Phytotherapy and medicinal plants in the context of primary care of the brazilian single health system

Abstract

Medicinal plants and herbal medicines have been used in Brazil and around the world since ancient times. The introduction of medicinal plants into the SUS began in the 1980s, when some Brazilian cities began to show positive results through local experience and research programs. Since then, great advances have been made regarding the application and expansion of the use of these alternative resources and their introduction within basic health care. The primary health care network is a health system model considered essential in both developed and less developed countries. Several treatments are offered in the Brazilian public health network, which can be classified as medicinal, non-medicinal treatments, such as physical exercise and diet, and alternatives. Public policies are developed and applied to improve patient health care. The PNPMF brought to the SUS the possibility of new treatments for the population, reduced costs and a possible reduction in the lack of medicines in basic healthcare. In this way, this work aims to reflect and recognize the introduction and use of phytotherapy and medicinal plants in primary care within the SUS. Therefore, this study consists of a narrative literature review on the related topic. In the first topic, we will briefly review the introduction of medicinal plants and herbal medicines within the scope of the SUS. In the second, we will portray aspects focused on phytotherapy and medicinal plants in the context of basic health care and their indications.