“SMOKING WITH JUREMA HERBS”: RITUALISTIC AND MEDICINAL POTENTIAL OF PLANTS IN AN UMBANDA TERREIRO

Abstract

The present study aimed to inventory the plants with medicinal and liturgical potentialities in the Terreiro de Umbanda Vovó Firmina de Nagô e Caboclo da Pedra Branca. The research investigated the function and use of these plants in religious practices, taking into consideration their phytotherapeutic aspects. The article also highlights the association between the plants and the spirits and ancestral Orixás that manifest themselves in the Terreiro. Data collection was carried out using semi-structured forms and through a guided tour to collect botan- ical material. Fifty-one plant species with medicinal and ritualistic potential were mentioned, including rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), rue (Ruta graveolens L.), lavender (Lavandula officinalis Chaix), Saint George’s sword (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain), guinea (Petiveria alliacea (Jacq.) Schott), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), benzoin (Styrax benzoin Pohl), boldo (Coleus barbatus (Andrews) Benth), jurema herb (Acacia jurema Benth.) and alevante (Mentha gentilis L.). The plants are used in smoke, offerings, spiritual passes, oracular consultations, as well as in the preparation of baths, teas, potions and incantations offered and applied therapeutically in the community. It was possible to perceive that plants are associated with the spirits and ancestral Orixás that manifest themselves in the terreiro, representing and making alive the presence of the spiritual guides among the faithful present in the religious ceremonies.