Healing through Herbal Remedies: A Phenomenological Study of Individuals with Chronic Illnesses
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Abstract
Natural and herbal remedies have gained increasing global attention as alternative approaches to health and healing, emphasizing the integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of well-being. Within this context, the phenomenological study of patients’ lived experiences provides a crucial lens for understanding the personal and cultural meanings of natural healing practices. Despite growing research on the pharmacological and clinical efficacy of herbal medicine, little is known about how individuals experience and ascribe meaning to the healing process itself. This study addresses this gap by employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how individuals with chronic illnesses construct and interpret their experiences with herbal remedies. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with twelve participants who had used herbal treatments for more than six months. Thematic analysis revealed five interrelated themes: reclaiming control through natural healing, the spiritual dimension of recovery, negotiation between traditional and modern medicine, emotional restoration, and the social and cultural meaning of herbal practices. These findings highlight that healing through herbal remedies is perceived not merely as a biomedical process but as a transformative, meaning-filled experience rooted in cultural heritage and personal empowerment. The study concludes that natural healing represents a holistic reconfiguration of wellness an alignment between body, mind, and nature reflecting both individual agency and cultural continuity. These insights not only deepen current understandings of holistic medicine but also underscore the need for healthcare practitioners to integrate culturally grounded, patient-centered perspectives into treatment approaches. Future research should explore how phenomenological insights can inform policies and clinical guidelines that support more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare models.
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