However, I will admit that there is some good that comes when we view such therapies as complementary rather than “alternative.” Complimentary therapies in conjunction with western medicine, I must note, does have a decent track record when it comes to some forms pain management. In conjunction, meaning, that the primary care physician (GPs) is aware of other complimentary therapies and ensures that there is no known harmful interaction. In the Nigerian case, provided there are adequate resources, there may be some benefit in providing basic health information to such homeopaths – and more importantly, educating the public as to the extent to which some conditions can and cannot be treated by such people. We must recognize the popularity of such herbalists is probably on the rise (I know in the US, it has been over the past few years). Essentially, the aim is to do no harm…ignoring the use of such therapies by patients would go contrary to that creed. Monitoring their use, education when needed, will help….And besides homeopaths, individuals have been known to administer their own forms of alternative and complimentary medicine. To this day, I hesitate to admit to my mother whenever I have any sort of stomach upset, “prescribe” the water used to soak bitterleaf. Polypharmacy…and the dependence of pharmacists (chemists) for your prescription needs…another issue for another day.

However, I will admit that there is some good that comes when we view such therapies as complementary rather than “alternative.” Complimentary therapies in conjunction with western medicine, I must note, does have a decent track record when it comes to some forms pain management. In conjunction, meaning, that the primary care physician (GPs) is aware of other complimentary therapies and ensures that there is no known harmful interaction. In the Nigerian case, provided there are adequate resources, there may be some benefit in providing basic health information to such homeopaths – and more importantly, educating the public as to the extent to which some conditions can and cannot be treated by such people. We must recognize the popularity of such herbalists is probably on the rise (I know in the US, it has been over the past few years). Essentially, the aim is to do no harm…ignoring the use of such therapies by patients would go contrary to that creed. Monitoring their use, education when needed, will help….And besides homeopaths, individuals have been known to administer their own forms of alternative and complimentary medicine. To this day, I hesitate to admit to my mother whenever I have any sort of stomach upset, “prescribe” the water used to soak bitterleaf. Polypharmacy…and the dependence of pharmacists (chemists) for your prescription needs…another issue for another day.