Practitioners of Western herbal medicine and their practice in the UK: Beginning to sketch the profession

Exploring the practice and use of Western herbal medicine: Perspectives from the social science literature

“…This contrasts with their UK counterparts: 76% use the term 'medical herbalist' and 24% the term 'herbalist'; both these terms are preferred to the term 'phytotherapist' which was not used by any participant in this study (Nissen 2010). In Australia however, in contrast to the UK and Canada, the descriptor 'medical' has, in some legislation at least, been a proscribed term and is only available to those who have biomedical qualifications.…”

“…More women than men work part-time in herbal practice (83% and 57%, respectively) (ibid) and referral by word-of mouth is common (Nissen 2008;Little 2009). Women and men supplement their income from herbal practice with unrelated income and more than half (53%) of the participants in Nissen's (2010) study mention difficulties in establishing a financially viable herbal practice.…”

“…Two surveys have aimed to establish demographic details about practitioners of WHM: a national survey in Australia (Bensoussan, Myers et al 2004), and a survey of a sample of UK practitioners (Nissen 2010). Both surveys note that women play a central role in WHM.…”

“…Both Bensoussan, Myers et al (2004) and Nissen (2010) asked practitioners which tradition of herbal medicine they practise or practise most regularly. In both Australia and the UK, most initial consultations last 60 mins and follow-up consultations last between 30 and 60 mins (Bensoussan, Myers et al 2004;Casey, Adams et al 2008;Nissen 2008).…”

“…A typical UK practitioner is a woman (in 2004/5, 81 % of practising members of the NIMH were women 3 , and 78% of registered College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy members in England were women); between 41 and 50 years of age; white; and works part-time in herbal practice (Nissen 2010). More women than men work part-time in herbal practice (83% and 57%, respectively) (ibid) and referral by word-of mouth is common (Nissen 2008;Little 2009).…”