Uso de plantas medicinais para tratamento der síndromes respiratórias e suas aplicações por povos indígenas na pandemia da Covid-19

Abstract

Ethnobotanical studies are important to contribute to conservation of biodiversity as well as the knowledge of traditional peoples, who interact constantly and deeply with other living beings, forming their own and unique relationships with nature. This work aimed to evaluate the use of medicinal plants to treat respiratory syndromes, especially by indigenous peoples. It also intented to make analysis fabout medicinal properties of the plants, the parts used and the forms of application as medicines The methodology was based on bibliographic research of data and information, both on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of respiratory syndromes, especially by brazzilian indigenous peoples, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on these populations. In this study, the current pandemic moment was contextualized and highlighted how these people are combating the symptoms of COVID-19 with plants that have been known and used for some time. It was observed that there are groups of plants that are frequently used because they have important medicinal properties, as is the case of plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Both by the information conveyed by traditional media and, mainly, by alternative media, it is possible to verify that the Brazilian indigenous populations are using their traditional knowledge to treat symptoms associated with COVID-19 in order to mantain their resistance and resilience during the pandemic. Future research on this theme, aggregating and systematizing more data and information regarding the use of medicinal plants made by indigenous peoples during the pandemic, may collaborate in building a sustainable future based on a more ecocentric view of the relations between society and nature and subsidized by a scientific paradigm that favors a more systemic and open approach to dialogue between different human knowledge and practices.