Conditions frequently self-treated with herbal remedies by patients visiting a tertiary hospital in Gauteng, South Africa

  • André Marais University of Pretoria
  • Vanessa Steenkamp University of Pretoria
  • Wim J Du Plooy Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Keywords: chronic conditions, herbal remedies, out-patients, South Africa, traditional medicine

Abstract

Background: Herbal medications are used worldwide for a variety of diseases and conditions. Patients often elect not to disclose their herbal use history, or health care practitioners fail to enquire about specific alternative therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the conditions most frequently self-treated with herbal remedies by patients visiting a tertiary hospital in Garankuwa, South Africa. Methods: Patients attending an out-patient’s clinic at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital were given a questionnaire regarding their use of herbal remedies for various reasons. Assessment was done on past, current, and possible future use of herbal interventions. These interventions were categorised into acute medical conditions, chronic ailments, and cultural uses. Results: Respiratory tract infections were most frequently treated (34%). Other highly ranked uses included protection from evil spirits (32%) and for HIV/AIDS (29%). Digestive ailments (27%), hypertension (18%), and general malaise (17%) accounted forthe remainder. Previous herbal use amounted to 74%, but only 30% indicated that they would use herbal medication in future. Conclusions: Traditional medication plays an important role in many communities in South Africa. For this reason health care workers need to be aware of the conditions most frequently self-treated with herbal remedies. Having knowledge about the incidence of herbal treatment for a specific condition could alert the health care practitioner to possible reasons for unidentifiable drug interactions, adverse events, treatment failure, or even death.

Author Biographies

André Marais, University of Pretoria
School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology Faculty of Health Sciences University of Pretoria
Vanessa Steenkamp, University of Pretoria
School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology Faculty of Health Sciences University of Pretoria
Wim J Du Plooy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Section
Review