An investigation into the use of phytotherapeutics by older patients frequenting family planning clinics

We sought to examine the use of medicinal plants among older members of the population at family clinics in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Interviews were held in the family clinics themselves, allowing us to identify the levels of knowledge of older citizens concerning phytotherapeutics and to determine their familiarity with the correct use of natural remedies. We found that 88% of the elderly patients used medicinal plants; 52% use them frequently, while only 12% did not use them at all. The medicinal plants most cited were: lemon balm (“Ervacidreira", Melissa officinalis), boldo (Plectranthus barbatus), and lemongrass (“Capimlimão" Cymbopogoncitratus). When asked if the use of medicinal plants was strictly beneficial to one's health, 72% of the interviewees stated that medicinal plants did not have any negative effects. As such, we identified the necessity of orienting health workers to inform their patients about the correct uses and possible side effects of phytotherapeutics.