Exploring Experiences of Transitioning from Pharmaceuticals to Herbal Remedies

Abstract

The growing global interest in natural and herbal medicines reflects a shift toward alternative health practices, yet little is known about how individuals experience the transition from pharmaceutical medications to self-prepared herbal remedies. Despite increasing research on efficacy and safety, few studies have explored the subjective meanings, emotional transformations, and cultural influences underlying this phenomenon. The knowledge gap lies in understanding how individuals construct personal meaning during this transition and what emotional, cultural, and existential factors shape their decision-making processes. Here, we adopt a hermeneutic phenomenological approach combined with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of individuals shifting to herbal autonomy and provide insights into their meaning-making processes. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and reflective journals from 18 participants and analyzed systematically to identify emergent themes. Four key themes were revealed: emotional transformation, trust in cultural identity, navigating uncertainty and risks, and healing beyond the physical body. The findings demonstrate that participants’ choices were deeply rooted in personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and a search for autonomy rather than biomedical efficacy alone. These results contribute to a more holistic understanding of health-related decision-making and highlight the need for integrative healthcare models that respect subjective experiences and cultural contexts. Future studies should explore diverse populations and combine phenomenological inquiry with quantitative measures to develop broader, patient-centered frameworks in herbal medicine research.