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Jon Adams - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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is there a role for Western Herbal Medicine in treating cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2019Co-Authors: Carole Fisher, Jon Adams, Jane Frawley, Louise D Hickman, David SibbrittAbstract:: Conventional treatments for cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort, while numerous and diverse, have drawbacks including side effects, interference with women's reproductive function and, importantly, failure to address symptoms. Many women turn to Herbal Medicine to treat a myriad of menstrual symptoms. Clinical evidence supports the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus but other medicinal herbs typically used by Western Herbalists for treating menstrual symptoms are unsupported by clinical trials. This raises concerns around the efficacy and safety of these herbs. Women's treatment options need to be extended and individualised, where current conventional strategies fail, requiring appropriate clinical trials of potentially useful Herbal Medicines.
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Consultations with Naturopaths and Western Herbalists: Prevalence of Use and Characteristics of Users in Australia
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Erica Mcintyre, Jon Adams, Matthew J Leach, Hope Foley, Joanna Harnett, Rebecca Reid, Janet Schloss, Amie SteelAbstract:Abstract Objectives: To report the prevalence of naturopathic and Western Herbal Medicine service utilization in Australia, and describe the characteristics of individuals who use these services. D...
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Western Herbal Medicine consultations for common menstrual problems practitioner experiences and perceptions of treatment
Phytotherapy Research, 2018Co-Authors: Carole Fisher, Jon Adams, Jane Frawley, Louise D Hickman, David SibbrittAbstract:: To explore the prevalence with which Australian Western Herbalists treat menstrual problems and their related treatment, experiences, perceptions, and interreferral practices with other health practitioners. Members of the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative practice-based research network identifying as Western Herbalists (WHs) completed a specifically developed, online questionnaire. Western Herbalists regularly treat menstrual problems, perceiving high, though differential, levels of effectiveness. For menstrual problems, WHs predominantly prescribe individualised formulas including core herbs, such as Vitex agnus-castus, and problem-specific herbs. Estimated clients' weekly cost (median = $25.00) and treatment duration (median = 4-6 months) covering this Western Herbal Medicine treatment appears relatively low. Urban-based women are more likely than those rurally based to have used conventional treatment for their menstrual problems before consulting WHs (p = .001). Only 19% of WHs indicated direct contact by conventional medical practitioners regarding treatment of clients' menstrual problems despite 42% indicating clients' conventional practitioners recommended consultation with WH. Western Herbal Medicine may be a substantially prevalent, cost-effective treatment option amongst women with menstrual problems. A detailed examination of the behaviour of women with menstrual problems who seek and use Western Herbal Medicine warrants attention to ensure this healthcare option is safe, effective, and appropriately co-ordinated within women's wider healthcare use.
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Integrating complementary and alternative Medicine into mainstream healthcare services: the perspectives of health service managers
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Judy Singer, Jon AdamsAbstract:Background Complementary and alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasingly included within mainstream integrative healthcare (IHC) services. Health service managers are key stakeholders central to ensuring effective integrative health care services. Yet, little research has specifically investigated the role or perspective of health service managers with regards to integrative health care services under their management. In response, this paper reports findings from an exploratory study focusing exclusively on the perspectives of health service managers of integrative health care services in Australia regarding the role of CAM within their service and the health service managers rational for incorporating CAM into clinical care. Methods Health service managers from seven services were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the health service managers. The services addressed trauma and chronic conditions and comprised: five community-based programs including drug and alcohol rehabilitation, refugee mental health and women’s health; and two hospital-based specialist services. The CAM practices included in the services investigated included acupuncture, naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine and massage. Results Findings reveal that the health service managers in this study understand CAM to enhance the holistic capacity of their service by: filling therapeutic gaps in existing healthcare practices; by treating the whole person; and by increasing healthcare choices. Health service managers also identified CAM as addressing therapeutic gaps through the provision of a mind-body approach in psychological trauma and in chronic disease management treatment. Health service managers describe the addition of CAM in their service as enabling patients who would otherwise not be able to afford CAM to gain access to these treatments thereby increasing healthcare choices. Some health service managers expressly align the notion of treating the whole person within a health promotion model and focus on the relevance of diet and lifestyle factors as central to a CAM approach. Conclusions From the perspectives of the health service managers, these findings contribute to our understanding around the rationale to include CAM within mainstream health services that deal with psychological trauma and chronic disease. The broader implications of this study can help assist in the development of health service policy on CAM integration in mainstream healthcare services.
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Integrating complementary and alternative Medicine into mainstream healthcare services: the perspectives of health service managers
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Judy Singer, Jon AdamsAbstract:Complementary and alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasingly included within mainstream integrative healthcare (IHC) services. Health service managers are key stakeholders central to ensuring effective integrative health care services. Yet, little research has specifically investigated the role or perspective of health service managers with regards to integrative health care services under their management. In response, this paper reports findings from an exploratory study focusing exclusively on the perspectives of health service managers of integrative health care services in Australia regarding the role of CAM within their service and the health service managers rational for incorporating CAM into clinical care. Health service managers from seven services were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the health service managers. The services addressed trauma and chronic conditions and comprised: five community-based programs including drug and alcohol rehabilitation, refugee mental health and women’s health; and two hospital-based specialist services. The CAM practices included in the services investigated included acupuncture, naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine and massage. Findings reveal that the health service managers in this study understand CAM to enhance the holistic capacity of their service by: filling therapeutic gaps in existing healthcare practices; by treating the whole person; and by increasing healthcare choices. Health service managers also identified CAM as addressing therapeutic gaps through the provision of a mind-body approach in psychological trauma and in chronic disease management treatment. Health service managers describe the addition of CAM in their service as enabling patients who would otherwise not be able to afford CAM to gain access to these treatments thereby increasing healthcare choices. Some health service managers expressly align the notion of treating the whole person within a health promotion model and focus on the relevance of diet and lifestyle factors as central to a CAM approach. From the perspectives of the health service managers, these findings contribute to our understanding around the rationale to include CAM within mainstream health services that deal with psychological trauma and chronic disease. The broader implications of this study can help assist in the development of health service policy on CAM integration in mainstream healthcare services.
Nina Nissen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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naturalness as an ethical stance idea l s and practices of care in Western Herbal Medicine in the uk
Anthropology & Medicine, 2015Co-Authors: Nina NissenAbstract:An association of non-biomedical healthcare with appeals to nature and naturalness, and an invocation of a rhetoric of gentleness, goodness, purity and moral power has been noted previously, and some scholars argue that nature has taken on a meaning broadly opposed to the rational scientific order of modernity. Drawing on an ethnographic study of women's practice and use of Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) in the UK, the intertwining of the perceived naturalness of WHM with distinct care practices points to a further avenue for exploration. To examine patients' and Herbalists' discourses of the naturalness of WHM and associated idea(l)s and practices of care, understandings of nature and a feminist ethics of care are utilized as analytical frameworks. The analysis presented suggests that, through WHM, patients and Herbalists become embedded in a complex spatio-temporal wholeness and web of care that intertwines past, present and future, self and others, and local and global concerns. In the emerging ‘ordinar...
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women s bodies and women s lives in Western Herbal Medicine in the uk
Medical Anthropology, 2013Co-Authors: Nina NissenAbstract:Health practices designated, over time, as complementary and alternative to normative bioMedicine represent one of the earliest manifestations of the growing significance, especially for women, of holistic health care in many Western English-speaking societies. In this article, I interrogate ideas and practices around the body and self in Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) in the UK. I first explore women Herbalists' ideas of the body, health, and illness. I then examine the self-care practices that constitute an integral part of WHM, leading to an investigation of the implications of their incorporation into women users' everyday lives. Drawing on theoretical understandings of embodiment and technologies of self, the explorations presented reveal women's bodies and selves as arenas for self-care and self-fulfillment while also highlighting tensions and dilemmas in women's lives. I suggest that WHM constitutes a form of holistic and politicized health care that contributes to confronting and fulfilling women's...
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A different way of caring? An exploration of alternative healthcare relationships
2012Co-Authors: Maxine Birch, Nina NissenAbstract:What does ‘care’ mean in contemporary society? How are caring relationships practised in different contexts? What resources do individuals and collectives draw upon in order to care for, care with and care about themselves and others? How do such relationships and practices relate to broader social processes? This chapter explores these questions by revisiting two ethnographic studies. One study on alternative therapies of self discovery and the other on the practice of Western Herbal Medicine. These two alternative health practices can appear very different at first. The authors show how the practitioners in both studies share many similar beliefs, hopes and approaches when delivering care to their clients.
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exploring the practice and use of Western Herbal Medicine perspectives from the social science literature
Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: Nina Nissen, Sue EvansAbstract:The literature which concerns Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) overwhelmingly provides clinical and pharmacological perspectives on the utilisation of herbs as Medicine. Research which examines WHM as a social practice and the theoretical concepts associated with it, or the manner in which the knowledge base of WHM is developing and changing is less often discussed. This article provides an overview of the social science literature concerning WHM, as it pertains to practice in Europe, North America and Australasia. One theme emerging from this literature is the mapping of the practice, patients and practitioners of WHM, and another theme addresses more theoretical issues that consider the development of Herbal knowledge and the social factors which impact on Herbal practice. This paper based on a small but diverse body of literature, sketches the current breadth of enquiry and debate surrounding WHM and points towards the importance of further social science research in the area.
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perspectives on holism in the contemporary practice of Western Herbal Medicine in the uk
Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Nina NissenAbstract:Abstract In the course of the 20th century, the concept of holism has gained in popularity, particularly within science and healthcare, while the concept of vitalism has become increasingly problematic. In the literature relating to Western Herbal Medicine notions of holism and vitalism are often found side by side, though used in a number of different ways. These differences point towards the contested nature of these concepts in Western Herbal Medicine. This article examines how practitioners of Western Herbal Medicine in the UK describe their understandings and meanings of holism in the context of their work and a model of holism is presented which exemplifies emerging patterns of a fluid spectrum of understandings of holism. I suggest that the very flexibility of the concept of holism and its inclusive potential accommodates the diversity of contemporary practice demonstrated by the practitioners in this study. In this way, these practitioners respond to the popularity of the idea of holism while minimising or obscuring controversy that surrounds the concept of vitalism.
Julia Green - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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experience of Western Herbal Medicine practitioners in supporting brain health in mid life and older patients a qualitative research study
2018Co-Authors: S Hundal, Julia GreenAbstract:Introduction and Aims Dementia is a public health and social care priority, necessitating multi-domain preventative healthcare strategies in at-risk populations The evidence on the use of herbs in addressing neurological, psychological, metabolic and cardiovascular conditions implicated in dementia pathology, and the holistic therapeutic and philosophical attributes of its clinical practice suggest a role for Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) in primary prevention and healthy brain ageing. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the current real-life application of WHM in supporting cognitive and vascular brain health in mid-life and older patients. Methods Three WHM practitioners were recruited using purposive sampling and a set of inclusion criteria. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore their Herbal and therapeutic management approach; and gauge their views on the preventative role of WHM in the assay group. Data from taped interview transcripts, providing a total of 110 minutes, were analysed using simple thematic analysis to identify main themes in the practitioners’ narratives. Results Four themes emerged from the practitioners’ narratives of their experience of working with the assay group: the memory loss and cognitive function issues, as well as other conditions implicated in dementia pathology their patients presented with; their use of herbs as well as dietary and lifestyle recommendations in the individualised therapeutic management of those presentations; patient compliance and other issues of working with the target patient group; and the potential role for WHM in managing brain health in an aging population within the wider healthcare ecosystem. Discussion The small exploratory study is the first of its kind attempting to capture the experience of WMH practitioners working with brain health in mid-life and elderly patients. It provides some important insights into the current WHM therapeutic practice and professional competency and some indicators for its future role: WMH’s unique attributes of individualisation and plurality of practice, patient-responsive treatment and the collaborative patient-practitioner therapeutic relationship. Although its findings cannot be generalised, the study provides a reference for future deductive qualitative research. In particular, it warrants further investigation into the role that WHM can play alongside conventional Medicine in managing brain health in an aging population.
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“It felt like someone holding you up and lifting the pain away”: Women's experiences of Western Herbal practice for the treatment of distress
European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: A. Yates, Julia Green, Julie M. Whitehouse, Damien RidgeAbstract:Introduction: In the UK, common mental health disorders cost employers £25bn each year; whilst conditions associated with distress, such as depression and anxiety, can have a profoundly negative impact on an individual's well-being. Herbal Medicine has been shown to potentially be of use for these conditions. In spite of this, there is little research into how the users of Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) experience the practice of Herbal Medicine. Methods: This on-going study is using semi-structured interviews of twenty-six women, to elicit patient narratives at two time points. Thematic analysis is being used to consider how distressed women experience their distress; their experience of using WHM; what contribution they perceive the consultation and treatment with WHM may or may not make to their wellbeing; and whether these experiences change over time. Results: Whilst distress can lead to feelings of isolation, withdrawal can also be used as a coping mechanism. However, withdrawal will ultimately exacerbate any isolation and so is counter-productive in the longer term. The participants generally see WHM as beneficial, but whilst they are convinced of the potential benefits of Herbal Medicine, a satisfactory encounter with a Herbalist requires more than simply taking the herbs. In particular, practitioner accessibility, having their story heard, and feeling unconditionally supported are all important in helping to regain a valid sense of self. Failure to achieve these aspects, which are derived from the evolving therapeutic relationship, can result in an unsatisfactory experience, even if the Herbal treatment is seen as successful.
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‘I just went with hope, because I thought I’m doing something’: Women’s Experiences of Western Herbal Practice for Distress
2014Co-Authors: A. Yates, Julie M. Whitehouse, Damien Ridge, Julia GreenAbstract:Context: Conditions associated with distress can have a negative impact on an individual’s well-being. Herbal Medicine is shown to be of potential use for these conditions, but there is little research into how the users of Western Herbal Medicine experience the practice. Methodology: The study used semi-structured interviews of twenty-six women, to elicit patient narratives at two time points. Thematic analysis has been used to elicit themes from the narratives. Preliminary Results: Distress can be isolating, but can also be seen as socially unacceptable by the sufferers. Consulting with a Herbalist not only provides Herbal treatment, but also an evolving therapeutic relationship which has potential to empower the patient. Conclusions: Practitioner accessibility, having one’s story heard, feeling supported, and being given back control are important features of the Herbal encounter. However, failure to achieve these can result in an unsatisfactory experience, even if the Herbal treatment is seen as successful.
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How women experience distress, and Western Herbal practice for the treatment of distress: implications for health care and self-management approaches
2014Co-Authors: A. Yates, Julie M. Whitehouse, Damien Ridge, Julia GreenAbstract:The research is studying women in south-east England who are suffering from distress – either as a primary complaint, or associated with another condition – who are seeking the services of a Herbalist who practices Western Herbal Medicine (WHM). The study is utilising semi-structured interviews at two time points to elicit patient narratives. Thematic analysis is being used to consider how distressed women experience their distress, their experience of using WHM, and what contribution they perceive the consultation and treatment with WHM may or may not make to their wellbeing. It is hoped the research will be able to inform Herbal practice, and add to the knowledge of women’s self-care strategies. In the UK, common mental health disorders account for one in five of all work days lost and cost UK employers £25bn each year; whilst conditions associated with distress, such as depression and anxiety, can have a profoundly negative impact on an individual’s well-being. However, Herbal Medicine has been shown to potentially be of use for these conditions; and in 2008, 35% of British adults surveyed claimed to have used Herbal Medicine at some stage, the majority of who were women. In spite of its popularity, there is little research into how the users of WHM experience the practice of Herbal Medicine. On-going analysis has started to reveal a number of initial themes. Distress is not only isolating, but can also be perceived by sufferers as being socially unacceptable. The participants generally see WHM as beneficial, but whilst they are convinced of the potential benefits of Herbal Medicine, a satisfactory encounter with a Herbalist requires more than simply taking the herbs. In particular, practitioner accessibility, having their story heard, feeling supported, and being given back some control are all important. Failure to achieve these can result in an unsatisfactory experience, even if the Herbal treatment is seen as successful.
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How women use and experience Western Herbal practice for distress: implications for health care and self-management approaches.
European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Adrian John Yates, Julia Green, Julie M. Whitehouse, Damien RidgeAbstract:Introduction: In the UK, common mental health disorders account for one in five of all work days lost, and cost employers £25bn each year. Herbal Medicine has been shown to potentially be of use for mental distress, including conditions like anxiety. In 2008, 35% of British adults surveyed claimed to have used Herbal Medicine at some stage, the majority of whom were women. However, there is little research into how the users of Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) experience the practice of Herbal Medicine, or how these experiences may change over time. Our research is studying women in the south-east of the UK who are suffering from distress (either as a primary complaint, or associated with another condition) who are seeking the services of a Herbalist who practices WHM. Aim: To investigate the experiences of Western Herbal practice by women who are suffering with distress. Methods: The study is using semi-structured interviews of around thirty women, to elicit patient narratives at two time points. Thematic analysis is being used to consider how distressed women perceive and experience their distress, their reasons for using WHM, what contribution the women perceive the consultation and treatment with WHM may or may not make to their wellbeing, and whether their experiences change over time. Currently, sixteen women have been interviewed, and a preliminary thematic analysis has commenced. Results: Preliminary finding suggest that not only do women internalise their distress, but that they are surprisingly isolated in how they deal with it, whilst some also express social embarrassment about their experiences. The women perceived that their distress is not always considered seriously from their medical practitioners’ point of view. These women are drawn to Herbalists not only in a search for effective treatment, but also to be given time to have their story heard, to form a collaborative relationship, and to attempt to regain some control of their life. The Herbal treatment is valued due to its perceived naturalness, and reduced risk of adverse side effects. Nevertheless, WHM is just one of a number of self-care strategies that women utilise to help manage their distress. Discussion: Effective treatment is not only dependent upon the herbs, but also upon an effective therapeutic relationship. Feeling that the Herbalist hears their story, provides a treatment plan that is individually tailored to the patient, and is available (even outside of the consultation) are all important in helping to establish this relationship.
Alan Bensoussan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the ethics of traditional chinese and Western Herbal Medicine research views of researchers and human ethics committees in australia
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Caroline A Smith, Ros Priest, Bridget Carmady, Suzannah Bourchier, Alan BensoussanAbstract:Despite the growth of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) research in Australia, little is known about how ethics committees (HRECs) assess the ethics of TCM or WHM research. The objectives of this study were to examine the experiences of TCM and WHM researchers and HRECs with the evaluation of ethics applications. Two cross-sectional surveys were undertaken of HRECs and TCM and WHM researchers in Australia. Anonymous self-completion questionnaires were administered to 224 HRECs and 117 researchers. A response confirming involvement in TCM or WHM research applications was received from 20 HRECs and 42 researchers. The most frequent ethical issues identified by HRECs related to Herbal products including information gaps relating to mode of action of Herbal Medicines and safety when combining Herbal ingredients. Researchers concurred that they were frequently requested to provide additional information on multiple aspects including safety relating to the side effects of herbs and herb-drug interactions. Overall adherence with the principles of ethical conduct was high among TCM and WHM researchers although our study did identify the need for additional information regarding assessment of risk and risk management.
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the practice and regulatory requirements of naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine in australia
Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 2009Co-Authors: Pauline J Mccabe, Alan Bensoussan, Stephen P Myers, Marc Cohen, Sophie Hill, Genevieve HowseAbstract:Australian health workforce regulation is premised on the need to protect public health and safety. Specifi c criteria are set out by governments to ascertain the degree of risk and the need for government intervention. A study was undertaken to understand the current state of usage and the practice of naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine, and to ascertain whether statutory regulation was warranted. We found increased use of these complementary therapies in the community, with risks arising from both the specifi c practices as well as consumers negotiat- ing a parallel primary health care system. We also found highly variable standards of training, a myriad of professional associations, and a general failure of current systems of self-regulation to protect public health and safety. Statutory regulation was the preferred policy response for consumers, insurers, general practitioners, and most of the complementary therapists. While we found a case for statutory registration, we also argue that a minimalist regulatory response needs to be accompanied by other measures to educate the public, to improve the standards of practice, and to enhance our understanding of the interaction between complementary and mainstream health care.
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naturopathic and Western Herbal Medicine practice in australia a workforce survey
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2004Co-Authors: Alan Bensoussan, Stephen P Myers, Songmei Wu, Katherine OconnorAbstract:BACKGROUND: Despite substantial growth in the use of complementary Medicine, no comprehensive national study has been undertaken of the naturopathic and Western Herbal Medicine component of the healthcare workforce in Australia. This study aimed to examine the nature of these practices and this currently unregulated workforce in Australia. METHODS: A comprehensive survey questionnaire was developed in consultation with the profession and distributed nationally to all members of the naturopathic and Western Herbal Medicine workforce. RESULTS: The practices of Herbal Medicine and naturopathy make up a sizeable component of the Australian healthcare sector, with approximately 1.9 million consultations annually and an estimated turnover of $AUD 85 million in consultations (excluding the cost of Medicines). A large proportion of patients are referred to practitioners by word of mouth. Up to one third of practitioners work in multidisciplinary clinics with other registered sectors of the healthcare community. The number of adverse events associated with Herbal Medicines, nutritional substances and homoeopathic Medicines recorded in Australia is substantial and the types of events reported are not trivial. Data suggest that practitioners will experience one adverse event every 11 months of full-time practice, with 2.3 adverse events for every 1000 consultations (excluding mild gastrointestinal effects). CONCLUSION: These data confirm the considerable degree of utilisation of naturopathic and Western Herbal Medicine practitioners by the Australian public. However, there is a need to examine whether statutory regulation of practitioners of naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine is required to better protect the public.
David Sibbritt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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is there a role for Western Herbal Medicine in treating cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2019Co-Authors: Carole Fisher, Jon Adams, Jane Frawley, Louise D Hickman, David SibbrittAbstract:: Conventional treatments for cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort, while numerous and diverse, have drawbacks including side effects, interference with women's reproductive function and, importantly, failure to address symptoms. Many women turn to Herbal Medicine to treat a myriad of menstrual symptoms. Clinical evidence supports the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus but other medicinal herbs typically used by Western Herbalists for treating menstrual symptoms are unsupported by clinical trials. This raises concerns around the efficacy and safety of these herbs. Women's treatment options need to be extended and individualised, where current conventional strategies fail, requiring appropriate clinical trials of potentially useful Herbal Medicines.
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Western Herbal Medicine consultations for common menstrual problems practitioner experiences and perceptions of treatment
Phytotherapy Research, 2018Co-Authors: Carole Fisher, Jon Adams, Jane Frawley, Louise D Hickman, David SibbrittAbstract:: To explore the prevalence with which Australian Western Herbalists treat menstrual problems and their related treatment, experiences, perceptions, and interreferral practices with other health practitioners. Members of the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative practice-based research network identifying as Western Herbalists (WHs) completed a specifically developed, online questionnaire. Western Herbalists regularly treat menstrual problems, perceiving high, though differential, levels of effectiveness. For menstrual problems, WHs predominantly prescribe individualised formulas including core herbs, such as Vitex agnus-castus, and problem-specific herbs. Estimated clients' weekly cost (median = $25.00) and treatment duration (median = 4-6 months) covering this Western Herbal Medicine treatment appears relatively low. Urban-based women are more likely than those rurally based to have used conventional treatment for their menstrual problems before consulting WHs (p = .001). Only 19% of WHs indicated direct contact by conventional medical practitioners regarding treatment of clients' menstrual problems despite 42% indicating clients' conventional practitioners recommended consultation with WH. Western Herbal Medicine may be a substantially prevalent, cost-effective treatment option amongst women with menstrual problems. A detailed examination of the behaviour of women with menstrual problems who seek and use Western Herbal Medicine warrants attention to ensure this healthcare option is safe, effective, and appropriately co-ordinated within women's wider healthcare use.
