Botanical medicine for women’s health is under-researched & severely underfunded.
Introducing: Plants for Women’s Health
BPRA is launching a groundbreaking multi-phase initiative to advance women’s health through whole-plant research. Despite the growing consumer demand for botanical medicine, women's health remains drastically under-researched—especially in the realm of traditional and plant-based approaches. This five-year project will build a robust, data-driven foundation for integrating plant-based wellness into mainstream healthcare for women.
Women spend approximately 25%* more of their lives in poor health compared to men, equating to an average of nine years of ill health.
Women make up a significant portion of the direct sales consumer base and are high users of herbal products. In fact, women with chronic disease report being higher users of herbal products and report using herbal products along with prescription medication. Many consumers use prescription, over the counter drugs with herbal medicine and do not disclose their use of herbal products with their medical providers due to several factors- including their providers not asking. The quality of herbal products remains a significant issue along with adulteration and contamination in the industry. Despite the evidence of high prevalence of use, research regarding the patterns and reasons for using herbal products are lacking.
*MCKINSEY CLOSING THE WOMEN’S HEALTH GAP: A 1 TRILLION DOLLAR OPPORTUNITY
Plants For Women’s Health Initiative has the power to transform
The Plants for Women’s Health initiative has the power to transform how women’s health is understood, researched, and treated.
By combining the wisdom of traditional botanical knowledge with the rigor of modern science, we are creating a trusted foundation for non-pharmaceutical options that address some of the most pressing health concerns women face today.
Our work will generate peer-reviewed, openly accessible data that clinicians, educators, and the public can use to make informed decisions about plant-based care. In doing so, we are not only expanding the spectrum of safe, effective treatments available to women, but also honoring the cultural and ecological heritage of the plants themselves. This initiative represents a critical step toward improving health outcomes, reducing inequities, and ensuring that women everywhere have access to validated, natural approaches to wellness.
What We’re Doing
FIRST, LISTEN
At BPRA, we believe that improving women’s health starts with asking the right questions—and then investing in the research needed to answer them. Our work begins with listening: to women’s experiences, to clinicians’ needs, and to the cultural knowledge that has guided plant-based healing for generations. We design national and state-level surveys to understand how women are currently using botanicals, why they choose these options, where they source their information, and what barriers they face in accessing safe, effective care.
SECOND, STUDY
From this foundation, we move into participatory and clinical trials that put the plants most in use—but least studied—into the spotlight. This includes both community-led studies and randomized controlled trials to evaluate safety, effectiveness, and potential for integration into mainstream healthcare.
THIRD, EDUCATE
Education is a cornerstone of our approach. Through the Library for Women’s Health, we are creating an open-access hub where anyone—patients, clinicians, educators, and policymakers—can find peer-reviewed research, practical guidance, and culturally informed resources. By making this knowledge freely available, we empower women to make informed choices and equip health professionals to offer evidence-based, plant-based options.
FOURTH, ADVOCATE
Our work doesn’t stop at research and education—we advocate for public health changes that ensure botanical medicine is recognized as a legitimate, accessible part of women’s healthcare. We partner with leading researchers, universities, and community organizations to ensure that every stage of our process is transparent, collaborative, and driven by the needs of women themselves.
Get involved!
JOIN US!
Are you interested in helping move the needle on Women’s Health? Do you want to be part of the revolution?
You can come to an event or host a fundraising salon in your community! If we want this change all of us have to participate!