The use of medicinal mushrooms by Western herbal medicine practitioners in their practice: Applied Thematic Analysis
By Miriam MacDonald - Online MSc - Advanced Complementary Medicine
Abstract
Background
Medicinal mushrooms have been in use in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years and sales in mushroom nutraceuticals worldwide are expected to reach $90billion by 2027. Little is known about how Western herbal medicine practitioners (WHMPs) use medicinal mushrooms. The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which WHMPs use medicinal mushrooms in their practice.
Method
This is a qualitative study using purposive sampling of WHMPs in Ireland and the UK. Ten semi-structured one-hour interviews were conducted with WHMPs online. Applied thematic analysis was employed in data analysis and theme development.
Results
WHMPs would like a wider understanding of mushrooms, similar in scope to their knowledge of herbal medicine. Knowledge, product quality, cost and taste emerged as barriers to use, while education, practitioner/public awareness and practical experience, particularly of local mushrooms were identified as important in expanding the use of medicinal mushrooms in practice.
Conclusion
Knowledge of medicinal mushrooms is evolving, but further educational programmes for new and existing WHMPs may help expand their use. WHMPs would like more research on medicinal mushrooms, particularly European varieties and clear transparent information on how medicinal mushrooms are extracted and produced. A quality standard for medicinal mushroom products may be useful in helping to address WHMPs’ concerns around product quality. Increased awareness of the benefits of medicinal mushrooms with the general public and with healthcare professionals may also encourage the expansion of the use of medicinal mushrooms in WHMPs’ practices.
