Does nature offer the best cure?
The use of herbal medicines and remedies has long been a point of contention among healthcare professionals and herbal advocates in the UAE.
To visit a natural-health practitioner 20 or thirty years ago was considered alternative, unusual and in some peoples' opinion, a risk to your health. But that attitude has changed.
Pakistani nationals, Muhammad Sarwar and Syed Amjad Ali, both hail from the same country, but their views on herbal medicines couldn't be further apart.
In Ali's opinion, they're safe and effective. But for Sarwar, the only person in a position to deem them "safe" is a healthcare professional.
"Some herbal medicines are effective but I would always check with a qualified doctor or dispenser to see if the product suits my need first."
However, nowadays, more people are choosing more natural methods of health care. But the concept is not new.
In 1996, the Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine was established in Abu Dhabi. And since then we have witnessed the opening of the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, and Ayurvedic Herbal Health Centre to name but a few here.
Back in October, Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Policy and Licensing at the Ministry of Health (MoH) said: "Alternative medicines have long been considered an integral part of the global healthcare system."
But it is gaps in legislation, which is affecting their provision in this region.
Despite the rising popularity of herbal medications/alternative therapies, we are however, regularly seeing warnings on such products.
Just this month, MoH issued a fresh alert against illegal dietary supplements and sexual stimulants after receiving a safety alert from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The products were found to contain undeclared substances. However in October, the ministry announced it was reviewing 90 alternative medicines for registration - all which would be subjected to strict registration criteria to ensure quality and effectiveness first.
The news was received well by expatriate advocates here, however, many healthcare professionals say precautions still need to be taken when opting for the over-the-counter products, including Clinical Dietician, Nadine Aoun.
She remains hesitant to recommend their use to her clients.
"I focus on diet and exercise to promote a healthy body. If my clients suffer from further medical conditions, I would encourage them to seek advice from a doctor. For me, there is just not enough clarity with herbal products."
Unless it has been approved by the FDA and is "appropriately date-marked", she said she will continue to deter clients from using them.
"I think it is encouraging that the Ministry of Health is laying down strict legislation before registering these products. They are being vigilant. Now it's the patient that has to carry on that vigilance when opting for over-the-counter herbal products." But Dubai-based expatriate Ali champions the use of herbal alternatives. For him, they take precedence over prescription drugs.
"The human body faces different deficiencies and in most cases the digestive system becomes weak first. Herbal medicine has been very effective and safe for me. To date I have experienced no side effects with them," he told Khaleej Times.
The 48-year-old Pakistani suffers from hypertension and diabetes. When he started using allopathic medicine, he experienced a number of stomach problems, including gastric and digestive issues. After switching to herbal alternatives, the side effects subsided, he said.
"For the past one and a half years I've been using herbs to manage my hypertension and diabetes. I regularly consume husk with olive oil, cinnamon and mint, among others."
And since then, he said his blood pressure and sugar levels have remained stable.
Of the 90 alternative medicines, which came up for review by the MoH recently, their uses differ. Some can be used to treat liver disease and diabetes and others as nutritional supplements.
With the cost of such medicines usually fixed considerably lower than prescription drugs, Aoun said it is obvious where the appeal is.
But the disadvantages far outweigh the positives, in her opinion.
She said details about ingredients are "limited", possible side effects are "not clearly stated", and the risk of adverse effects for those with existing medical conditions is usually greater.
"Herbal medicines do not have the guarantee of conventional medicines."
When Khaleej Times published a poll asking readers if they felt herbal medicines work, the reaction was mixed. Of the 730 respondents, 80 per cent championed their use, compared to just 20 per cent who opted against them.
But for Asgari Jambughoda, the risk is far greater when opting for alternative medicines.
"(There are a) lot of fake companies on the market. One has to check before trusting a product. And if you are Muslim, it is imperative to check for a halal certificate too."
And in Sarwar's experience, though some herbal medicines have been effective, thorough checks lie in the hands of the consumer - and that is just not guarantee enough for him.
As the demand for herbal products increases, the UAE MoH is continuing to focus on complementary medicine. But when it comes to over-the-counter products, it is up to the government to closely regulate the industry, and it's consumers too who need to be more vigilent when buying.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
CHOOSE THE BEST FOR PATIENTS
Dr Erzebet Makk, Specialist Internal Medicine, in a chat-chat with Khaleej Times
> Are you for or against alternative medicines?
As a medical professional, with 23 years of experience, I do prescribe herbal medications. However, I thoroughly evaluate conditions of each patient to verify which herbal product might suit their needs. It is of extreme importance.
> Are herbal products a threat to conventional drug market?
Healthcare professionals have widened their knowledge by looking into simpler and more natural healing methods, especially for chronic illnesses. According to me, conventional medications might suppress symptoms while herbal medications can enhance natural defense mechanisms of the body. As medical professionals, it is our duty to choose what is best for our patient.
> What needs to be done in the UAE to tighten legislation on the sale of herbal medicines?
Nowadays information is easily available in many different ways. This has unfortunately led everyone also to feel free to utilise products available in the market, lacking the basic knowledge for the mechanism of action or possible side effects of the products they are ingesting. In my opinion, any product used for health purposes, should be prescribed by a qualified medical professional.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
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