Medicinal plants used in child care in southern Brazil

In many cultures throughout the world, mostly in developing countries, medicinal plants play an important role in the maintenance of people’s health. Despite this, some plants can be inherently toxic. People are not generally well-informed about this risk, and the concept that natural means safe prevails. Considering the associated risk of the misuse of medicinal plants, children represent an even more vulnerable group than adults. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the local knowledge of medicinal plants related to child care by mothers and care takers in a district of Criciuma, Southern Brazil. An ethnobotanical household survey was carried out with 42 mothers or care takers through open interviews, and botanical samples of the plants they used were gathered. The information collected about traditional knowledge was compared with references cited in Normative Instruction n°5 journal, and other scientific literature in order to evaluate similarities and differences. A total of 18 plant species were mentioned. Information on 83% of cited plants were found in the scientific references. 51% of therapeutic uses matched the literature guidelines. There was an absence of indications and restrictions for use with children for 34% of mentioned plants. The use of medicinal plants can be considered an important element in the maintenance of local knowledge and culture. This practice also represents an affordable therapeutic option, in communities where poverty and a lack of access to modern medicine are prominent factors. Just like other medicines, medicinal plants may have side effects however, and administration to children should be performed with careful attention.   Key words: Ethnobotany, local plant knowledge, medicinal plants, children.