A history of shaker nurse-herbalists, health reform, and the american botanical medical movement (1830-1860).
During the mid 19th century, herbal remedies were the platform for a major health reform movement in America known as the Botanical Medical Movement (BMM). A number of histories have been written on the BMM from the perspectives of physicians and pharmacists.


OBJECTIVE
This article describes the history of nurse-herbalism during the period and the impact that Shaker nurses, in particular, had on the BMM.


METHODS
The article traces the history and findings of a triangulated case study.


RESULTS
Shaker nurses used herbs extensively in their caring and curing practices. They applied the botanical remedies recommended by BMM leaders. The nurses were also expert herbal medicine makers who used their own remedies in patient care.


CONCLUSIONS
The Shaker infirmary was the nurses' behind-the-scenes research and development laboratory for the Shaker herbal cottage industry, which ultimately developed into an international, entrepreneurial endeavor. The Shaker infirmary was the nurses' organized proving ground for the implementation of the botanical health reforms of the mid 19th century. The nurse-herbalists' contribution to the promotion and production of herbal remedies had a significant impact on the success of botanical health reform in America.
Libster
Martha M
MM
East Carolina University Schoolof Nursing, Health Sciences Building 3185H, Greenville, NC27858-4353, USA. libsterm@ecu.edu
D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000266:history*; D029001:Herbal Medicine / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006694:Holistic Health / Q000266:history*; D018939:Holistic Nursing / Q000266:history*; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000266:history; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000266:history*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000266:history; D014481:United States
D010936:Plant Extracts