The evidence house of Herbal Medicine: A holistic approach to contemporary research - Herbal Reality (2024)

← Back to Insights

  • Danny O'Rawe

    The evidence house of Herbal Medicine: A holistic approach to contemporary research - Herbal Reality (1)

    Danny O'Rawe

    I have been involved with herbal medicine for more than 30 years. I hold a Master of Science (MSc) degree in herbal medicine and I am an Honorary Fellow and former president of the Irish Register of Herbalists (IRH).

    I am also a Registered Naturopath (ND) and member of the General Naturopathic Council (GNC) and was formerly Senior Lecturer in Nutrition for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. I also hold a Diploma in Aromatherapy. I co-authored with Keith Robertson FNIMH of Celtic Herbal Medicine (2018).

  • 10th February 2022
  • 40:23 reading time (ish)
  • Herbal Research History

Herbalist Danny O’Rawe discusses a holistic approach to contemporary research using the Evidence House.

Introduction to evidence-based medicine

Critics of herbal medicine sometimes lead the public to believe that they should avoid herbal remedies because there is a lack of evidence about the safety or efficacy of medicinal herbs. They often resort to the somewhat exhausted mantra that “just because something is natural does not mean it is safe” (2,3,14, 28). This is on the face of it an accurate assessment, but it may also be a half-truth. It could equally be suggested that because something is natural it is more likely to be safe (due to its longevity of use without incident for example) rather than something which is unnatural, such as a synthetic drug made in a laboratory with all its inherent risks and unwanted side effects. Indeed, it is because of the latter, that the general public often seek a ‘natural alternative’ in the first place.

The evidence house of Herbal Medicine: A holistic approach to contemporary research - Herbal Reality (2)

The general longevity of use in traditional practice over many centuries suggests the vast majority of herbal medicines when used appropriately by practicing herbalists are as safe as fruit and vegetables (indeed many of them are fruits and vegetables), with only a few stronger herbs employed in limited dosages. Part of the problem is that some researchers chose to ignore the existence of the professional herbalist who is trained to flag any potential contraindications which might assuage at least some of the perennial concerns they raise. Instead, some prefer to put across their conflated concerns of an unsuspecting public stepping into the mire, and rather than suggest that the public consults with a professional herbalist; they play on fears and generate uncertainty (13; 16). The objective of this type of criticism is to create a sense of doubt in the public eye, but is it all just smoke and mirrors?

While it’s true to say that some herbs such as Atropa belladonna are dangerous in the wrong hands, access to such plants is legally controlled and these herbs are unavailable to the general public. And while unsuspecting amateurs harvesting from incorrectly-identified species in the wild may cause problems for themselves, such misadventure is not in any way connected to professional herbal medicine. By and large, the majority of herbs used by herbal practitioners are tried and true over long periods of time. A small selection of herbal medicines may be considered more medicinally “potent”, but the discerning herbal practitioner uses restricted doses and fixed durations of use for such herbal preparations and is trained to be aware of any potential toxicity.

The deconstruction of semantics aside, we are still left with the question – is there a lack of evidence for herbal medicine? In order to put this question into context, we might begin by examining the term “evidence” itself. Critics of herbal medicine believe that herbal medicine can only be understood through certain types of evidence.

In a court of law the defendant or prosecution presents corroborating evidence for particular statements to establish the foundations of their arguments. This corroborating evidence may come from diverse sources. The origins of evidence are less important than the strength of such evidence to convince a judge and jury. But what if the judge demanded that only evidence gathered from the City of London could be considered, even if the events around the case occurred outside the City of London? You would be correct to think that such a hypothetical situation would be ludicrous.

Danny O'Rawe

I have been involved with herbal medicine for more than 30 years. I hold a Master of Science (MSc) degree in herbal medicine and I am an Honorary Fellow and former president of the Irish Register of... Read more

Related herbs

Henbane
Hops

Related conditions

Hormonal health: Stress and immunity
Cough

Related articles

Traditional herbal medicines: Centuries of Empiricism (Part 5)
Exploring the ancient history of Western Herbal Medicine
The evidence house of Herbal Medicine: A holistic approach to contemporary research - Herbal Reality (2024)

FAQs

What is holistic approach of herbal medicine? ›

Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that takes the whole person – mind, spirit, and body – into consideration. It includes a variety of practices, ranging from traditional medical treatments like drugs to alternative remedies like herbs and massage.

Is there any evidence that herbal medicine works? ›

Evidence for the effectiveness of herbal medicines is generally very limited. Although some people find them helpful, in many cases their use tends to be based on traditional use rather than scientific research.

Is there any truth to herbal medicine? ›

There is no research that proves a certain herb cures or treats a health problem or prevents a certain condition. For example, St. John's wort is a popular herbal supplement. It's thought to be useful for treating depression in some cases.

What is the herbal approach to medicine? ›

It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing. Some herbs have potent (powerful) ingredients and should be taken with the same level of caution as pharmaceutical medications.

What is the holistic approach to medicine? ›

A holistic doctor treats people using a whole-body approach. That means they focus on your body, mind, spirit and emotions when diagnosing and treating you. Holistic doctors use traditional medicine and also consider factors such as your lifestyle, diet, sleep habits and stress level.

What is holistic approach approach? ›

​At a glance. A holistic approach means to provide support that looks at the whole person, not just their mental health needs. The support should also consider their physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.

What herbs should not be taken together? ›

Therefore, never use the following supplements in combination without consulting your healthcare provider:
  • Bromelain.
  • Cayenne pepper.
  • Dong quai.
  • Evening primrose.
  • Feverfew.
  • Garlic.
  • Ginger.
  • Gingko biloba.
Mar 31, 2023

How long do herbs stay in the body? ›

They stay in the system for three to four hours at most, so they require a longer-term regimen. Each formulation has anywhere from two to 50 individual herbs, and the formulations are made for the individual, depending on what's going on with them.

Is herbalism legit? ›

Herbalists cannot diagnose, prescribe, or treat patients (unless they have a medical license in another field that confers those rights). They can, however, legally recommend, educate about, and dispense specific herbs.

Do herbs actually have health benefits? ›

Consuming herbs may help to prevent and manage heart disease, cancer and diabetes. It may also help to reduce blood clots and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties. Research is ongoing but studies have shown that: Garlic, linseed, fenugreek and lemongrass may help lower cholesterol.

Is herbal medicine FDA approved? ›

Fact #2: Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements are NOT FDA-approved to treat or prevent disease. If a supplement promises a cure or quick fix for a health problem, it may be too good to be true.

Do holistic doctors use herbs? ›

Complementary and alternative therapies

Your holistic practitioner might also perform or prescribe certain therapies. Examples include: acupuncture. herbal remedies.

Is herbology a real thing? ›

Over time, our knowledge of the more traditional 'green pharmacy' of this sort has diminished. Yet today herbology, the study of herbs, is enjoying a renaissance as reconnecting with nature and sustainability surges.

What is the holistic approach to herbalism? ›

The practice of using herbs and plants for health purposes has existed for thousands of years. Herbal medicine acknowledges the innate healing power of the human body and uses a holistic approach, focusing on all aspects of an individual including physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and lifestyle.

Herbal medicine Information | Mount Sinai ...Mount Sinaihttps://www.mountsinai.org ›

Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. Indigenous cultures (such as African and Native American)...
Herbal medicine is the use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing. Herbs can interact with other pharmaceutical medications and sho...
The WHO has stated that trade in medicinal plants, herbal raw materials, and herbal drugs is growing at annual growth rate of about 15%. The increasing populari...

What is holistic herbal therapy? ›

Herbalists take a holistic approach to healing. This means that instead of working only to reduce the symptoms of the condition, herbalists aim to support accessory organs and systems that may be contributing to the cause of dysfunction.

What are the 5 holistic approaches? ›

The five aspects of the holistic development approach

The five aspects of holistic development are; Physical, Social, Emotional, Intellectual and Spiritual development.

What is the holistic approach to healing? ›

Holistic health is about caring for the whole person — providing for your physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs. It's rooted in the understanding that all these aspects affect your overall health, and being unwell in one aspect affects you in others. Take stress, for example.

What are the 4 parts of the holistic approach to health? ›

Holistic health is an approach to wellness that simultaneously addresses the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual components of health.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 5535

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.