Conexões interculturais do povo kokama e a valorização do saber tradicional: o uso de planatas medicinais na comunidade de porto praia, médio solimões

Abstract

In the Médio Solimões region, medicinal plants are fundamental in the treatment of illnesses,reflecting traditional knowledge passed down through generations. This study aims to describe the practices of using medicinal plants in the Porto Praia community, highlighting the therapeutic knowledge developed by both the holders of this knowledge and the users who benefit from these practices. The research was conducted in two stages. First, a literature review was performed on the use of medicinal plants in riparian and indigenous communities in the Amazon. Next, a field study was carried out in the Porto Praia community, where observations were made and interviews were conducted with open and closed-ended questions directed at local residents. The study also provides an overview of the community, including its geographical location, demographics, and main economic and sociocultural activities. Additionally, the text discusses the legal framework regulating indigenous health in Brazil,particularly in the state of Amazonas, analyzing the relationship between these policies and the use of medicinal plants in riparian communities. The challenges and opportunities for integrating traditional medicine into public health services are also addressed. The qualitative analysis of the interviews revealed the community's knowledge of the healing power of medicinal plants and the trust placed in traditional practices. Residents' testimonies indicate the effectiveness of plant-based treatments and the relevance of these practices for community health, especially in light of difficulties in accessing formal healthcare services. The coexistence of traditional and conventional medicine is a crucial element in the community's healing practices, highlighting the challenges faced by residents in this context. Thus, the study underscores the importance of traditional knowledge for the well-being of the Porto Praia community and advocates for the recognition and integration of these practices into public health systems. The potential of medicinal plants is emphasized as a sustainable and culturally relevant alternative for health care in the riparian communities of the Amazon.