Natural resource use in traditional community for the treatment of diarrheal diseases in children from the Northeast of Brazil

Abstract

Based on the prevalence of diarrheal diseases in childhood, it is essential to know the types of plants or animals involving the practices of traditional medicine in their treatment. This research aimed to identify plants and animals used by mothers or caregivers for the treatment of diarrheal diseases in children and show the ways of use. The research was conducted in Santo Antonio Community (Barbalha - CE). For data collection, the techniques of “Rapport” and “Snowball”, a closed questionnaire application and a semi-structured interview were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (simple and percentage rate) and the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). Within the 21 mentioned types, there are highlighted: Egletes viscous (L.) Less Plectranthus barbatus Andrews and Psidium guajava L., with its RFC: 0.40; 0.38 and 0.33, showing the teas as a form of traditional predominant use.