'I have learnt so much from indigenous and traditional approaches to health’ – Dr Vivien Rolfe [Interview]

Formerly head of herbal research at Pukka Herbs, where she was responsible for creating university-industry partnerships, she is now director of her own company, Curiosity Research, where she provides research and education services to support herbal product manufacturers and practitioners of herbal or integrative medicine.

You have worked in gut physiology and nutrition research for most of your career. What has your experience been as a woman working in science? Has it changed over the years?

“I feel privileged that I have been able to explore subjects that interested me like gut physiology, nutrition, and herbs and spices throughout my career. As a woman, yes, at times it felt like being a boat buffeted in a storm – but overall, I have had a positive experience.

“The secret is always finding your tribe, and trying to make the experience better for younger women scientists or other minoritised people who are coming along and seeking to establish their research careers.”

You’re a scientist who is passionate about herbalism and the natural world. What can modern medicine learn from traditional herbal wisdom and indigenous knowledge?

“I have learnt so much from indigenous and traditional approaches to health. I realise as a scientist you can become quite closed-minded and wrapped up in the detail of what you are exploring, rather than considering the bigger picture.

“Traditional wisdom considers the whole person, often within the context of their natural surroundings – and it is a viewpoint we all should take these days, as our scientific and healthcare approaches are an increasing burden on the natural world.

“Understanding and respecting nature and the power of plants is a good starting point for then exploring the detail, having an outside view, and looking in on problems, rather than the other way around.”

Your career has taken you to a variety of sectors, from academia, industry, and now as director of your own company. How do working experiences differ across these different areas? Is it easier to be a female professional in some than others?

“It is perhaps unusual to have moved between industry and academia so many times. I have moved when I’ve become stuck in one organisation or had a negative experience, and because I love new challenges and learning new things. If I’ve not liked something, I’ve simply moved on and taken the learning with me.

“I wouldn’t say that there are differences in the way women are treated between academia or industry, as in both there are some organisations which are more inclusive, and others where women may be blocked or not treated well or fairly. I would recommend anyone to do their homework as culture can vary quite hugely even between departments or teams in the same organisation.

“Choose your boss wisely, look for signs of a diverse team and inclusive culture, and try and find out the experiences of the people working in that team.”

In your past role at Pukka Herbs, you established dozens of university partnerships for herbal research on topics including sleep, cognition, muscle function and the gut microbiome. What do you think is the biggest challenge herbal research faces today and why?

“Pukka was an inspirational place. I had the joy of setting up partnerships and bringing student researchers into the organisation. We created a great deal of momentum in a short space of time delivering many projects exploring the health effects of herbs.

“The big challenges are lack of funding and that our medical system is one centred around treating disease rather than promoting health. Herbs can do both, but some – such as chamomile, which helps with relaxation, thyme or pine to help with cough, and many more – could be used to support our minor health needs and take some of the burden away from our breaking healthcare systems.

“Part of that challenge is negative perceptions around using herbs, and I’ve heard so many people say there is no evidence to show they work. I tell them about our turmeric meta-review [that] examined 65 systematic reviews and hundreds of clinical trials on the spice.

“We need a large programme of funding to fully gather the evidence on herbs that could have the biggest impact for us; the implementation would include gaining regulatory approval for some of them to be used for health or in medicines, and we need to ensure that herbal supplies are sustainable.”

You are academic co-director at the National Centre for Integrative Medicine. What are the biggest misconceptions around the concept of integrative medicine?

“I work part-time helping to run a masters-level diploma in integrative medicine which covers holistic practice through to business development. I don’t think there are any major misconceptions because I observe many healthcare professionals seeking to change the way they practice, partly to support their own health, but also to better support their patients.

“I see a growing movement for change in this area, so misconception might not be the right word, but there are aspects that need attention such as better regulation of some areas of holistic therapy training and practice, and herbalism could be included there too.

“The public are faced with many options as are their healthcare providers, and people aren’t clear that a practising medical herbalist or acupuncturist for example will have completed at least three years of clinical training, and this is not equivalent to a short online course. I believe we need to be teaching these approaches within nursing, medical, and pharmacy schools too to equip our future professionals.”

Outside of work, you’re a member of TreeSisters.org [a charity dedicated to social change and reforestation] and play saxophone in an all-female swing band. Why is being a part of women-led communities like these important? Do they help complement or balance your working life?

“I’ve always worked in large organisations and when I started my own company, Curiosity Research Ltd, in 2023 – which is just me working from home – I knew I would need to find some new social connections.

“I consciously joined a local businesswomen’s network which was inspiring and supportive. I wonder if there was also something subconscious about being an older woman with all the social pressures that brings? Maybe I have sought out these communities as they feel inclusive and full of people who understand my life experience right now?

“The all-female big band is a welcoming space for musicians of all backgrounds to play incredible music which can be quite a competitive, male-dominated space. All these groups are an essential part of my life, and above anything else, are full of laughter.”