15A. Cross-cultural Herbal Medicine: What to Know, What to Avoid

Focus Area: Experiential Workshop In this case-based didactic session, an integrative patient assessment will be used to explore cultural nuances to the use of botanical medicine. Specifics about the general clinical use of herbal medicine will be mentioned, though there will be a focus on immigrant health and healthcare and the home use of herbal medicines. Drawing from fieldwork in Ecuador, as well as a qualitative research project in Madison, Wisconsin, the speaker will weave ethnobotany, herbal medicine, and cross-cultural pearls into a clinically relevant discussion. A review of safety concerns with the use of herbal medicines, possible confusion that may exist with a focus on common plant names, and evidence-based efficacy data are some of the topics that will be covered in this session.