Medicinal plants and rural health

The purpose of this study is to document knowledge and practices regarding medicinal plants used by survivors of the armed conflict in Caquetá, from an intercultural perspective of the right to health.

The presence of armed groups, forced displacement, the dominance of extractive economies, and the use of herbicides to eliminate illicit crops have fragmented the relationship of the communities with their territories. The communities, in turn, resist such violence recognising that land is their main source of life and well-being.

In this sense, the use of medicinal plants suggests a relationship of mutual care with the land and an alternative to the limited presence of health services in the regions affected by armed violence. In addition, the recognition of this knowledge is essential for the formulation of health policies for rural regions, in particular, for the guidelines of the rural health plans contemplated in the peace agreement. This project involves members of peasant communities, indigenous groups, and former combatants.