Plantas medicinais no contexto do ensino médio em uma escola pública do município de Araguanã-MA: um olhar para os conhecimentos culturais e tradicionais

Abstract

Since ancient times, humans have had a deep connection with plants, cultivating and domesticating diverse species for their daily needs. In addition, our ancestors used herbs for their healing properties to treat pain, infections, and promote well-being. In view of the above, the objective of this research was to apply a Didactic Sequence of teaching in a high school in the city of Araguanã, Maranhão, with a view to scientific investigation to diagnose the previous knowledge of these students and use a practical tool, with the construction of a medicinal garden. The research also aims to establish a dialogue about the use of medicinal plants in everyday life, in order to identify how students understand their applicability, function, importance and necessity. To achieve the proposed objective, a case study with a qualitative approach was chosen. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire. The Didactic Sequence was organized in three organized and properly directed moments: (i) application of a diagnostic questionnaire to assess the students' knowledge; (ii) practical activity with the construction of the construction site – during the first two moments, the themes of ethnobotany, botany and phytotherapy were discussed –; (iii) promotion of a tasting event, in which the students of the project presented the qualities of plants and the importance of the conscious use of herbal medicines. The most common form of preparation of medicinal plants mentioned by the participants is tea, with the leaf being the most used part of the plant. Plectranthus barbatus (boldo) was the plant most cited by students due to its benefits for the stomach and liver. Women, especially mothers, grandmothers and older matriarchs, play a central role, being recognized as the main source of knowledge and responsible for the preparation of herbal remedies and the transmission of these traditions. The results highlight the importance of preserving traditional practices for collective health and well-being and highlight the relevance of research that integrates scientific knowledge and popular practices to advance studies on plants