Nature is a treasure trove of wonders that never seems to cease. We turn to its bank, tapping its resources to make our lives easier. While modern medicine continues to take many a giant step for mankind, we still explore nature's bounties to discover magical potions. But while trends reveal herbal remedies are much sought after today, it is just as true that our ignorance and nonchalance can cause the treatment to have disastrous effects. Education is the key.
Scores of patients seeking cures for various diseases are now going back to nature: herbal remedies are becoming hugely popular.
Be it chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes or common ailments like obesity, more and more people are seeking help from herbalists.
The branch has become so popular that the Ministry of Health has had to take notice. It even had to issue rules to regulate the herbal medicine practice in the emirates.
Dr Sassan Behjat, Coordinator of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the Ministry, says if herbal medicines are in crude form, they can be sold at shops licensed by the municipalities. If they are in pharmaceutical form, they should be sold at Ministry licensed health-food stores or pharmacies.
While the trend has increased, some doctors warn herbs are not risk-free and only proper intake of these drugs will have effective results. "People believe that herbal medicines have minimal side effects. That's not true," said one allopathic doctor.
But Dr Mazin Ali Naji, Director of the Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine, says: "We do research on the side effects, benefits and the quantity that should be prescribed."
Research
Another doctor at a hospital said: "We cannot be 100 per cent sure that some herbs are free of toxins and that there is no element of risk involved in natural remedies." He said many herbal practitioners have no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of their remedies.
"The doctor suggests that people who buy herbal products should ensure they have undergone properly designed medical trials at specialised research centres and are certified. "Patients should also seek proper medical advice on their use," he said.
Faisal Salem Al Midfa, Deputy Section Head of the Private Medical Profession, Sharjah Medical Zone, said: "Herbal practitioners have to pass Ministry tests, which verifies their qualifications. Clinics as well as herbal shops also undergo checks before they are allowed to open."
Clinical trials
The ministry's only institution which produces herbal medicine is the Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine. It also performs clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of alternative medicines. It has conducted a study on 120 herbs which are found in this region. Presently it is conducting research on 700 herbs collected in the UAE alone. Reportedly there are 2000 herbs which are unique to this region.
After the tests the institution prepares herbal remedies. "We have registered 10 herbal medicines so far with the Ministry," says Ali Naji.
Abu Fida Mohammed Arif, Dean of the Al Nabawi and Herbal Science's Arabian Institute, said: "Traditional and herbal medicine is rooted deep in history. It has evolved over the ages. I assume it can provide excellent remedies to many of the chronic diseases of today. But it should be practised by knowledgeable people or the treatment could have a negative impact on the sick."
The Institute offers a two-year diploma course on Herbal and Al Nabawi Medicine.
Another allopathic doctor said it is better if herbal remedies are classified by drawing a line between traditional, conventional and alternative medicine. This would prevent non-medical people from practising medicine. "It is a risk for patients."
Claims on effects
Herbal medicine practitioners on the other hand contend that herbal remedies are all natural and that they do not have any side effects.
"Our herbs are certified by the ministry. We have deep knowledge of the herbs. When patients produce a prescription, we give them the appropriate herbs. Many of our patients are satisfied with our remedies," said a Chinese herbal shop owner who is licensed to only sell herbs in the raw form.
"These natural remedies are very affordable." He sells around 200 various types of herbs. Some patients said they are not too sure about herbal remedies, but they will not injest chemicals, meaning allopathic medicines.
Some said herbal medicines temporarily kill pain. And one patient even added that the side effects are really bad. Most of herbs at the retail outlets are neither ministry-tested nor are registered remedies, one doctor alleged.
Flouting rules
According to health officials in Sharjah, raids uncovered that some people were flouting rules. A number of herbal retail outlets were formulating herbal drugs while they were not licensed to do so. Sales persons at other outlets were illegally treating patients without referring to any doctor's prescription.
The raids also discovered that some spas which offer various health massages and other alternative therapies were also selling herbal products and cosmetics.
Health officials usually act on reports from patients and conduct raids in coordination with the municipality. The clinics and shops are then fined and restrictions are put on them.
Health officials say an increasing number of people are using herbs without first referring to a competent medical practitioner. They also buy products that are not certified by the ministry and distributed by unlicensed dealers.
Al Midfa refers to an instance when an unlicensed practitioner was found formulating carbohydrate substances with herbs for a diabetes patient. "This is dangerous for patients."
The ministry has so far not yet set up a system to record patients checking herbal centres or herbal shops. A source at the Sharjah Medical Zone said there is no record-keeping on patients seeking natural remedies. "We only keep records on allopathic medicine patients."
She said since natural remedies are much less expensive than allopathic medicines, more are buying herbal medicines. "I believe the number of patients checking herbal centres is high. Keeping records of patients at these centres will help us control their medical practices as well as ensure safety of patients. Record books should be maintained similar to those at clinics and hospitals."
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