CORRECT AND RATIONAL USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AND HERBAL MEDICINES IN PRIMARY CARE: THE EXPERIENCE OF RIO DE JANEIRO’S CITY

Introduction and Objective: The technical area of Integrative and Complementary Practices of Rio de Janeiro’s city works with the schools, health professionals and users of primary care's units to develop the following actions: cultivation of medicinal plants, health care and pharmaceuticals in herbal medicine, health education and continuing education. These actions are intended to ensure the people the correct and rational use of medicinal plants and herbal medicines. Method: The cultivation of medicinal plants is carried out in the garden of a model farm where it is produced vegetable raw material for the preparation of herbal medicine by the pharmacy, located in the Municipal Hospital Raphael de Paula Souza. It also provides seedlings of medicinal plants and herbs for the implementation of gardens in primary care's units and local schools. Results and Conclusions: Health education is one of the main activities performed in primary health care units and municipal schools. The objectives are appreciation of traditional knowledge, guide users on the correct cultivation and use of medicinal plants, prepare teas, syrups and shampoo for lice, as well as handmade soaps and aromatic sachets that can later be used as a source of income. In addition, training is provided to health care professionals for use, dispensing and prescription of medicinal and herbal plants. The use of medicinal plants and herbal medicines is an important complementary strategy in primary care, with great dialogue with the schools of the territory, expanding the knowledge and the correct use by the public and health professionals.