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

Abstract

Herbal medicines are not only widely used but also contentious health care products. Currently, little is known about the products' place in people's health care 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. Core to the research was a survey that covered participants' views about herbal medicines. Data were collected online and from visitors at the Eden Project, as well as some other garden events. Survey responses were categorized and analysed using Qualtrics. 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 changing relationship with conventional medicines. Around a third of participants grew their own plants for health care. This is the first larger U.K.‐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 prioritized.

Botanical ingredients: Intakes, regulations, risks and attitudes

“…The second pilot study involved 408 participants who completed an online survey investigating the public's perception of herbal medicine and general use of herbs for health (Lazarou & Heinrich 2019). Recruitment was conducted both online (through social media groups) and in person at the Eden Project 2 under the auspices of Pukka Herbs stall.…”

“…For BFS, positive attributes may also arise from the marketing of botanicals as 'natural', having a long history of use or being 'of plant origin' (BEUC 2016). For HM, positive attributes may include a perception that they are 'natural' and have 'fewer side effects' and maybe viewed alongside a changing relationship with conventional medicines (Lazarou & Heinrich 2019).…”

“…Participants were aged between 16 to >65 years, with HM being particularly popular amongst those aged 36–55 years. Seventy‐three per cent of those aged 36–55 years reported using HM within the last week, and only 5% of 36–55 year‐olds had never used HM (Lazarou & Heinrich 2019).…”

“…Interestingly, the previously mentioned UK study (Lazarou & Heinrich 2019) that recruited participants through social media and the Eden project, hinted at differences in attitudes by gender. The authors found, through semi‐structured interviews with male participants ages 22–59 years, that men can feel ridiculed in certain circles when discussing the potential benefits of HM, as it could be perceived as ‘sissy stuff’ (Lazarou & Heinrich 2019). This was further substantiated by a single male interview in which he stated that ‘women are more likely to fall for herbal medicines and most men would prefer to use scientifically proven pharmaceuticals’.…”

“…This was further substantiated by a single male interview in which he stated that ‘women are more likely to fall for herbal medicines and most men would prefer to use scientifically proven pharmaceuticals’. This was somewhat reflected in the results of an associated online survey where 63% of men believed HM to be effective for minor health conditions compared to 82% of women (Lazarou & Heinrich 2019).…”