Learning to read and assess scientific research articles is an important skill for the modern herbalist. The information is literally at our fingertips, however, we do need to know how to interpret it. As herbalists, our information is scrutinized. Someone can be on seven medications with dangerous side effects, but when something goes wrong, it will be blamed on the lavender in their deodorant. If we make the wrong claims, we can risk serious repercussions.
Using research articles to support claims gives stronger credibility to anything one writes or presents. When speaking to authority figures or those who have a science background, having research to back up your argument will usually appease any questions, or at the very least, gain you some respect. Herbalists can use these sources to find the latest research on specific herbs and also to support any claims they may have about an herb. Supporting your claims with research that is solid and peer-reviewed can give it the background needed for those who may want to argue or dismiss its efficacy.
However, it is necessary to know how to read said research and how to apply it. If you are not familiar with any words or terms, always first look them up before citing them as a resource. For example, knowing the difference between in and in changes how you can apply the research to your current writings and applications of herbs. One must know how to consider the study size in the research and the subject of the study. Never try to cite a paper that you do not fully understand. One must also know how to assess how applicable the research is to those of us using whole herb preparations versus, for example, a single constituent that is extracted and studied.