Medicinal plants, popular knowledge, and the biological clock of the human body

the educational experience of therapeutic practices in an extension project

Abstract

In line with the 2030 Agenda, this teaching and extension project promoted educational actions in the field of health and of medicinal plants, encouraging the exchange of experiences among professionals, the academic and non-academic community, in order to promote the construction of a collaborative learning network in the targeted territories. This initiative contributes to the guidelines of the National Policy to Integrative and Complementary Practices and the principles of Continuing Education in the Unified Health System (SUS). Practically, the project values popular knowledge in the use of medicinal plants in the preparation of teas, syrups, creams, ointments, tinctures, and artisanal soaps, encouraging the natural and safe use of these plants. The construction of an educational biological clock, associating medicinal plants with the times of highest activity of the organs in the human body, facilitates the community’s access to information on the cultivation and use of medicinal plants for the treatment of specific diseases. Furthermore, the project responds to the needs of the region by promoting interaction between the university, the Health Pastoral, and the community, integrating teaching, extension, and social development. Practical activities, such as demonstrations of cultivation techniques and seedling production, identification and handling of species, preparation of culinary recipes and cleaning products with plants, and production of skin creams, provide practical and relevant learning for the community.