Herbal ingredients in health products

Herbal therapeutics are medicines used in the treatment or prevention of disease, prepared from medicinal plant sources from every region of the globe. The discipline of herbal therapeutics involves the practice of applying medicinal plant products in the treatment and prevention of disease by a trained professional.

Herbal therapeutics have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat particular conditions and diseases. Today, herbs are used in various ways, in combination with vitamins, as single herbs on their own, or in combination with other herbal medicine ingredients. They can be tablets or capsules; as well, many practitioners also prepare liquid herbal formulations to suit the specific needs of their patients. They favour using liquid extracts as the liquid allows for faster absorption, and it is easy to adjust the dosage for individual patients.

Often tablets and capsules made from dried herbal powders or standardised extracts are used for convenience. Teas and infusions can be prescribed too. Also, some herbs can be put into creams or ointments, which is an effective form of delivery for skin conditions.

Some currently popular herbs are:

• Turmeric for joint health
• Echinacea for the immune system
• Ashwagandha to treat stress and support sleep, energy, and resilience
• St John's wort for mood support
• Ginkgo for cognition and circulation
• St Mary's thistle for treating fatty liver

The growth of the herbal medicine market

Increasingly, people are focused on preventative health and general wellness, and they are open to using complementary medicine as part of their total health care. The 2024 Industry Snapshot from Complementary Medicines Australia shows that more than 75% of Australian households use some form of complementary medicine and spend more than $3.8 billion on natural therapy practitioners.

They are looking for safe and effective ways to optimise immunity, manage stress, improve sleep and digestion, as well as natural ways to manage chronic health conditions. Scientific research is now capturing and confirming what herbalists and naturopaths have known for centuries by showing how and why medicinal herbs work the way they do. For many people, this scientific validation is reassuring, and they are comfortable with taking herbal medicines. These are some of the reasons why the herbal medicine market is growing rapidly.

Commercial herbal manufacturing

Commercial herbal manufacturing transforms raw plant materials into medicinal preparations suitable for use to treat and prevent many different health conditions. In Australia, all health products must be produced under carefully controlled Good Manufacturing Practices and meet the high standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The commercial manufacturing process starts by sourcing the correct raw materials, undertaking the proper identification processes, evaluating plant sustainability, and fulfilling strict quality control requirements. Only then can the manufacturer extract the active ingredients. Processes such as accurate extraction, standardisation and quality-control testing are essential to ensure that medicinal herbal products meet safety standards and contain the precise dose needed to deliver therapeutic benefits. The process is meticulous and carefully controlled at every stage.

The importance of seeking qualified advice

Herbal treatments are often regarded as being gentle and safe. However, it is important to remember that herbal medicine can be powerful. Self-prescribing herbal products is a bit like servicing your own car, you might get some things right, but you could easily overlook critical safety checks. That’s why it is recommended to consult with a qualified professional who can assess your individual health and prescribe herbal medicines that are both safe and effective. Since herbal products may not be intended for long-term use, regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure treatment remains appropriate and beneficial over time.

How to become a Western Herbal Medicine expert

In line with the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, we offer degree-level training in Western Herbal Medicine. Students learn about both commercial and individual manufacturing processes and undertake hands-on projects to develop their skills. They also study botany to learn about the plants themselves, and then materia medica (which is Latin for ‘medical material’), where they learn about the actions, safety and clinical applications of herbal medicines.

In the Herbal Therapeutics subjects, students bring all their skills and knowledge together to treat various conditions. Then they go on to work under supervision to apply that knowledge to real-life cases at our low-cost community clinic, The Practice Wellbeing Centre, which is located in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Graduates have the skills to pursue a career in the commercial herbal products industry.

The information provided is for general informational or educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have.