Exploring the safety and clinical use of herbal medicine in the contemporary Ghanaian context: A descriptive qualitative study

Lydia Aziato, Philippa N.A. Odai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Many individuals remain skeptical about the safety and use of herbal medicine thereby slowing the efforts being made to integrate herbal medicine into Ghana's healthcare system. This study sought to provide an in-depth description of the clinical use of herbal medicine in Ghana through interviews with participants at two locations—a national research centre and a private clinic. The study adopted a descriptive qualitative design involving individual patient and key informant interviews. Data were collected from 13 key informants. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was conducted applying the procedures of content analysis. Two major themes were generated, focusing on the production and processing of herbal medicine and its use. The sub-themes generated were production of herbs and herbal medicine; analysis of herbal products; training of herbalists, ‘client assessment’, herbal medicine treatment decisions and adjuvant therapy. It was realized that there were difficulties acquiring sustainable raw materials for herbal medicine production. Quality aspects include the input of research institutions and regulatory bodies to ensure that safe herbal products are used, and the formal training of herbalists. Patients at the study locations are assessed using orthodox means and may be treated with adjuvant therapies as well as herbal medicine. The themes raised provide insight into the issues and possibilities of integrating herbal medicine into a wider healthcare system.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)62-67
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Herbal Medicine
Volume8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2017

Keywords

  • Ghana
  • Herb quality
  • Herb safety
  • Herbal medicine
  • Integrated medicine
  • Qualitative study

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exploring the safety and clinical use of herbal medicine in the contemporary Ghanaian context: A descriptive qualitative study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this