The use of medicinal plants and the role of faith in family care

Rev Gaucha Enferm. 2017 May 4;37(spe):e68285. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.68285. [Article in English, Portuguese] Lima CAB1, Lima ÂRA1,2, Mendonça CV3, Lopes CV2, Heck RM1. Author information 1 Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Escola de Enfermagem, Programa de Pós-graduação em Enfermagem. Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. 2 Prefeitura Municipal de Rio Grande, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. 3 Prefeitura Municipal de Rio Grande, Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Primário, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Abstract Objective: To understand the use of medicinal plants and the role of faith in the family care system. Method: The adopted methodology is qualitative research, conducted in April and July 2015, in a municipality of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Brazil, with three informants who have knowledge of the healthcare practices. The data were interpreted using interpretive anthropology. Results: Data interpretation led to two categories: Medicinal plants in health care and Care with the use of plants in the blessing ritual. It was identified that the use of plants and faith healing is a particular form of self-care in that given community. The purpose of this practice is to cure people from a biological and comprehensive perspective, involving the body, soul, spirit, and environment. Conclusion: The research revealed that medicinal plants go beyond the merely biological relationship in the family care system. Use of these plants is not based on the principle of buying and selling, but rather on the act of exchanging, giving, receiving, and reciprocating. PMID: 28492737 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2016.esp.68285 Free full text