Plantas medicinais: o uso terapêutico por mulheres privadas de liberdade

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the use of medicinal plants from the women’s perspective deprived of liberty and comparing results with scientific literature. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 27 incarcerated women, through semi-structured interviews sociodemographic characteristics and issues related medicinal plants used was included. This study was approved by the Research Ethics committee (CAAE 68849923.7.0000.5147). Fifty different types of plant species were mentioned, the most cited was lemon balm, mint, cotton and tanchagem, and 25 different purposes of use, the most cited plant species were calming, flu/colds, scarring, urinary infection and menstrual cycle complaints. The most used method of preparation was decoction and the most used part of the plant was the leaf. Plants use commonly were different from those recommended in scientific evidence. Also preparation method was not the most suitable for preparations using leaves. The study points out that phytotherapy is present in the experience of incarcerated women, but guidance and indication of use and preparation by trained professionals is necessary in order to enhance the expected therapeutic effects.