Journal of Herbal Medicine

The Journal of Herbal Medicine is a peer reviewed journal which aims to serve its readers as an authoritative resource on the profession and practice of herbal medicine. The content areas of the journal reflect the interests of Medical Herbalists and other health professionals interested in the clinical and professional application of botanical medicines. The objective is to strengthen the research and educational base of herbal medicine with research papers in the form of case studies, original research articles and reviews, monographs, clinical trials and relevant in vitro studies. It also publishes policy statements, opinion pieces, book reviews, conference proceedings and profession related information such as pharmacovigilance reports providing an information source for not only the Herbal Practitioner but any health professional with an interest in phytotherapy.

Potentially the premier journal in its field, the journal welcomes papers that stimulate research and interest in herbal medicine education and practice that disseminate information about its clinical tradition, best practices, skills and knowledge, e.g. in the areas of

• Traditional medicine, ethnobotany and western herbal medicine

• Herbal therapeutics, phytomedicine and herbal preparations

• Medicinal plants in healthcare, clinical trials and pilot studies

• Biological and pharmacological effects of plant extracts

• Medicinal plants and their anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol, hypotensive, antispasmodic, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal activity

In cases where a submission involves a protected species—such as plants, fungi, or microorganisms that are covered by CITES, listed on the IUCN Red List, or identified as at risk of extinction or in serious decline—it is essential to provide a comprehensive justification. This justification must either confirm ethical sourcing practices (like the use of cultivated plants) or outline efforts to seek alternative sources to replace the protected species.

Please note that we do not publish papers where the focus and primary experimental method involve the use of animals. This includes in vivo and/or ex vivo studies and/or in vitro studies based on cell lines harvested from animals.

Furthermore, we do not publish papers which contain references or citations related to animal studies. If your paper includes references or citations on animal studies please withdraw it, as such papers will not be considered for peer review or publication.

Considering the standards upheld by the Journal of Herbal Medicine for publication integrity and safety, it is imperative to ensure that the solvents used in experimental studies accurately reflect true clinical practice and application of herbal medicine. Solvents such as methanol, hexane, petroleum, and ether can be toxic to humans. Therefore, submissions based on studies that use these solvents are unacceptable. Please note that referencing studies utilising these solvents is also against our clinical and publication standards.