Botanical Healing is an alternative medicine which uses various plant-based natural remedies in order to promote health and healing. They can be herbal remedies, homeopathic medicine, or dietary supplements. Some people have a strong belief in botanical healing. Others, however, are sceptical due to the lack of science-based research.
Recent research explored the benefits that botanical medicine could have for various health conditions. For example, studies have suggested that St. John’s Wort, a herb commonly used to treat depression, may be effective in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate depression (Ng et al., 2017). Some studies have shown promising results for lavender aromatherapy in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation (Lin, et. al.,2018).
It’s important to remember that not all herbal healing remedies are effective or safe. Several of these can cause side effects that could be harmful if they interact with another medication. The quality and purity can also vary greatly, which makes it hard to determine their effectiveness.
To fully understand potential risks and benefits of plant-based healing, more research is necessary. These studies should use rigorous scientific techniques, such as controlled trials with randomization and accurate measurement of results. This type of research is the only way to determine if botanical medicine has any place in modern medical practice.
References: Lin, P.-W., Chan, W.-C., Ng, B.-F. L., & Lam, L. C. W. (2018). Cross-over Randomized Trial on the efficacy of aromatherapy for Chinese elders with dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 33(6), 870–876.
Ng, Q. X., Venkatanarayanan, N., Ho, C. Y. X., & Sim, W. S. (2017). A systematic review of the clinical use of St. John’s Wort for major depressive disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 210, 211–221.