The benefits of nutritional therapies are several, ranging from preventing illnesses as well as hastening the healing process. Nevertheless, they have some disadvantages which may have disastrous effects. Patients may be misinformed about some of these products and end up using them without professional guidance from specialists. Some organizations come up with claims on the effectiveness of their products. While most of this information may be truthful, there are times when the said product is still under test or is unproven. Several studies have been conducted to establish the application of herbal therapies.
Summary of Research reports
A research study was done on the use of herbal products, knowledge of the products and where the pediatric population retrieves their information. Around 50% of the 150 who turned up reported that they used herbal therapy. Only 26% were aware of their side effects of the herbs. Half of them could not explain its use with conventional medicine. Relatives were the primary source of information for 80% of the interviewees, while less than half of this population discussed them with nurses.
A separate study examined the experiences of caregivers with herbal remedy. 8 nurturer practitioners were questioned, undergoing precise procedures in order to engender a foundation variable. The acquaintance, accountability, time, cost and treatment were the main themes, which were narrowed down to the core variable of the knowledge of herbal therapies. Acquaintance determines how advanced a healthcare giver can incorporate this therapy. This comprehension was further fortified through practice and passionate investigations.
Benefits of herbal therapy
The benefits of herbal medicine commonly offset the hazards they bring, provided that they are healthily administered. Superior herbal drugs in general treat the whole body, rather than a singular sickness. They help in strengthening a personality, advance general body functions such as absorption and exclusion, lessen apprehension and grant improved slumber. (DerMarderosian, Kuhn & Winston, 2001). The therapy costs less than conventional treatment, and if well administered provides no harmful ramification.
Hazards of herbal therapy
Many of the herbs provided are not approved by the pertinent authority. Their effectiveness and wholesomeness is thus not proficient. They sometimes interfere with prescribed medicines, research having shown that some herbs may reduce the effects of medicine (Mauk & Schmidt, 2004). Arnica Montana and Bromelain are two examples of herbs that patients have used after surgical operations or damage to diminish bruising. There is no ample information which assures patients that the herbs would work; though curing has been evidenced in different patients. However, there are reported side effects of these herbs counting an increased risk of hemorrhage and a quicker heart rate. It may also cause anomalous uterine blood loss. Arnica does not interrelate with conventional drugs when used in a homeopathic cure (Hansel, Schulz & Tyler, 2001).
Personal experience with herbal remedy
I once met a young African-American woman who opposed her Breast Cancer condition. She used some form of herbal medication from Peru, which regrettably caused the malignancy to enlarge. It ultimately ruptured, producing a foully smell. Consequently, the cancer became very advanced. She was no longer an applicant for Breast Reconstruction; her operation was to cut out the cancer and use the flap from her belly to fill the deficiency. She died within the year. I believe that if she had the herbal therapy along with conventional medication (cutting the cancer out) she would have survived.
Use of herbal therapy
The patients must always consult healthcare givers before ingesting any form of herbs. Both the two must understand the use of herbal therapy and how they optimally function. Appropriate blending of herbs with modern medicine and their side effects must be tacit. The latter study emphasizes the need for nurses in practice to be updated and focused on knowledge acquisition concerning herbal therapy.
Conclusion
Application of herbal medicine knowledge into practice
Drugs are often derived from plants. The direct ingestion of these plants while combining with modern medication may inflame a response. This reaction is a basic principle which must be unmistakably understood in my practice. It is also necessary to understand why patients prefer some forms of herbal therapy. For example, the relationship between soy and the risk of breast cancer; most patient believe that it prevents tumor and breast cancer patients argue that it prohibits the re-emergence of cancer. There are concerns by aces, however, that it may in fact increase the lump (Weiss, 2008). Such confusion necessitates intervention studies to determine the value of the herb. Still, such trials are unlikely to occur due to its expensive nature, unethical character, and the length of time that would be experienced before validating the results. Ensuring competence, relevant training and safety of the patients is imperative in application of herbal therapy.
References
Ann, G. (2000). Nurse practitioners’ experience with herbal therapy. Walden library; nursing & allied health source. Web.
DerMarderosian, A., Kuhn, M. & Winston, D. (2001). Herbal therapy & supplements: a scientific & traditional approach. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Greenwald, M., Lanski, S., Perkins, A. & Simon, H. (2003). Herbal therapy use in a pediatric emergency department population: Expect the unexpected. Walden library; nursing & allied health source. Web.
Hansel, R., Schulz, V., & Tyler, V. (2001). Rational therapy: a physician’s guide to herbal medicine. New York: Routledge.
Mauk, K. & Schmidt, N. (2004). Spiritual care in nursing practice. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Weiss, M. (2008). Soy intake and breast cancer. Breastcancer.org; lower your risk. Web.