, considering their cultural importance and their role in health care, especially in Brazilian rural communities. The purpose of the study was to conduct a bibliographic survey on the practice of using medicinal plants, highlighting the relevance of the dialogue between traditional and scientific knowledge, as well as proposing an educational action aimed at promoting the safe use of these practices. The methodology adopted is qualitative, of the bibliographic review type, based on the analysis of scientific articles, books, institutional and official documents related to the topic of interest. After selection, the studies were analyzed in an interpretive manner, and those most relevant to the research objectives were chosen, which allowed the formation of the synthesis framework. The results show that the use of medicinal plants remains present in communities, transmitted between generations as a form of care and preservation of cultures and traditions. However, the studies also show the presence of challenges related to the inappropriate use of plants, lack of safe guidance, and the devaluation of this knowledge. In this context, an educational proposal was created focusing on health education and the valuing of knowledge, aiming to encourage safer and more conscious practices. It is concluded that the integration of different forms of knowledge is necessary and extremely important for cultural preservation, the promotion of health education, and contributing to the responsible use of medicinal plants