Etnobotânica: uso de plantas medicinais no município de Pombal-PB.

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants is a widespread tradition in diverse populations, adding therapeutic information of each region, accumulated over many generations. In particular for many communities that has that kind of knowledge, and thus of great interest in ethnobotany. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the ethnobotanical point of view, the use of medicinal plants in the city of Pombal, Paraíba, Brazil. Data collection was promoted by a field survey, which was conducted through questions with structured questionnaires, descriptive character with a qualitative approach. Of the total respondents, 85% reported dealing with medicinal plants, against 15% who reported not treat, which reinforces the idea that people living in the city studied using herbal medicine as a way to cure their illnesses. Were cited cited 27 species used in curing diseases that affect humans. The most cited species were mint (Mentha sp.), Lemon Balm (Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown.) And Macela (viscous Egletes (L.) Less.). For treatment of humans, it has been reported using various parts of the plant, and different preparation methods with different therapeutic purposes. The leaves and bark were the most used parts and infusion, steeping the main form of use. Among the therapeutic indications mentioned, include: diseases associated with respiratory, anti-inflammatory indications, hypertension, soothing and diseases associated with the digestive system. Note that the residents are in possession of a vast empirical knowledge related to ethnobotany and the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes is striking, showing that the popular use of medicinal plants is significantly inserted in the social and cultural spheres of this municipality.