Caracterização do perfil de uso de plantas medicinais por crianças menores de dois anos no município de Palmas - TO

Abstract

The use of some medicinal plants in children's health care aims to reduce the symptoms of typical childhood diseases and prevent them from getting worse, however, their indiscriminate use can cause harmful health effects, such as liver and kidney problems, intoxication and infections. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the use of medicinal plants by children aged 0 to 2 years, in Palmas, TO. Interviews were carried out, via telephone calls, through a previously elaborated questionnaire. There was a predominance of families residing in the urban area (90.09%) who had an income below 4 minimum wages (79.24%), a high rate of maternal unemployment (41.44%), a high prevalence of use of medicinal plants in infants (63.06%). The most mentioned plants were chamomile (28%), lemon balm (18.7%), fennel (14%), capim santo (14.7%) and mint (8.7%). It is concluded that the use of the medicinal plants analyzed can bring risks and benefits to the child's health and it is up to health professionals to guide mothers and family members about their use.