Abstract
The present work taught cross-cutting content of Sciences and Biology to students of Elementary and High School through various versions of the university outreach action “Medicinal Plant Market of the Instituto de Saúde e Biotecnologia: Healing from Plant Biodiversity,” which were carried out interactively and, being a current theme, caught the attention of the population of Coari/AM, who daily use these plants. The main objective of this work was to instill in people the notion of proper use of medicinal plants, especially regarding correct species identification, proper preparation and storage of teas, poultices, infusions, among others, as well as the accurate dosage and administration of these popular medicinal preparations. The secondary objectives were to raise environmental awareness regarding the conservation of these plants in the environment and to encourage the cultivation of medicinal gardens in the homes of Coari residents. The methodology was carried out as described below. University extension students researched the aforementioned topics in books, scientific journals, pharmacopeias, and websites, and then created a brochure with this information, which was distributed during the execution of various versions of the markets. At the locations where these events took place, there were pots containing plants for observation and sensory recognition, as well as teas, infusions, and other popular medicines properly prepared for the population’s access. The results provided the targeted population with proper knowledge about this topic, as well as encouraged environmental conservation and the cultivation of various medicinal species ex situ in home gardens. This led to an improved quality of life for the Coari population, who learned to use the acquired knowledge to correctly produce homemade medicines for sale.
Publisher
Revista Cientifica Multidisciplinar Nucleo Do Conhecimento