A Química dos chás: Um diálogo entre a etnoquímica e os saberes populares em clube de mães

Abstract

The practice of teas production is a cultural heritage and its emergence aligns with the emergence of humanity. A practice that runs through all social levels of society and is intergenerationally disseminated. Used for various purposes, especially medicinal. However with the technological revolution this practice has been losing space, and with the recommendations of the official documents of Brazilian education, in order to value this knowledge and discuss them in the school environment, this reflection is necessary. The research sought to establish a relationship between popular knowledge involved in teas production and scientific knowledge. Therefore, we used the research methodology of qualitative approach, exploratory in relation to its character and participant in relation to its procedures. Being developed in the city of Campina Grande - PB in a club of mothers, provided as data collection instrument two semi-structured questionnaires, and the record in audiovisual resources and field diary. The data were analyzed according to the Bardin technique and showed that the participating subjects make use of about 30 different medicinal plants for the preparation of teas. This knowledge is passed down from generation to generation, and there is a concern that it is being forgotten through technological advancement and the overvaluation of science. Women's speeches reveal aspects of chemistry, and with the workshop this popular knowledge could be optimized and valued.