Positive Health Online

Abstract

BENNETT and BROWN, Methodist Hospital. Omaha, Nebr., USA examined the use of herbal remedies by patients in a health maintenance organization.

Background

Methodology

In order to examine the use of and experiences with herbal remedies, a self-administered questionnaire was completed by a group of 135 patients enrolled in a health maintenance organization.

Results

Almost 40% of patients indicated they had used herbal remedies. The remedies most frequently used were garlic, aloe gel, cranberry and echinacea. Most respondents gathered their information from the media and based their decisions primarily on the recommendations of friends and/or relatives. Although most were unsure of the quality of the products, they felt they were safe, somewhat effective and few had experienced any direct side effects they attributed to the herbal remedies. Most patients used the products without the knowledge of their physician or pharmacist. Herbal remedies were most often used in place of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications and most frequently purchased in health food stores and mass merchandizer/grocery stores. Herbal remedies were sometimes used along with prescription or OTC medications.

Conclusion

Given that patients are using herbal remedies for a variety of health conditions without medical supervision, pharmacists need to actively and consistently obtain information about herbal remedy use to effectively advise patients and monitor outcomes. More research is needed on herbal remedy use among patient populations and on outcomes in patients who use herbal remedies to treat primary health conditions.

References

Bennett J and Brown CM. Use of herbal remedies by patients in a health maintenance organization. Journal of the American Pharmacy Association 40(3): 353-8. May-Jun 2000.