Women's health and the use of plants: a unique look at health

Eixo temático: Temas gerais com interface à Saúde Única

Abstract

The One Health concept recognizes that the health of humans, animals and the environment are connected and must be worked together. Thus, this work identified, through a survey of cultural knowledge, the plants used for women's health in order to foster a discussion on the use of plants under a sustainable and economic perspective, related to unique health. A questionnaire aimed at women, made available via social media, was applied. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions, following the criteria of the Research Ethics Committee. 59 women who use plants for menstrual cramps (83.05%, n=45), vaginal itching (62.71%, n=37) and/or menopause (15.25%, n=9). For menstrual colic, the most cited plants were chamomile, oregano and ginger; for itching and/or vaginal discharge, aroeira and aloe stood out, and for menopause symptoms the most cited were blackberry and chamomile. Therefore, the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of illnesses that affect women's health can be a therapeutic alternative. Not forgetting that issues related to the environment and human health must be studied together, as the impacts on the environment affect everyone's health.