Originally published September 22 2005
Increased use of herbal remedies spurs doctors to research
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Given that the World Health Organization reports that 75 to 80 percent of the world's populations use herbal medicines, more doctors are testing and experimenting with natural cures, but they are frequently testing in conjunction with more expensive pharmaceuticals that could create dangerous reactions.
It is estimated by the World Health Organization that approximately 75-80% of the world's population uses herbal medicines either in part or entirely.
For many this is out of necessity, since many cannot afford the high costs of pharmaceutical drugs.
Growing numbers of American health care consumers are turning to plant medicines for many reasons - low cost and seeking natural alternatives with fewer side effects are commonly cited.
Federal health researchers reported that nearly two out of three Americans were using unconventional approaches to mend their bodies or maintain their health.
Among people in the United States who take a prescription medication, an estimated one in five has taken an herbal medication in the past year.
Despite their popularity and potential for healing, however, many herbal remedies also come with associated hazards and potential toxicity issues.
Their elevated use among the general public warrants that physicians become more familiar with herbal preparations or at least know where to find further details about them.
Some of the risks associated with herbal medications persist in the United States because herbal preparations are not regulated by the FDA in the same manner as other medications.
Herbs are classified as dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).
Most of these studies have been done in Europe, where herbal therapies are much more popular than in the United States.
(In Germany, for instance, herbal medications are standardized, are often prescribed by physicians, and are generally covered by insurance.)
Health issues surrounding the use of herbal therapies include the regulation of herbal products in the United States, allergic reactions, direct toxicity, adulteration and contamination, and misidentification and mislabeling.
Physicians cannot ignore herbal medicines, because patients may ask for advice about these products or they may already be taking one or more herbal remedies.
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