Herbal Medicine: Research Problem Statement Essay Example

The modern society is facing numerous challenges, which include social, economic, and medical problems. The number of health problems is rising every day, and with the current economic challenges, most people are not able to acquire reliable and sufficient medical care services. Subsequently, traders are exploiting the situation to introduce uncertified medical care alternatives such as herbal remedies (Tachjian, Maria, & Jahangir, 2010). Like any other pharmaceuticals, most of these herbal drugs have chemical compositions that require proper handling whenever they are being used as medical remedies (NHS, 2014). Current research studies indicate that most of these herbalists lack adequate medical knowledge on how to balance various ingredients to provide effective curing regimens. In fact, there is a potential that some of them might produce or develop poisonous substances that might cause significant medical challenges to patients (Kraft and Hobbs, 2011).
Further, studies indicate that most herbal remedies available in contemporary markets do not have proper prescriptions and dosage procedures; thus, risking the lives of end users, especially ion regards overdose or misuse (NHS, 2014). Therefore, the use of herbal medications may eventually lead to death or even worse health conditions (Tachjian, Maria & Jahangir, 2010). Similarly, it has been realized that most of them are not well produced; thus, some users develop grave side effects such as adverse body reaction, itching, and other body pains (NHS, 2014). They also do not have proper labelling; therefore, it becomes very easy to mishandle or misuse.
Based on these facts, herbal medicines should have proper rules and regulations that monitor their use, starting from the production, storage, labelling, and distribution in the market. Moreover, relevant agencies should be established to evaluate the best-qualified herbalists and license them to spearhead the production and sale of herbal medicine. To promote effectiveness and efficiency, these regulations should be optimized for proper application and usage of herbal medical alternatives. Ideally, herbal medications should provide alternative medications to individuals who cannot afford contemporary medications instead of harming them (Kraft and Hobbs, 2011).

References

NHS. (2014). Herbal medicines. Retrieved on March 8, 2015 from <http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/herbal-medicines/Pages/Introduction.aspx>
Kraft, K. and Hobbs, C. (2011). Pocket guide to herbal medicine. London: Thieme Press.
Tachjian, A., Maria, V., & Jahangir, A. (2010). Use of herbal products and potential interactions
in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 55(6), 515-525.