This month sees the launch of the first International Symposium on the Role of Botanicals in Women's Health, where the latest scientific data demonstrating how botanical medicines can play a critical role in maintaining women's health will be presented.
Leading scientists, medical doctors, herbalists and representatives from the US National Institutes of Health will take part in the event, hosted by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and Rutgers University. The symposium will take place on 16 & 17 February at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
"In addition to botanical medicine's long history of use, there is increasing scientific evidence that further supports the pivotal role that botanicals play in advancing women's health," said Beth Lambert, vice chair of the AHPA. "Our goal is to empower women with the facts so that they can make the smartest choices when using therapeutic herbs."
The two-day symposium, will provide a platform for experts who study and use botanicals shown to be safe and effective for health conditions specific to women. New information on botanicals such as red clover (Trifolium pratense) used for menopause, chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) used to ease PMS, and soy (Glycine max), which is considered by some as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy are just some of the products that will be showcased. Additionally, clinical protocols for various gynecological conditions will be presented, the AHPA said.