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Naturopathy and Herbalism in disaster management: A qualitative study of Naturopaths' and Herbalists' experience of the 2022 Northern New South Wales and Southeast Queensland flood events
Abstract

Naturopathy and Herbalism in disaster management: A qualitative study of Naturopaths' and Herbalists' experience of the 2022 Northern New South Wales and Southeast Queensland flood events

Isabel Halse
Australian journal of herbal and naturopathic medicine, Vol.35(1), pp.24-24
Naturopathic Symposium (Melbourne, Australia, 27/05/2026–28/05/2026)
2023

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Abstract

Background: Natural disasters are expected to become more frequent and extreme due to climate change. These changes will have profound short-term and long-term health impacts. Practitioners of Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine provide patient-centred holistic healthcare that may help mitigate the health impacts of disasters. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of thirteen Naturopaths/Herbalists following the 2022 Northern New South Wales and Southeast Queensland flood events. Results: The community aspect of the flood response and recovery was a key motivator for participants to provide healthcare. Participants’ felt their holistic and biopsychosocial approach to health was suited to the healthcare needs that presented after the floods as it was able to address the social determinants of health. Despite diverse and varying levels of experience, participants were able to adapt their practice to meet the needs of affected communities. Participants reported difficulties and inefficiencies with requesting donations from product suppliers, and the public, and emphasised the need for the development of a disaster protocol to guide the safe and effective provision of disaster care. Conclusion: The results highlight the potential role of Naturopaths and Herbalists in disaster care, and their unique and holistic contribution to the healthcare demands and needs of the community in disaster response and recovery. The development of a disaster protocol is an important next step in this work as it will help better prepare and equip the professions to respond to future disasters and could help to prevent overlap and confusion around donation requests.

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