Cuidar Uma Prática Ancestral

Abstract

Self-care within the Black population is deeply rooted in ancestral practices, such as the use of medicinal plants to promote health, balance, and well-being. These traditional knowledges have been passed down through generations, often as a form of resistance in the face of exclusion from formal healthcare systems. Herbs like lavender, boldo, rue, rosemary, and ginger are used in healing rituals, herbal baths, teas, and spiritual cleansings that connect the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Valuing the traditional use of medicinal plants means recognizing the importance of the knowledge held by Black and quilombola communities in building accessible, natural, and culturally integrated healthcare practices. However, it is essential to combine this ancestral wisdom with scientific knowledge and professional guidance to ensure the safe and conscious use of plants.