Healing Through Nature: Patients’ Experiences and Perceptions of Herbal Medicine in Managing Chronic Diseases
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Abstract
Herbal medicine has been widely used as a complementary therapy for chronic diseases, yet patients’ subjective experiences regarding its effectiveness, safety, and mechanisms of action remain underexplored. While previous studies focus on the pharmacological aspects of herbal medicine, there is limited research on patients’ perceptions and lived experiences. This phenomenological study explores patients’ experiences with herbal medicine, highlighting their perceptions of efficacy, safety, and their understanding of natural compound mechanisms in chronic disease management. Using in-depth interviews with 15 chronic disease patients who have used herbal medicine for over a year, this study identifies key themes: (1) trust in the natural and perceived safety of herbal remedies, (2) long-term efficacy expectations, (3) limited knowledge of herbal mechanisms, and (4) challenges in access and regulation. Observations further reveal how patients integrate herbal remedies into their daily health routines despite skepticism about conventional medicine. These findings provide insights for healthcare practitioners and policymakers to develop evidence-based guidelines for safe and effective herbal medicine use.
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