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HERYR
Took herbal supplements, past 12 months
Return to Herbs, Past Year variables list

Codes and Frequencies



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Description

For sample persons, HERYR indicates whether the person had taken herbal supplements during the past 12 months. The question associated with HERYR was asked of all sample adults in 1999, 2000, and 2005. In 2002, it was asked of sample adults who had ever used natural herbs for their own health (HEREV). In 2007 and 2012, it was asked of sample adults and children who had ever used natural herbs for their own health.

Herbal supplements was one of many alternative health treatment modalities included in the 2002, 2007, and 2012 Complementary and Alternative Health Supplements. If sample respondents gave a positive response to HERYR, they were asked a series of follow-up questions.

Definitions of Herbs 

The 1999 Field Representative's Manual defines "herbal medicine" as "using herbs to treat a specific health problem."

The 2002 Manual defines "natural herbs" as:

plants with medicinal properties. Among the more popular include Echinacea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, feverfew, garlic, kava kava, and saw palemetto. Garlic, for example, has been used to treat fevers, sore throats, digestive ailments, hardening of the arteries, and other health problems and conditions.

Definitions were not provided in other years, and neither of the above definitions was routinely shared with respondents.

Related Variables

Additional information about use of natural herbs was collected for respondents who reported using natural herbs in the past 12 months, including variables on frequency of use and amount of out-of-pocket costs. Please use the IPUMS NHIS drop-down menus and search function to learn more about these variables.

Follow-up Questions: Herbal Use in Past 30 Days

In 2007 and 2012, sample persons who had taken herbal supplements in the past 30 days (i.e., a "Yes" response in HERMO) were asked a range of follow-up questions. Please use the IHIS drop-down menus and search function to learn more about these variables.

Comparability

In 2007, sample children were added to the universe for this question. In 2007 only, the sample child universe was not restricted by if the sample child had ever used natural herbs (HEREV). Because of this expanded universe, the number of negative responses for HERYR is much higher in 2007. Otherwise, there are no comparability issues.

Universe

  • 1999-2000: Sample adults age 18+.
  • 2002: Sample adults age 18+ who have ever used natural herbs for their health.
  • ih2005: Sample adults age 18+.
  • 2007: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children under 18 who have ever taken herbal supplements.
  • 2012: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children between the ages of 4 and 17 who have ever taken herbal or non-vitamin supplements.

Availability

  • 1999-2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2012

Weights