Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine

05/09/2024

https://vimeo.com/852864589

Ecologist Distinguished Professor Belinda Medlyn speaks of her election to the Australian Academy of Science Fellowship.

07/03/2022

With the devastating weather events that are continuing to affect Australia’s east coast, the AJHNM hopes the linked information below, prepared by the Australia Psychological Society, may be helpful to the many colleagues, family members and friends of AJHNM affected in QLD and NSW.

Australians frequently experience disasters, like bushfires, cyclones, floods, and less frequently, also experience human made disasters like community violence. These events can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of community members.

10/12/2020

In 2018, based on a theory of toxicity, the TGA removed access to 3 western herbal medicines - Actostaphylos uva-ursi, Achillea millefolium and Turnera diffusa. These herbs contain arbutin, a derivative of hydroquinone. In 2020 the TGA restored access. December AJHNM published pivotal clinical evidence supporting the TGA decision to restore availability. In a systematic Review of clinical safety by Laura Dwyer and Ian Breakspear, a small amount of very low quality evidence was found for adverse effects following long term use, however the authors conclude their findings lack reliability and have very limited generalizability to clinical settings. This may be due to insufficient evidence from clinical studies with too few investigating and/or reporting adverse effects, or it may be because there are very few clinical adverse effects, despite the content of theoretically toxic arbutin. Evidence sources that include traditional and historical use, such as the BHP, report no adverse effects suggesting the latter is more likely. There are well articulated limitations of decisions based on theoretical evidence only - findings are often not consistent with clinical effects in humans. We don't have to look too far for an example - the Roche produced Tamiflu that many governments stockpiled in 2002 for use in pandemics - theoretically effective but no clinical evidence of any more efficacy than paracetemol (despite 10000% higher costs). Without acknowledging the limitations of theoretical evidence, and failing to invest in clinical research, our professions are vulnerable to policy based on theory. Congratulations Laura Dwyer and Ian Breakspear for calling this out and for an illuminating and thorough piece of work.

09/09/2020

How does trust manifest in Naturopathy and herbalism? There has never been a time when this has been more important - we are incredibly reliant on accurate information during the pandemic. September 21-25 is peer review week. Please share your experiences of trusted information, and how this informed your practice.

Peer Review Week is a global event celebrating the essential role that peer review plays in maintaining scientific quality.

23/04/2020

Physically distant with time on your hands?

With respect to our patients, it is critical we share our discoveries, claim our wisdom and document our wins and losses.

Perhaps you have discovered your own miraculous approach – and want other naturopaths' and herbalists' patients to benefit?

Perhaps from years of clinical practice, witnessing your patients heal, you have developed your own theoretical explanation you feel warrants recognition?

If you are interested in sharing clinical practice pearls with peers, this is how it is totally possible for you to formally publish clinical results, without needing complex University Ethics Committee approval:

Do a Case Study based on 3 participants [ #1,2,3], be sure to obtain their documented consent, then submit the results to a peer reviewed journal, such as the AJHNM, for publication (you can find the format here: https://www.nhaa.org.au/docs/AJMH/Articles/25_3_Writing_for_publication_case_studies.pdf).

Do it again, with another 3 participants [ #4,5,6], published by another or the same Journal.

Do it again, with a further 3 participants [ #7,8,9], published by another or the same Journal.

Finally, conduct a meta-analysis of the above 3 papers (ie combining data from your multiple studies and include any other relevant similar data exists) potentially demonstrating the results are consistent from one study to the next, thus identifying the common effect. And submit that meta-analysis to another or the same Journal for publishing.

Voila! You now have published research! ...And you have effectively spread your wisdom and knowledge to others who can benefit.

(adapted from an article in the Latest Perinatal Integrative Medicine Research Articles by IIMHO [Intl Integrative Maternity HealthCare Org] hosted by Kathy Fray)

17/03/2020

Hi there, A message to naturopaths and herbalists about Covid-19. We would like to take a moment and urge you all to take the lead in helping to dispel any misinformation circulating about Covid-19 and natural medicines.

Specifically, it should be clearly communicated to patients, clients, colleagues and manufacturers that there are no natural medicines (vitamins, minerals, herbs, nutrients etc) that have been shown in human clinical trials to prevent or treat Covid-19.

While some natural medicines can help enhance immunity, such measures should not replace good hygiene, social distancing, quarantining when necessary, or any other recommendations made by the Australian Government’s Department of Health.

Please remember that even if a patient’s immune system is strong, that patient may still carry and transmit the virus. While this pandemic is unfolding quickly, the prevalence of carriers in communities is currently not known.

Like you, our concern is for the safety of our communities. We stand with you in this fight and we will do everything we can to be a trusted support.