How ‘natural’ are natural medicines?
Natural medicines are often taken for conditions such as arthritis, insomnia and menopause, despite the reluctance of three-quarters of Australian GPs in recommending natural medicines to their patients due to lack of clinical evidence. New research shows natural medicines are discussed in about 20% of GP consultations.
Natural medicines are often taken for conditions such as arthritis, insomnia and menopause, despite the reluctance of three-quarters of Australian GPs in recommending natural medicines to their patients due to lack of clinical evidence.
New research shows natural medicines are discussed in about 20% of GP consultations, however are only recommended 13% of the time.
The research, conducted by firm IMS, reveals 75% of GPs are reportedly reluctant to recommend natural produces, although 62% of GPs have recommended a natural medicine for depression and 64% for irritable bowel syndrome.
Experts suggest GPs want to know more about natural medicines and how they might improve patient outcomes, with more than a third of GP respondents stating they were interested in understanding more about natural medicines, adding the safety and effectiveness of these types of medication needed to be reviewed carefully.
However, an Adelaide naturopath has slammed GPs who believe natural medicines lack “clinicial evidence”.
“GPs have not studied naturopathy and do not know what it is all about. Their comments are superficial and uneducated because they do not know anything about it,” Dr Krishna Kumar tells DPS News.
“They can’t say it doesn’t exist or that it’s rubbish. Studies and evidence are being carried out everyday. I can show them a library full of references. Their comments are not informed ones,” Dr Kumar says.
However, Australia Medical Association president, Steve Hambleton, maintains “natural is not always better”.
“Quite often what is labelled as natural comes out of a factory,” he tells DPS News, adding GPs often require “evidence” of results when dealing with “unconventional therapies”.
However, he maintains some GPs are “open-minded” to learn new things.
“Innovation comes about when someone tries something different and allows variation and difference. This is what brings about breakthroughs,” he adds.
Are you a follower of ‘natural’ medicines or do you prefer ‘clinical-based’ treatments?
