Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional Medicine

Introduction

Traditional medicine is the sum total of knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures that are used to main¬tain health, as well as to prevent, diagnose, improve, or treat physical and mental ill¬nesses (WHO, 2003). Traditional medicine that has been adopted by other populations (outside its indigenous culture) is often termed complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) (WHO, 2003; Gurib-Fakim, 2006). The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 80% of the emerging world’s population relies on traditional medicine for therapy.
Even though the use of plants as medicinal drugs is an ancient science which dates back several millennia, many of the most significant drug advances have been made within the last century.
It would be reasonable to state that man’s encounter with sickness has prompted the rubbing or chewing of seeds, leaves, and other parts of plants in order to alleviate illness. Historical trial and error practices on different plants resulted in some plants being helpful against diseases and, gradually over time, specific plants were discovered that treat certain diseases.

Advantages of Traditional Medicine

1. There is no known drug resistance in traditional medicine
2. Traditional medicine remedies are mostly compounded from natural product.
3. Traditional medicine is potential source of new drugs.
4. Traditional medicine practitioners can serve as additional source of health manpower in developing countries
5. Acceptability
6. Accessibility
7. Traditional medicine is cheap and affordable.

 

Disadvantages of Traditional Medicine

1. Lack of dosage instructions
2. Poison risk associated with wild collection
3. Lack of regulation and Standardisationation
4. Lack of scientific proof of its efficacy
5. Imprecise diagnosis given by practitioners.
6. Mode of preparation unhygienic
7. Witchcraft discredit this form of medicine.

Future Perspectives of Traditional Medicine

With economic development and rising living standards, people’s concepts of health and way of life have undergone great changes. Disease prevention through Traditional Medicine, which has a wealth of clinical experience, will become more important in life sciences. The key issue for Traditional Medicine is how to use the modern technology to discover the effective material basis. The current tide may be turning back to nature in the search for new drug candidates.