Medicinal plants used for cancer survivors in the treatment and prevention of this disease

Objective: to investigate medical plants used by cancer survivors. Method: it is a descriptive study of qualitative approach. It has been conducted from the data of the research “Resilience as a Strategy of Confrontation for Cancer Survivor”, which it has been approved by the Comitê de Ética em Pequisa da Faculdade de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) under the process No. 36/2009. The individuals of this research were three cancer survivors seen at UFPel School Hospital, who are undergoing medical evaluation after the end of treatment, except for hormone therapy. Results: the interviewed individuals mentioned seven medicinal plants used in the treatment and in the prevention of cancer: babosa (Aloe vera sp), erva-de-lagarto (Casearia sylvestris), noz-pecã (Caraya illionensis), quebrapedra (Phyllanthus niuri), cocão (Erythroxylum argentinum), madressilva (Lonicera sp) and carrapicho-rasteiro (Acanthospermum australe). Conclusion: it has been proved the importance of amplify studies in human beings which can confirm or not the benefits of medical plant in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Besides, it is necessary that the population, the users, the researchers, the health professionals, emphasizing the nurses, get to know in a more detailed and profound way the use of medical plants. Descriptors: plants, medicinal; neoplasms; nursing; patients; oncology service, hospital.