Pimpinella anísum use of alternative therapies within attention to maternal and child health

Objective: recognizing, through the literature, the benefits and possible risks of using fennel for the population of pregnant women, infants and children. Methodology: this study has stamp literature, by searching national databases and international in Nursing and retrospective analysis of sources that correspond to articles, books and manuals relevant to the topic. Results: the Pimpinella anisum is a medicinal plant, commonly known as erva-doce, very cultivated and used in the Brazilian Northeast, especially in the states of Paraíba and Pernambuco. Among many indications proven, emphasize that the reference to the attention to maternal and child health, they are: cases of menstrual cramps, cystitis, easy childbirth, stimulates the secretion of milk, stimulates glandular activity that promotes menstruation, helps in the digestive processes and prevent and treat colic in children and newborns. Conclusions: it follows that according to the relevant literature is the use of Pimpinella anisum in the care of women and children, however, it is interesting to develop research in order to further investigate this issue, so that professionals who are interested in using this herbal have more information about the use, dosage, risks, interactions and adverse effects.