“It felt like someone holding you up and lifting the pain away”: Women's experiences of western herbal practice for the treatment of distress

Abstract

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.