Complementary and alternative medicine continues to gain popularity. It is worth noting that most of the adults reports using complementary and alternative medicine. Doctors embrace the use of complementary and alternative therapies. In fact, the medical practitioners combine the mainstream medical therapies with complementary and alternative medicine. The alternative medicines tend to be dynamic as treatments undergo various testing before moving to mainstream medication. Complementary and alternative therapies are medical practices that are not in the standard care. The claims that complementary and alternative therapies providers make seem to be promising. Critical study is carried out to determine the usefulness and safety of herbal use in complementary and alternative therapies (Zimmerman & Kandiah, 2012). The use of herbs is not new because people in the past used parts of plants for treatment. In fact, some of the conventional drugs come from nature. In the general perspective, herbal use alternative and complimentary therapies tend to provide the most practical, evidence-based, and authoritative information that help in integrating alternative therapies.
Herbal use in complementary and alternative therapies covers a wide range of issues in the field of medicine. In the modern society, there is an increase of chronic diseases affecting the society. Herbal use in complementary and alternative therapies integrates several approaches that help in treating and preventing chronic diseases. The herbal resource pharmacists is essential since they provide evidence-based information on the use of herbal in CAM (Complementary and alternative medicine (Chaffin, Thoennes, Boucher & Pronk, 2003). In fact, the herbal resource pharmacists inform the CAM users on the quality, safety and efficacy of herbal uses in complementary and alternative therapies.
The medical practitioners and the public in therapies that are not part of the mainstream medical care have developed great interest on the use of herbs. Herbal medicine is a major branch of complementary and alternative medicines that is of great interest. The major groups that use herbal in complementary and alternative therapies include women, people with more education, as well as people living in urban areas (Nahin & Straus, 2001). A percentage of those people using herbal in complementary and alternative therapies continues to increase.
Studies show that various reasons drive people using herbal in complementary and alternative therapies. One of the critical factors is that the conventional medicine tends to be overwhelmed by some diseases; hence, individuals resolve to herbs as a solution to their medical problem. Others assert that herbs are derived from nature; hence, they are safer and healthier compared to prescribed drugs. Complementary and alternative therapists have holistic approaches that enable them to pay attention to the needs of the clients.
Herbal use in complementary and alternative therapies has raised many concerns. The assessibility of safety and efficacy of the herbs is the main concern to the mainstream medicine. Herbal based treatments lack complete and definite information on the composition of the extracts. It is worth noting that herbal remedies demand deep and powerful assessment of the safety and pharmaceutical qualities. The use of naturally derived substance for medical purpose is in the entire world. Pragmatic and explanatory studies on the use of herbs should be complementary, especially in the acquisition and use of herbs (Zimmerman & Kandiah, 2012). The weakness of herbal use in complementary and alternative therapies is the fact that it is not based on scientific knowledge. The use of herbal demand critical research in order to lessen the risks associated with the herbal use. The techniques used in herbal use in complementary and alternative therapies tend to be less invasive than conventional medicine field. Some of the herbs used in complementary and alternative therapies have scientific evidence to support, but many of them call for crucial scientific studies to address them. The need for research does not mean that the therapies do not work, it just a matter of clarification if it fully works.
There is little evidence about use of herbs in complementary and alternative therapies. One of the main explanations is a lack of extensive research due to costly and controlled medical studies. Trials carried out for conventional therapies are mostly funded by large companies. There are few resources that support research on the use of herbal medicine (Nahin & Straus, 2001). Resources need to be directed towards research, especially on complementary and alternative medicine.
There are various benefits and risks associated with any form of therapy. In these cases, herbal uses in complementary and alternative therapies have benefits and risks. Those who use herbs in complementary and alternative therapies need to consult conventional doctors. Conventional doctor will help individuals using CAM to make informed decisions (Chaffin, Thoennes, Boucher & Pronk, 2003). Doctors help individual to comprehend the possible benefits and risks. In order to minimize risks, it is worth focusing on what research says about the use of herbs. Individuals need to choose CAM practitioner in a careful way.
In the general perspective, the use of herbs in complementary and alternative therapies is on the rise. The public and other responsible stakeholders encourage the use of herbs since there are illnesses that are not treated by conventional medicine. Little research have been carried out to determine the usefulness, safety and efficacy of using herbs in complementary and alternative therapies.
References
Chaffin, J. A., Thoennes, J. J., Boucher, J. L., & Pronk, N. P. (2003). Supporting Herbal Resource Needs for Health Plan Members: Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Telephone. Disease Management & Health Outcomes, 11(8), 499-506.
Nahin L., & Straus, E. (2001). Research into complementary and alternative medicine: problems and potential. Br Med J, 322:161–4
Zimmerman, C., & Kandiah, J. (2012). A Pilot Study to Assess Students' Perceptions, Familiarity, and Knowledge in the Use of Complementary and Alternative Herbal Supplements in Health Promotion. Alternative Therapies In Health & Medicine, 18(5), 28-33.
