HERBAL MEDICINES IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE: ACTIVITIES DEVELOPED BY THE EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR HEALTH WORK WITH PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Abstract

Objective: To report on an educational activity concerning healthcare performed with a group of patients with chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) in primary health care. Material and Methods: In the perspective of integration between teaching-service-community, students from the Universidade Federal da Paraíba and a primary health care professional identified a need for approaching the use of herbal medicines to this portion of the population with CNCDs. The students and professional are part of the Family Health Strategy and participate of the Education Program for Health Work integrated into a Primary Health Care Unit in the municipality of João Pessoa (Brazil). The activity encompassed demonstrative and dialogue-based modalities. In order to meet the therapeutic needs of the target audience, most of the herbs chosen have been reported to have hypotensive and diuretic effects, as follows: artichokes, insulin plant, rosemary, alfalfa, garlic, boldo, carqueja, horsetail (cavalinha), olive tree, bauhinia tree and cashew tree. Results: 21 patients with diabetes or blood hypertension participated in this experience. They are registered in the Hiperdia Program (a program to register and monitor outpatients with hypertension and diabetes). The discussion with the users about proper orientations is indispensable for the correct and reasonable use of herbal medicines; their preparation, their contra-indications and indications are essential for the health of this population. Conclusion: Herbal medicine is an alternative resource, very useful in primary healthcare programs. The use of herbals is recommended as a complementary therapy in the Family Health Strategy, so that it encourages a reflection on other ways of care. DESCRIPTORS Plants, Medicinal. Chronic Diseases. Primary Health Care.