Kritika tells us of her experience as a researcher and practitioner and shares her views on how herbalism is perceived and what it needs most to flourish.
Please tell us about your research
I entered the world of research because I often felt that the quality of research in herbal medicine was questionable by many. To dig in deep, during my Master’s degree, I conducted the quality assessment of the COVID-19 clinical trial using Ayurveda intervention and compared it to the COVID-19 clinical trial using non-Ayurveda intervention, including conventional medicine (majority). We found out that there was a difference between Ayurveda and non-Ayurveda trials. Initially the results favoured Ayurveda trials, so we conducted a sub-group analysis. The subgroup analysis could not establish the difference in the quality between two groups.
After the completion of my degree, we conducted a next stage study to assess the characteristics and reporting of traditional medicine including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine and compared it with conventional medicine. We found out the traditional medicine trials were less likely to report the results than conventional medicine.
We have also conducted a pilot study on fibromyalgia participants who were offered group therapies and weekly one-to-one sessions of Ayurvedic lifestyle intervention and noticed a significant improvement in pain and quality of life.
My next project will be around cancer, and we are still at the proposal stage.
How helpful do you think plants and fungi can be for healthcare?
Plants and fungi play a crucial role in both serious and non-serious health conditions. Because they are in their natural form, the human body is likely to adapt and respond to them more easily. It is very unfortunate that not enough scientific evidence is available to prove this point. While some does exist, definitely more is required. However, to give an idea, I can give an example of traditional medicine Ayurveda.
The 5000 year old classical textbook of Ayurveda talks about both curable and non-curable disease. From nausea and vomiting to cancer, you name the condition and you can find a co-relation in those books. In the management of every condition they talk about suitable herbs. The book even talks about emergency health conditions like poisoning. The number of trials conducted that demonostrate positive results regarding herbal efficacy during COVID-19 signifies that this area is worth exploring. So, I believe more robust scientific work is needed to validate the relevance of ancient wisdom in the modern world.
What are some of the challenges you face with herbal research and advocacy?
Coming from both backgrounds and while working with experts in research and experts in traditional or herbal medicine, I have noticed a disconnect between the experts in these two areas. A lack of comprehension between these two worlds has troubled me. There are only a few people who are or who choose to train in both the areas. I feel that basic training on both should be offered to see better results. However, this isn’t the biggest challenge, but a lack of funding.
Lack of funds in this area contributes to the majority of challenges. Neither it supports the ones who are already working in the system, nor tempting others who would join. Research in herbal medicine is majorly an individual interest and this approach according to me is not sustainable.
The above challenge leads to another. I have talked to a few researchers in herbal medicine who stopped researching because they did not feel that their work attracted enough attention or appreciation. So, often they prefer to focus on their practice, which gives them more fulfilment. I believe most of the challenges can be faced if there comes a body which regulates the funds in this area as well.
What are some of the challenges you face as a practitioner?
As a practitioner, I feel lack of awareness is a challenge. However, it does not bother me since there are many who are aware and there are many who through their experience find a way to connect with this science. One thing that is not a challenge for me but for the client is finding the right practitioner. I have seen a few clients who almost lost their hope in herbal medicine before meeting me. I think more information should be given to the clients on how to choose the one who has the expertise to work with them.
Do you think herbal medicines face negative bias within the scientific community and if so why?
The answer is both yes and no.
We know that the absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence. So, I have seen both the segments. Ones who are intrigued by this area and wish to work to contribute in generating the evidence. While there are also some who are very much occupied by the conventional medicine parameters. They judge traditional medicine on the same parameter, which gives out a sense of bias.
According to me, different streams of medicines work on different modes of action. Hence, they should not be compared under the same parameters.
How do you think herbal medicines can contribute to medicine?
An integrative approach is the need of the hour. The concept has been introduced to us for quite some time. However, we are yet to see it flourishing in practice. Both conventional medicine and herbal medicine should work hand in hand. One can offer what the other requires. So, instead of fighting over evidence, more contribution is needed to work towards building the evidence.
What place do you think herbal medicines have in self-care?
I come from India, so herbs have been a chief part of our kitchen. It is very important to know the basic properties of the herbs you are using. This ancient kitchen wisdom has been transferred from generation to generation.
Unfortunately, there has been a gap or some misinformation in recent years in the name of modernisation, which have negatively interfered with regular household practices. Therefore, clearer information on the kitchen herbs or even herbs required for health conditions should be shared with the masses. Herbal reality is already doing this good deed and I appreciate the work done in making this information accessible.
