Monday, June 8, 2009

Traditional Medicine Usage and Its Challenges

80% of Asian and African population relies of traditional medicine for their primary health care. On the other hand, 70-80% of developed countries population had used some form of complimentary or alternative medicine.


The role of traditional medicines in between these two populations is different mainly due to several reasons. For example, the resources of the herbals may limit the accessibility of the consumer to the traditional medicines. Other instances, such as the support from the local government as well as the consumer knowledge with regards to herbals efficacy may also contribute to different pattern of traditional medicines usage around the world.


Besides that, traditional medicine has been used in some communities for hundreds of years. Meanwhile, the latest generations of population were surrounded by conventional medicines. Thus to adopt traditional medicine in the latest generations may face tough challenges.


On the other hand, broad definitions and categorization of traditional medicines and therapies causes regulating traditional products, practices and practitioners difficult. Hence, not many countries have national policies for traditional medicines.

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