November 13, 2003 – A recent comparative study on the use made in Quebec and Morocco of natural health products (NHPs) highlights striking differences.
The comparison is interesting since the tradition of the use of phytotherapies in Morocco goes back several hundred years, while the popularity of NHPs is on the rise in Quebec. Quebec and Moroccan researchers therefore interviewed therapists, herbalists or merchants in their respective countries.
The team of researcher Pierre Haddad1 first noticed that the 20 most popular plants identified by Moroccan respondents were all indigenous to the Mediterranean region. On the other hand, of the 20 most popular plants identified in Quebec, only three were native to Canada, namely ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), red raspberry (Rubus strigosus) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).
Another striking difference: 25% of the 20 most popular plants in Quebec frequently have anti-stress properties, while 50% of the 20 most popular Moroccan plants are mainly recommended against gastrointestinal disorders. Researchers see it as a reflection of the particular way of life in each location and of the main health concerns.
The researchers were also interested, in a more specific way, in the plants recommended to fight against diabetes. They noticed that almost all of the plants suggested in Quebec had been the subject of scientific studies, but that the same was true for only three of the ten Moroccan plants recommended for this use. This leads them to believe that several Moroccan plants merit further study.
In Morocco, the three plants mentioned most frequently are lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), oregano and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). In Quebec, it is rather echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and chamomile (Matricaria recutita)2.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
From Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants; flight. 10 (3) 2003.
1. Pierre Haddad is a full professor in the department of pharmacology at the University of Montreal. He is also a regular contributor to the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation and PasseportSanté.net.
2. The 20 most popular plants are: in Morocco, lavender, oregano, rosemary, white mugwort, black cumin, caraway, galangal minor, fenugreek, rue de Syria, pennyroyal, Broussonet’s thyme, lettuce-leaved rose , lavender stechas, traveling madder, garlic, switchgrass, caduncellus, corn, cork and ivet musk; in Quebec, echinacea, St. John’s wort, chamomile, milk thistle, stinging nettle, ginkgo, valerian, linden, dandelion, ginseng, garlic, kava kava, devil’s claw, raspberry, barley, hydastre, psyllium, boldo, red clover and aloe.