Use of medicinal and food plants to combat COVID-19 in traditional communities in the municipality of Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

The crisis of the new coronavirus triggered many collapses, both in health, in the economy and in all social sectors. Faced with the lack of public health policies, traditional populations culturally resort to phytotherapy and self-care. Thus, based on their perception of the disease, these subjects develop prevention and treatment strategies against COVID-19. Thus, the present work consisted of investigating information about the perception and coping with COVID-19 in two traditional communities in the city of Abaetetuba, Pará. Methodologically, questionnaires were applied to residents and representatives of the localities to obtain an overview of COVID-19 and the strategies adopted to combat the disease. In total, 18 questionnaires were applied, 7 in the Ramal do Piratuba community and 11 in Ilha do Capim. It was noticed that non-pharmacological methods, such as social distancing and the use of food and medicinal plants, were applied in the localities to combat COVID-19. Eighteen species of plants were cited, including garlic (Allium sativum L.), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) used mainly to increase immunity and treat psychological damage caused by the pandemic. Most of these species are bought at fairs and herb shops, few are cultivated. Therefore, care for traditional communities is essential so that the culture and ethnobotanical knowledge of these peoples remain between generations.