Do Traditional Medicines have a Space in the Modern Healthcare?

 

    The advancement of technology greatly affected the use of traditional medicine, commonly known as “herbs,” by promoting the introduction of modern medicine, which can now be consumed in the form of tablets and syrups. Numerous countries, especially those in the developing world, still emphasize the application of traditional medicine in their health care system. Surprisingly, traditional medicine has dominated the South-East Asian regions’ healthcare structure for a prolonged period compared to the modern interventions that are now experiencing a surge in use. This has been induced by the fact that traditional medicine has been integrated in South-East Asia for generations, which denotes its importance and value in fighting and preventing ill-health (Oyebode et al., 2016). Consequently, over the past years, first world nations have enhanced their interest in traditional herbs, acupuncture, and other alternatives to support modern intervention. Moreover, there is an upsurge in trade among countries in herbal plants, and to a given extent, traditional drugs.

    According to World Health Organization, traditional medicine refers to the understanding, abilities, and processes based on theories, beliefs, and experiences native to various cultures, incorporated in disease management and prevention, including improving physical and cognitive impairment (Benzie & Wachtel-Galor, 2011). Notably, use of traditional medicine is dependent on the prevailing sickness, surrounding, and geographic region within which it first developed. However, the notable reasons for using traditional medicines include their affordability since they are cheap and align with the patient’s beliefs and ideology. Other reasons encompass concern by family members on the detrimental impacts of synthetic medicines, and it meets the desire for person-centered care. The primary purpose of herbal medication is for well-being promotion and therapy for chronic. Studies deduce that the application of traditional medicine surges when conventional drugs are ineffective in disease intervention like in advanced cancer and the event of a new infection (Benzie & Wachtel-Galor, 2011). On the other hand, traditional herbs are considered safe and natural; thus, pose less threat to the user. Traditional medicines helps in managing chronic and acute sicknesses and other ailments as well as problems like prostate cancer, inflammation, depression, cardiovascular illnesses and enhances the immune system. In countries like China, traditional herbs played a substantial part in controlling and treating severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and African flower to manage wasting symptoms linked with HIV. With the increasing sales of over-the-counter herbal drugs across Europe (Germany and France), one can get essential oils, medicinal teas, and extracts being traded in pharmacies with conventional medicine.

    With the advancement in technology, most healthcare industries have moved from traditional medicine to modern forms of medication to enhance the quality of services provided.  However, in the past years, there has been an increased interest among developed nations on the need to promote traditional drugs, acupuncture, and other drug alternatives to support the healthcare system. Traditional herbs are commonly used since they are affordable, less toxic, facilitate person-centered care, and meet patients' desires and needs. Moreover, they are used to manage chronic and acute sickness, including immunity boost. Based on this context, traditional medicine is critical in supporting modern healthcare currently facing a threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

References

Benzie, I. F., & Wachtel-Galor, S. (2011). Herbal medicine: biomolecular and clinical aspects.

Oyebode, O., Kandala, N. B., Chilton, P. J., & Lilford, R. J. (2016). Use of traditional medicine in middle-income countries: a WHO-SAGE study. Health policy and planning, 31(8), 984-991.

 

AUTHOR BIO

Jeremiah Oduor is the founder of Green County Youth Initiative and a forestry graduate currently pursuing post graduate studies in Agriculture Economics. He has performed as a forest officer for Greenpot Enterprises and KENAFF in development projects across Kenya since 2015. Currently is a forestry consultant at Greenlife Organization with major interest in traditional herbs.