Natural Compounds 2021

Biography:

Abstract:

Methodology: The main method of data collection was distributing an online survey, recruiting participants at Eden as well as at various events, conducting semi-structured interviews and reading wider literature including market research. Data was analysed and categorised in the following sections: demographics, uses of herbal medicines/ attitudes/ regulation, and growing and sourcing.

Results: Total responses for each question ranged between N=136 to N=408. Use of herbal medicines was fairly equal across varying socioeconomic status, and fairly equal across males and females though overall females had a more positive attitude towards herbal medicine. This was explained partially by sociological factors and by the boost in herbal products via the beauty industry. Results show that herbal medicines are popular, particularly amongst the 36-55 year old age group, most likely because of a higher income as well as more health conditions than millennials. However, millennials still showed a key interest for use in the future and so this could be an indicator of an increase in plant medicine use in Britain in the future. People mostly used herbs for minor-self limiting conditions such as sleep, wellbeing and digestion, though some people used them for more serious conditions and 42% agreeing they are effective for major conditions. Popular reasons for use included that plant medicines are natural, can have less side effects, are effective, as well as for some a changing relationship with conventional medicines and increased distrust in them. Largely people were not aware of the THR scheme and did not use sufficient means of quality control for the products they bought. Around a third of people grew their own plants for health care, though those who don’t already grow seem disinterested in engaging with horticulture. However encouraging horticulture would be very beneficial for public health and individuals, as it has shown to increase physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and has lead to a decrease in many ailments. This was explained by various biological theories such as the Biophilia Framework Theory which suggests that wellbeing is dependent on ones relationship with nature.

 

Conclusions and Future Research: There has been in recent years a cultural shift towards perceptions of herbal medicine in Britain, thus use has increased. Therefore, increased quality control and wider regulation is needed, and the public need to be made more aware the THR scheme as most are unaware of it. It would be very beneficial for public health to encourage gardening for people’s wellbeing. The main issues with the study were sample size, bias and differences in reliability of answers due to non-response. Future research that would be relevant include asking people directly about their relationship with conventional medicine and if this has affected their use of herbal medicines, more research on peoples use of herbal medicines for major conditions, more research on the benefits of horticulture and how to increase this activity, also research on herbal medicine regulation systems and how best to increase regulation and awareness of it in Britain. In addition, more scientific research on plants used for the most popular conditions herbal medicines are used for (sleep, overall wellbeing, digestion, immunity, stress and anxiety). Furthermore the cultural shift is interesting from a sociological perspective, and specifically why, how and who’s attitudes have changed over the years, and what has stimulated the growth in herbal product sales. Further investigation would be warranted, to also help predict the future trends and usage. Finally a survey to find out why people do not use herbal medicines in order to understand the perspective of others who are not in favour of their use.