Medicinal Plants in Primary Health Care: knowledge, attitudes and practices among rural healthcare workers in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To investigate health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of medicinal plants in Primary Health Care (PHC). Methods: This exploratory qualitative study employed cartography as a methodological framework and involved 15 semi-structured interviews with health workers from a rural Family Health Strategy team in Patrimônio da Penha, Espírito Santo, Brazil. An interview guide was used to assess participants’ knowledge and acceptance of medicinal plant use, considering the principles established by the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices and the National Policy on Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines. Analytical categories were developed from the themes that emerged from participants’ narratives. Results: Challenges related to work organization and management continue to hinder the integration of medicinal plants into Primary Health Care. Participants demonstrated a broad understanding of health and expressed positive attitudes toward the use of medicinal plants. However, they reported experiencing fragmented and disease-centered work processes, which contribute to these practices being perceived as parallel to established clinical protocols. Dialogue circles emerged as a valuable strategy for strengthening community engagement, fostering active listening, enhancing communication skills, and promoting knowledge exchange. Conclusion: Although health workers recognize and accept the use of medicinal plants, important challenges remain regarding professional training, work organization, and the institutionalization of these practices within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Strengthening collective spaces for dialogue and continuing professional education may contribute to a broader and more effective integration of medicinal plants into health care practices.