Maria Aparecida das Neves is the winner of the 2024 René-Maurice Gattefossé International Prize. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and Sports Psychology and has over 35 years of clinical experience in the field of complementary and integrative therapies. She has been working with this at the Psychiatry institute of Hospital das Clínicas of Sao Paulo.
Maria works and coordinates the Center for Botanical Therapies which is part of the Coordinator of Botanical Therapies of the Complementary and Integrative Care Center (NUCCI) of the Rehabilitation Center and Day Hospital (CRHD) of the Institute of Psychiatry (IPq) of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (HCFMUSP).
She has been using essential oils since 2015 to promote relaxation and well-being, addressing both physical and mental aspects of health through natural pathways. She developed protocols such as aromatic touch—a weekly hand massage with essential oils—and Forest Bathing—an innovative indoor project aimed at recreating the experience of being in nature with essential oils within the hospital environment. These aromatic workshops aim to enhance overall well-being, foster a positive mood, and alleviate stress levels among patients.Maria developed and teaches the Integrative Aromatherapy Certification Course that focuses on Mental Health at her Institute and also has been teaching at post-graduate course in naturopathy at the Universidade Paulista (UNIP) and the specialization in phytotherapy and medicinal plants at the Escola de Educação Permanente School (EEP) of the University of São Paulo (USP).
