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
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.

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 herbal holistic medication? ›

What is herbal medicine? Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside conventional medicine.

What is a holistic approach to medicine? ›

Holistic health is an approach to wellness that simultaneously addresses the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual components of health. As a field of practice, holistic medicine draws from many disciplines, religions, and cultures to heal people, communities, and even the environment.

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.

Does holistic medicine really work? ›

While there are many benefits to holistic medicine, keep in mind that it is not necessarily a replacement for traditional medical care. In some cases, certain holistic therapies can interfere with modern medications and do more harm than good. Make sure to talk to your doctor before trying holistic treatments.

What is the best herbal remedy for anxiety? ›

Is there an effective herbal treatment for anxiety?
  • Kava. Some people use kava as a short-term treatment for anxiety. ...
  • Passion flower. A few small clinical trials have suggested that passion flower might help with anxiety. ...
  • Valerian. ...
  • Chamomile. ...
  • Lavender. ...
  • Lemon balm.
Mar 27, 2024

What is the main goal of herbal medicine? ›

The major use of herbal medicines is for health promotion and therapy for chronic, as opposed to life-threatening, conditions. However, usage of traditional remedies increases when conventional medicine is ineffective in the treatment of disease, such as in advanced cancer and in the face of new infectious diseases.

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

What are the disadvantages of herbal medicine? ›

Generally speaking, herbal remedies are safe but sometimes they cause side-effects. These can include stomach upsets, sleeplessness and pains in your muscles or joints. Some herbal remedies may also interact with your prescribed medication.

Is holistic medicine real or fake? ›

Holistic doctors believe there's a connection between your body systems. They believe optimal health and wellness include a balance of your mind, body and spirit. Holistic medicine doesn't replace traditional medicine. However, it's key to the practice of integrative medicine.

Is herbal medicine scientifically proven? ›

Herbal medicine uses plants or plant extracts to treat illness and promote health. There is not enough scientific evidence to use it as a cancer treatment. Herbal medicines might have side effects and interact with other medicines.

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.

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? ›

Treating the Whole You

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.

What is a holistic herbalist? ›

However, herbalists take a holistic approach to illness, treating the underlying cause of disease rather than just the symptoms. They are able to prescribe herbal remedies to be used alongside other medication and treatments, and many patients are referred to a herbalist by their GP for treatment.

What are the main principles of holistic medicine? ›

Holistic medicine can be broken down further into 10 ideas or principles that go beyond general medicinal practice.
  • Optimal health is the primary goal. ...
  • Learning opportunities. ...
  • Lead by example. ...
  • Healing through love. ...
  • Unity of the person. ...
  • Prevention over treatment. ...
  • Innate healing power. ...
  • Individuality.
Jan 13, 2021

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5627

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.