PHYTOTHERAPY AND INTEGRATIVE SELF-CARE ACROSS THE FEMALE LIFE CYCLE: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT ON HEALTH EDUCATION, EVIDENCE, AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants as ancestral and complementary therapeutic practice has gained recognition in promoting women's health. In Brazil, it is legitimized by public policies of the Unified Health System (SUS), such as the National Policy on Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapeutics (PNPMF). In line with this, the WHO Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine (2025–2034) promotes the safe and holistic integration of integrative practices, aligned with One Health and sustainability. Women's health requires comprehensive care that considers physiological, emotional, and social aspects. In this context, phytotherapy can contribute to managing conditions present at different life stages, such as hormonal acne, premenstrual tension (PMT), endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), lipedema, and climacteric symptoms. However, its use requires professional guidance to prevent toxicities and drug interactions. The university extension project at UERJ involves students, faculty, and the community through active methodologies such as discussion circles, tincture preparation, foot baths, and the making of teas and herbal salts, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific evidence, promoting learning, conscious consumption, female autonomy, and demystifying taboos surrounding perimenopause, as well as contributing to the training of future health professionals.