The aim of this study was to perform a survey of medicinal plants used by the community of São José de Espinharas, Paraíba State, Brazil, in order to record and preserve the folk knowledge. The adopted methodology was based on semi-structured interviews, with participating observations, botanical material collection and identification, and voucher preparation, resulting in a list of 82 species of 38 different families. The following information was provided: folk and botanical nomenclature, therapeutic application, used plant part, forms of use, method of preparation and treated diseases. Roots (30%) constituted the part most frequently used and syrup (32%) was the predominant method of preparation. The knowledge of uses and methods of preparation are generally handed down in the family (85%). Based on those results, there is an interaction of the local population with the flora and its use is related to social, economical and cultural aspects and environmental changes.
traditional medicine; herbal medicine; São José de Espinharas; Paraíba
