Use of medicinal plants by black women: ethnography study in a low-income community

• Published in: Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P Vol. 48 Spec No; no. spe; pp. 45 - 52
• Main Authors: Rosa, Patricia Lima Ferreira Santa, Hoga, Luiza Akiko Komura, Santana, Mônica Feitosa, Silva, Pâmela Adalgisa Lopes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem 01.08.2014; SciELO
• Subjects: Antropología cultural; Investigación cualitativa; Negros; NURSING; Plantas medicinales; Salud de la mujer; Qualitative research; Antropología cultural; Salud de la mujer; Saúde da mulher; Plants, medicinal; Women’s health; Plantas medicinais; Blacks; Antropologia cultural; Pesquisa qualitativa; Investigación cualitativa; Anthropology, cultural; Plantas medicinales; Negros
• ISSN: 0080-6234; 1980-220X; 0080-6234
• DOI: 10.1590/S0080-623420140000600007

Objective To explore beliefs, values and practices related to the use of medicinal plants among low-income black families. Method The research method was ethnography and the participant observation process was done in a low-income community in the peripheral area of the City of São Paulo. Twenty black women were interviewed. Results Two cultural sub-themes, I do use medicines that I learned to make with my mother and with religious practitioners to care for diseases and Home medicines are to treat problems that are not serious, and the cultural theme I do use home medicines to treat simple diseases because I always have them at my disposal, they are free and I don't need a medical prescription represent beliefs, values, and practices related to the use of medicinal plants among low-income black families. Conclusion The development of such practices, which can hide ethnic and social vulnerability, reveals the resilience of low-income black women in the process of confronting problems during the health-illness process.