FOSTERING THE LIVE PHARMACY BASED ON POPULAR EDUCATION IN A RURAL AREA OF PARAIBA STATE, BRAZIL

Abstract

Objective: To share an experience of popular education in health held in agrarian reform areas in Paraiba state, Brazil, that enabled the rescue and use of medicinal plants by local communities. Experience Report: This study aimed to rescue the popular knowledge on the use of medicinal plants to be shared in a group of community caregivers, as well as to foster the development of living pharmacies in three settlements of Paraíba State. This course was developed by the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST) in collaboration with residents of Community and Family Medicine of Federal University of Paraíba between September 2011 and October 2012. The methodology of alternating pedagogy was used based on the theoretical framework of popular education. Workshops were held periodically with the trainees to collectively build the concept of health, hence establishing the course outline based on a health diagnosis. One of the themes prioritized by the group was the rescue, socialization and strengthening of the popular use of medicinal plants. Workshops on knowledge sharing, identification of medicinal plants, production of herbal medicines were carried out, among others. Conclusions: These debates led to the creation of two groups of women aiming the development of herbal medicines, and thus contributing to the consolidation of living pharmacy in these communities. DESCRIPTORS Plants, Medicinal. Rural Health. Landless Worker Movement. Rural Settlements.