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Herbal Medicine: Who Cares? The changing views on medicinal plants and their roles in British lifestyle

Lazarou, R; Heinrich, M; (2019) Herbal Medicine: Who Cares? The changing views on medicinal plants and their roles in British lifestyle. Phytotherapy Research , 33 (9) pp. 2409-2420. 10.1002/ptr.6431. Green open access

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Abstract

Background: Herbal medicines are widely used but also contentious health care products. Currently little is known about the products’ place in people’s healthcare strategies and their views about such products. The aims of the study are to gain insight into the public’s perception of herbal medicine/ general use of herbs for health, as well as on the growing of plants for medicine. Methodology: Core to the research was a survey which covered participants’ views about herbal medicines. Data was collected online and from visitors at the Eden Project, as well as some other garden events. Survey responses were categorised and analysed using Qualtrics. Results: Overall 408 participants participated though numbers varied across questions. Results show that herbal medicines are popular, particularly amongst the 36 to 55 year old age group. Participants mostly used herbal medicines for minor-self-limiting conditions. Popular reasons for use included that plant medicines are natural and have fewer side effects, as well as for a few a changing relationship with conventional medicines. Around a third of participants grew their own plants for health care. Conclusion: This is the first larger UK-based survey indicating a wide use of such products, and it is therefore recommended that there is an increase in quality control and wider regulation. Access to high quality products should be prioritised.

Type: Article
Title: Herbal Medicine: Who Cares? The changing views on medicinal plants and their roles in British lifestyle
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6431
Publisher version: https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6431
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Medicinal plants; self medication; ethnopharmacology herbal medical products herbal medicine use, survey, United Kingdom
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > UCL School of Pharmacy
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > UCL School of Pharmacy > Pharma and Bio Chemistry
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10076678
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