Nursing students knowledge on use of medicinal plants as supplementary therapy

Objective: To identify the knowledge of nursing students on the use of medicinal plants as a complementary therapy to health care. Methods: Qualitative research conducted through semi structured interviews with eight nursing students from a Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in October 2012. In thematic content analysis, three categories emerged: "I learned from my family", "I acknowledge the importance of medicinal plants" and "I use plants at home, but do not recommend its use in the practical field". Results: The knowledge of students regarding the use of medicinal plants is of popular source. Insecurity has been observed amongst undergraduates as to their agency as future professionals orienting in the guidelines regarding the use of medicinal plants, pointing to the need of advances in the nursing education. Conclusion: Highlights the need to review the nursing syllabuses in order to contemplate the subject, as a mean of promoting health and comprehensive care.