Herbal medicine, also known as traditional medicine, has been an integral resource for health for centuries in communities around the world. It continues to be a mainstay for some with inequities in access to conventional medicine. Here are some key benefits of herbal medicine:
1. Global Use of Traditional Medicine:
88% of all countries are estimated to use traditional medicine, such as herbal medicines, acupuncture, yoga, indigenous therapies, and others. One hundred seventy Member States report the use of traditional medicine, and their priority request to WHO is for evidence and data to inform policies, standards, and regulatory frameworks for safe, cost-effective, and equitable use .
2. Integration with Modern Medicine:
In some countries, there is sustained support to integrate the allopathic and traditional systems of medicine, enabling the modernization and integration of traditional medicine with the national health-care delivery system. All medical practitioners are trained and qualified to practice both traditional and allopathic medicine. Both systems of care are offered at all levels of the health system, including the central, provincial, county, and village level. Acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy, and herbal medicines are widely used by the population .
3. Role in Global Health and Pharmaceutical Industries:
Traditional medicine is part of the growing trillion-dollar global health, wellness, beauty, and pharmaceutical industries. Over 40% of pharmaceutical formulations are based on natural products, and landmark drugs, including aspirin and artemisinin, originated from traditional medicine .
4. Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science:
Herbal medicine combines 6000-year-old Eastern wisdoms of Ayurvedic medicine, ancient spiritual teachings, natural health secrets, and the latest modern science .
5. Herbal Medicine in Modern Healthcare:
Herbal medicine has been integrated into modern healthcare, with some herbal formulations potentially becoming FDA-approved oral medicines for anti-cancer treatment.
6. Historical and Cultural Significance:
The history of using spices for medicinal purposes can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, India, China, and Greece, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of herbal medicine .