Plantas medicinales, su uso en afecciones respiratorias en comunidades rurales, provincia Los Ríos – Ecuador

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been the basis of traditional medicine at all times, the relationship between plants and humans has underpinned knowledge for use in rural popular sectors, becoming an alternative to health care. The objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of respiratory diseases in rural communities in the southern part of the province of Los Ríos. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted; the data were obtained through surveys of 191 heads of household and older adults responsible for their family's health care. It was found that 100% of the population studied, uses plants to prevent or relieve respiratory conditions at some point in their lives; among the plants of greater consumption is eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), air leaf (Kalanchoe pinnata), lemon (Citrus Limon), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), llantén (Plantago major L.). The controlled respiratory diseases were: cough, flu, sore throat, colds, tonsillitis, nasal congestion, among others; 61.1 % use them to cure the condition and 21.2 % as a means of prevention; the dose and time of use varies depending on the condition treated, ranging from 1 to 4 times a day, with treatments for up to 15 days, as symptoms decrease. In conclusion, most families use medicinal plants, for the relief of symptoms and respiratory diseases.