O uso de plantas medicinais na comunidade Padaria, Laranjal do Jari, Amapá

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the medicinal plants, their importance, preparation methods and therapeutic applications according to the residents of the Padaria community, located in Laranjal do Jari, Amapá. For this purpose, a structured interview with 11 open-ended questions and two closed-ended questions was conducted with residents of 10 families in the community. A total of 28 medicinal plants used by the interviewees were registered. Most residents considered the use of medicinal plants as something “important” or “very important” for health, since their use in the form of teas, compresses or infusions was more accessible to treat illnesses than other resources from hospitals and drugstores, and because the plants are easily obtained from family members. Although the use of plants is widespread among families, there is still a considerable lack of knowledge about their side effects. This study highlights the importance of local wisdom and the preservation of traditional knowledge about medicinal plants in the Padaria community. Continued research is necessary to ensure the dissemination of this knowledge.