Herbal medicine use in the UK and Germany and pharmacy practice - A commentary

Using two case studies from Europe, this paper illustrates that there is a need to understand the role of pharmacists' professional practice relating to traditional and complementary medicine. Especially in countries, where there is a strong ongoing tradition of using most notably herbal medicines and at the same time a limited focus on pharmacy practice research, there is a need for further studies. Comparing the role of community pharmacists in the context of herbal medicines and their use, two contrasting approaches emerge, and we exemplify this using a case study approach with two countries, which show the different approaches in the context of healthcare and specifically community pharmacy. In Germany (as in many other European countries) herbal medicines have remained a core element of community pharmacy, and are an important healthcare resource, while in the UK, these products are no longer primarily sourced through community pharmacies. This case study also highlights different regulatory approaches and classification in these countries to identical healthcare/medical products. Pharmacy practice research should endeavour to systematically compare the regulatory framework of this class of products and their importance in community settings.