Understanding WHO Guidelines for Traditional and Herbal Medicines

 Introduction

In recent decades, traditional and herbal medicines have gained significant global attention as complementary approaches to public health. With their widespread use comes an urgent need for proper regulation, quality control, and safety assurance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines and strategic documents to support the scientific development and responsible use of traditional medicine worldwide.

 What Do WHO Guidelines Aim to Achieve?

1. Ensure patient safety in the use of herbal and traditional remedies

2. Standardize production practices, from cultivation to formulation

3. Improve quality control of raw materials and finished herbal products

4. Prevent misuse and adverse effects through informed usage

5. Facilitate registration and regulatory approvals in different countries

6. Support research and development (R&D) in traditional medicine

 Key WHO Documents and Guidelines

• GACP Guidelines (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices for Medicinal Plants)

• Assessment Guidelines for Herbal Medicines

• WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023: Integration of traditional medicine into national health systems

• Guidance on Clinical Research in Traditional Medicine

Why These Guidelines Matter for Countries Like Iran

For countries with a rich heritage in traditional medicine, like Iran, aligning herbal products with international standards is crucial for:

• Enhancing global competitiveness of herbal exports

• Simplifying the export licensing process

• Protecting domestic consumers with science-based safety standards

 Conclusion

WHO’s guidelines offer a practical roadmap for safer, higher-quality, and more internationally accepted herbal medicines.
At Padideh Giah, we are committed to helping innovators, manufacturers, and researchers navigate these standards and bring trusted herbal solutions to market.