USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR FAMILIES FROM JEQUITINHONHA VALLEY, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of medicinal plants by the families living in the Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais. A descriptive study population-based survey was carried out by sampling of 555 households selected in a simple random way through cluster sampling of 137 census tracts. Of the participants, 73.51% reported the use of medicinal plants; and Mentha x piperita L., Mentha pulegium L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill were the most cited species. Of those who affirmed to use herbs, 48% prepared them by decoction, 46.8% by infusion; 77% said that learned from their parents how to use and prepare the derivatives. It was observed that 90.7% interviewed said the plants were obtained from own backyards; 90.9% used to consume fresh plants and 94.4% said medicinal plants is safe. The use of medicinal plants is common in the studied cities. Thus, there is a need to conduct ethnobotanical research and training of health professionals to promote the rational use of medicinal plants.