Constructing nature: An exploratory media analysis of botanical medicines in the United States

This dissertation is an exploratory study of the changing field of botanical medicine in the United States. During the last three decades there have been marked increases in product availability and patient utilization of, physician interest in, and funding and publication of scientific research related to botanical medicines. However, outside of survey data regarding patient utilization and physician interest, there has been no systematic exploration of the changing field of botanical medicine. This dissertation explores how changes in the classification of botanical medicines have led to increased utilization while concurrently contributing to the medical profession's authority over these products.; In an attempt to obtain a broad, national view of the changes, I conducted an analysis of key medical and popular journal/magazine articles. Grounded theory was the primary method used during the analysis of this sample. Grounded theory provides a flexible and interactive method for the analysis of text and is ideal for exploratory research.; The analyses were divided into two segments. The first characterized the sample with regard to author characteristics and article content. The second presented the results related to claim and cautionary statements, or statements related to the efficacy and safety of botanical products. The use of research to support claim statements and cautionary statements was also explored.; I identify key discursive practices that have contributed to increased physician influence and control over the field of botanical medicines. In both samples, botanical use was generally discussed in terms of the biomedical model; articles lacked discussions about alternative methods of utilization. In addition, it appears that consumers are being affected by the continuing shift from debates over efficacy and legitimacy to product safety. Standardized products are gaining a more stable foothold in the marketplace, while consumer opposition to federal regulation of botanicals appears to be in decline. Together, these findings begin to explain how the discursive classifications of and debates over botanical medicines have contributed to physicians' authority over these products.