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Changing the knowledge base in Western herbal medicine
The project of modernising Western herbal medicine in order to allow it to be accepted by the public and to contribute to contemporary healthcare is now over two decades old. One aspect of this project involves changes to the ways knowledge about medicinal plants is presented. This paper contrasts the models of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and Traditional Knowledge (TK) to illuminate some of the complexities which have arisen consequent to these changes, particularly with regard to the concept of vitalism, the retention or rejection of which may have broad implications for the clinical practice of herbal medicine. Illustrations from two herbals (central texts on the medicinal use of plants) demonstrate the differences between these frameworks in regard to how herbs are understood. Further, a review of articles on herbal therapeutics published in the Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine indicates that practitioners are moving away from TK and towards the use of EBM in their clinical discussions.
History
Publication title
Social Science & MedicineVolume
67Pagination
2098-2106ISSN
0277-9536Department/School
School of Pharmacy and PharmacologyPublisher
Pergamon-Elsevier Science LtdPlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
Copyright 2008 ElsevierRepository Status
- Restricted