The Use of Medicinal Plants by Migrant People: Adaptation, Maintenance, and Replacement. (9th November 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Medeiros, Patrícia Muniz de; Soldati, Gustavo Taboada; Alencar, Nélson Leal; Vandebroek, Ina; Pieroni, Andrea; Hanazaki, Natalia; de Albuquerque, Ulysses Paulino
• Other Names: Ladio Ana H. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2011-11-09
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/807452
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : Given the importance of studying the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of migrant communities to understand the dynamics of plant resource use, we reviewed the scientific literature concerning the use of medicinal plants by migrant populations engaged in international or long-distance migrations. We considered the importance of two processes: (1) adaptation to the new flora of the host country (i.e., substitution and incorporation of plants in the pharmacopoeia) and (2) continued use and acquisition of the original flora from migrants' home countries (i.e., importation, cultivation, and/or continued use of plants that grow in both host and home environments). We suggest that, depending on the specific context and conditions of migration, different processes that determine the use and/or selection of plants as herbal medicines may become predominant.