This article examines the knowledge and use of herbal medicines by physicians in the Family Health Strategy at Caicó, state of Rio Grande do Norte (Northeast Brazil). This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach carried out with nine physicians in January and February 2011 using semistructured interviews. The data were subjected to thematic content analyses: the respondents' profiles; the physicians' knowledge about herbal medicines, and the use such physicians made of herbal medicines. Most respondents (77%) reported knowing herbal medications and recommend them to Strategy users; however, knowledge on this topic was limited. Sixteen herbal medicines were mentioned, with the highest applicability rate for Ansiopax and Calman, prescribed for anxiety disorders and insomnia. The importance of having integrative, complementary practice approaches in place in undergraduate healthcare courses was evident, as was the need for investments in training human resources, by offering continuing education in health and ensuring basic support (physical and structural) for the deployment, maintenance, and consolidation of the National Policy for Medicinal and Herbal Plants.
herbal medicines; community medicine; training of human resources; Family Health Program
