Surveys  Herbal Medicines
USA

Over 40 per cent of patients use herbal medicines

Forty one per cent of patients regularly use herbal medicines according to a survey conducted at the Division of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, USA.

The researchers assessed patients' usage of herbal remedies as well as their willingness to discuss it with their doctor, and they also looked into the relevant safety factors as well as the efficacy of the remedies.

Out of the 1300 patients who participated in the survey, over 61 per cent ( 794 patients) responded to the questionnaire. The results revealed that 41.6% of the patients had used herbal medicines, however, were disappointed in the availability of information from their doctor or health care provider.

The survey showed that those most likely to be using the herbal remedies werewhite women and those people who are educated beyond high school. Furthermore, those patients who used herbal medicines also tended to use prescription drugs more frequently than those patients who do not use herbal remedies.

The study concluded that a significant minority of patients regularly use herbal medicines and that those patients who use herbal remedies (as well as those who don't)

believe that doctors and other health care providers should be more aware of the benefits and potential side effects of herbal medicines and have readily accessible information for their patients.

Source : Pharmacotherapy 2000 Jan;20(1):83-7

Assessment of patients' perceptions and beliefs regarding herbal therapies.
Klepser TB, Doucette WR, Horton MR, et al.
© The Internet Health Library 2000