Mitchell (1983), states, that the popular medical concept of disease etiology and therapy form the basis of most people's understanding of health, illness and the curing of disease. Mitchell also states, that research findings suggest that where there is a disagreement between the popular and the professional medical models as in the case in Jamaica, the effect of the popular concept is to increase self medication and to reduce adherence to prescribed medical regimens. Therefore, Jamaicans run the risk of drug misuse, drug to drug interaction and neglect of serious medical illnesses, according to Mitchell. Jamaicans use traditional medicine based mainly on African traditional practices and beliefs. Herbs and plant based medication are most often used.
Since there is documented evidence in research of the extensive and ever increasing use of traditional medicine in Jamaica and worldwide, measures need to be taken to ensure client safety and protection. The belief of most individuals that the use of traditional herbal medicine is fairly safe, poses a significant risk for toxic poisoning. Dosages are not measured, or documented and are sometimes self-prescribed. The constant reliance and use of traditional medicine can mask the signs and symptoms of serious illnesses and diseases. There are also no patent law for the manufacture and use of traditional medicines, as the process and preparation are usually very simple. These are some of the reasons why the toxicological effect of traditional medicine continues to be a challenge for health care providers in the Jamaican community.
There needs to be more extensive research on the use of traditional medicine in the lives of the Jamaican population, because of their long cultural history of the use of traditional medicine. Physicians and nurses need increased education on the various commonly used herbs and plant based medications, which should include dosage and toxic effect. Herbology should be a branch of pharmacology that is mandatory for all licensed health care providers.
Health care providers such as nurses need to find a medium to educate the population on the use of traditional medicine and its effect on the body. Jamaican clienteles and their family members need to be constantly reminded that traditional medicine contains chemicals; Therefore, they should not be used in combination with prescription drugs or without proper medical diagnosis and recommendation from a naturopathic doctor. Finally, health care providers should avoid been overly critical of their Jamaican clienteles who use traditional medicine, as they could view the practitioners as biased and might refuse to cooperate with other suggested therapy.
The Jamaican population has always depended on the use of traditional medicine because of the long cultural history of the efficacy of its use. Therefore, health care professionals including nurses need to be cognizant of this knowledge, so that they can promote and improve the health of their Jamaican clienteles. Also as the use of traditional medicine increases worldwide in developed and developing countries, it is imperative that the empirical practitioners use traditional medicine as a means of augmenting patient care, instead of viewing it as an antagonist to health promotion. Finally, more research is therefore needed to validate this knowledge, to correct misuse and adverse effects of the use of traditional herbal medicine; patent law should also be available to protect consumers who use traditional herbal medicine.
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Keywords are " Cannabis, castor, coffee, cinnamon, eucalyptus, flax, herbs, garlic, ginger, garlic, parsley and peppermint".
Mitchell, M. F. (1983). Popular Medical Concepts in Jamaica and Their Impact on Drug Use. Pub Med Journal Article. Retrieved, November 10th, 06 From www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid
Skidmore-Roth, L (2001). Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements. Harcourt Health Science Company,11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis,MO 63146. USA.
Zhang, X. (2000) Traditional Medicine and its Knowledge. UNCTAD Meeting on Systems & National Experiences for Protecting Traditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices, retrieved November 9,06 from http://ro.unctad.org/trade
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| Types of Medicine |
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