seminar

Herbal Medicine and Mental Health

An afternoon seminar exploring the evidence, research, and wider perspectives shaping the role of herbal medicine in mental health care.

Join the Irish College of Traditional and Integrative Medicine (ICTIM) for an afternoon of discussion bringing together perspectives from pharmacognosy, herbal research, ethnology, and psychiatry.

Through four presentations and a closing Q&A, the seminar will consider the evidence base for herbal medicine in mental health care alongside broader questions about research, clinical practice, and healing.

Saturday, 21 November 2026
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Maynooth University, Ireland
Tickets: €25

Large historic stone building with multiple windows and spires, including a tall church steeple on the right, surrounded by green lawns, trees, and flower beds under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds - Maynooth University

Seminar - Exploring herbal medicine through science, research, and clinical practice

Herbal medicine has a long history of use across different medical traditions. As interest in integrative approaches continues to develop, important questions arise about its evidence base, clinical applications, safety, and place within modern healthcare.

This seminar brings together four speakers from different academic and clinical backgrounds to explore these questions through the perspectives of pharmacognosy, herbal research, ethnology, and psychiatry.

The afternoon offers an opportunity for learning, discussion, and the exchange of ideas across disciplines.

Programme

2:00 pm | Dr Fabio Boylan

Herbal Adjuncts in Psychiatry: From Pharmacological Targets to Benefit–Risk Decisions

Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin.

2:30 pm | Dr Anna Maria Keaveney

Conducting Herbal Research?

Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University; M.IIMH.

3:00 pm | Dr Rosari Kingston

Is Healing Broader than Science?

Department of Folklore and Ethnology, University College Cork.

3:30 pm | Interval

A short break before the final presentation.

4:00 pm | Dr Ciro Blujus dos Santos Rohde

Adjuvant Herbal Therapy for Chronic Psychiatric Patients

Psychiatrist, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

4:30 pm | Questions & Answers

An opportunity for discussion with the speakers.

Who Should Attend?

This seminar may be of interest to:

  • Medical herbalists and integrative medicine practitioners
  • Healthcare professionals with an interest in mental health
  • Researchers and educators in herbal and traditional medicine
  • Students of herbal medicine and related healthcare disciplines
  • Anyone interested in the relationship between herbal medicine, research, and mental health care

Book Your Place

Join us at Maynooth University

We look forward to welcoming you for an afternoon of learning and discussion.

Date: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Maynooth University, Ireland
Ticket price: €25 per person

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Booking is confirmed once payment has been successfully completed.
‍Organised and sponsored by the Irish College of Traditional and Integrative Medicine (ICTIM).