Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to know the medicinal plants used in self-care by people with cancer in palliative care. Method: this is a qualitative study, of the exploratory and descriptive type. The research was conducted in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, in the participants' homes. Data collection was conducted between June and September 2018. The study participants were people with cancer in palliative care followed-up by the Program of Interdisciplinary Home Hospitalization, in use of medicinal plants. They totaled 20 participants, with 14 having the presence of the caregiver during the interview; she occasionally encouraged them to answer the questions. Results: it was identified that people with cancer in palliative care already used medicinal plants before the illness and continued using them in a search for therapeutic action, both for reducing symptoms caused by late-stage of the disease and for curing cancer. The knowledge of medicinal plants, most of the times, was passed from generation to generation or by friends and, generally, the use of plants is not informed to the health care professionals. Conclusion: the research produced a recovery of the popular knowledge of the species used in palliative care by people with cancer, promoting the comprehension of their habits regarding the use of the plants. Accordingly, the expansion of pharmacological studies related to the plants used for the treatment of signs and symptoms of cancer is essential.
Highlights
The advanced stage of cancer is probably the factor that causes most impact on the quality of life of individuals, which is emphasized by a drop in the functional capacity and by the presence of symptoms caused by the disease or the treatment
It is believed that the quality of life in palliative care goes beyond conventional treatment, being able to incorporate the use of medicinal plants
There is the need for a reciprocal relationship between professionals and users for planning health care, since the use of medicinal plants can interfere in the treatment offered by the health system
Summary
The advanced stage of cancer is probably the factor that causes most impact on the quality of life of individuals, which is emphasized by a drop in the functional capacity and by the presence of symptoms caused by the disease or the treatment. Brazil is slowly advancing, since that in some states there are laws ensuring to users the right to receive palliative care. Under the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS), resolution No 41 was approved in 2018, proposing that palliative care shall be offered anywhere in the health care network.[2] It is believed that the quality of life in palliative care goes beyond conventional treatment, being able to incorporate the use of medicinal plants. In Brazil, in 2006, the Ministry of Health prepared the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares, PNPIC) and the National Policy on Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines (Política Nacional de Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos, PNPMF), aiming at the implementation of these policies in the SUS in order to carry out actions directed to the guarantee of safe access and rational use of plants and herbal medicines in the country, given that 80% of the global population uses plants or preparations.[4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
