Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Herbal Medicine in Saudi Arabia Rana AlQatari Dhahran Ahliyya School

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA Abstract

This paper explores the usage of herbal medicine in Saudi Arabia. The research includes the importance of herbal medicine, the religious view on herbal medicine, and the medicines future. Since ancient times people have used herbs to treat their illnesses. The Prophet Mohammad PBUH recommended using herbal medicine in order to treat ourselves effectively. However, its importance is not acknowledged in Saudi Arabia today. I have conducted a survey targeting the general public of Saudi Arabia, and it turns out that people have a misplaced faith in herbal medicine. The cause of their misplaced faith is lack of knowledge in herbal medicine. Regarding an interview I had with a family physician who works in primary health care centers, I became to know that the traditional medicine is not covered by the health insurance system. As a finding from my secondary research, when herbal and chemical medicine are integrated it is the proper replacement for the chemical medicines only that are used today, avoiding all health risks that could arise from them. It has become very common for the general public to use chemical medicines, and the doctors in Saudi Arabia would generally prescribe chemical medicines for their patients. Therefore, the Ministry of Health should start qualifying and certifying eligible herbal physicians, and the health insurance system should include traditional through herbal medicines as one of the insured medicine. By not having licensed herbal physicians, this will cause harm to the patients.

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Opening A New Door To Medicine in Saudi Arabia Research question: Herbal medicine is provided in most pharmacies in Saudi Arabia, why do consumers typically choose chemical medicine over herbal medicine? Background to the question: I usually experience strong headaches on daily basis, the kind of headache that is unbearable. I would always go to my mother and tell her about my headache, and I would always get the same response have a Panadol and rest, youll be fine. But one day, my uncle was around when I told my mother about my headache, he responded to what I said, Take a ginkgo biloba. This riveted me and I stood there trying to understand what he said. Its a herbal medicine, youll thank me later he added. When I took the biloba, I was surprised of how it relieved my headache. I wanted to know more of this certain herbal medicine. It certainly bothered me how the people around me are not aware that herbal medicine could be the cure to their illness. With all the development that is happening around us, traditional medicine is unfortunately being ignored. Herbal medicine seems to be underestimated in general and in Saudi Arabia specifically, and it seems that the Ministry of Health is not fully aware of that. Also, the Ministry of Health did not give an amount of importance to herbal physicians, as much as they gave importance to chemical physicians. This is what led me to research about this topic. Methods:

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Arabia, as a whole, does not acknowledge the importance of herbal medicine officially. In order to support that statement, I have used different kinds of resources. On my secondary research, I went through a number of online resources I

searched about herbal medicine in general, religious views on herbal medicine, herbal medicine methods, and reasons why Saudi Arabia citizens turn for chemical medicine immediately. On the other hand, in my primary research I conducted a survey targeting the general public and physicians of Saudi Arabia. The objective of the questionnaire was to get the general public feedback of herbal medicine, how do they rate themselves of their current knowledge and understanding of herbal medicine, and asking them if they would prefer herbal or chemical medicine in general terms. Most importantly and based on their knowledge, what effective herbal remedy that they have used throughout their lives. I sent it electronically via Twitter, Whatsapp and Facebook. By accessing the link I sent to them they could easily fill out the survey. The questions were mostly multiple choices, and some are fill out the blank. I have received 80 responds from ages ranging between 17-55, male and female. Claim 1: Saudi Arabia citizens lack awareness of herbal medicine, and they concentrate on the use of chemical medicine.

As a finding from my primary research, it turned out that the general public of Saudi Arabia doesnt acknowledge herbal medicine as much as they acknowledge chemical medicine. As a result from the survey i carried out, only 6% of 80 people are well informed in herbal medicine.

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA Plants had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. In early, 19th century, when chemical medicine became available worldwide, scientists

began extracting the active ingredient from plants. Later, the chemists made their own version of plant compounds, starting with raw herbs and creating pharmaceuticals. Over time, the use of herbal medicine declined in favor of pharmaceuticals (Tian).

The government of Saudi Arabia does not give enough importance for the herbal medicine that forces the society of Saudi Arabia to turn for chemical medicine. Chemical medicine is the only medicine qualified in Saudi Arabia Galib Al Faraj states (AlFaraj, 2013). Even if you find people who are licensed for herbal medicine, it would be from the wrong sector and therefore it does not make the person with that license qualified. People who follow the herbal stream would go to those herbalists without them knowing that those herbalists are not qualified for what they are doing. If people wanted to consult herbal physicians to treat them, they should only head to licensed health care providers who can serve them right. Herbal physicians who are not licensed harm their own patients. This is primarily due to lack of processes by the Ministry of Health to qualify physicians in the field of herbal medicine, and patients might not know that (AlFaraj, 2013). Traditional medicine is not covered by the health insurance system (Ministry of Health Portal, 2011). The Ministry of Health pays attention to chemical physicians, to the point where they do not realize that there is a lack of herbal physicians. That encourages physicians to study the field of chemical rather than herbal because chemical medicine is popular nowadays. In order to overcome this problem, the Ministry of Health should start acknowledging that there is a lack in herbal physicians and start doing something about it.

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Another problem that Saudi Arabia faces, doctors who use chemical medicine do not believe in any other kinds of medicine (AlFaraj, 2013). In hospitals, chemical medicine is the only method that doctors are using frequently (AlFaraj, 2013). The question that needs further attention, have they ever thought that other kinds of medicine might be more effective to the patient? Therefore, when the patient goes to the doctor, they do not tell them that they have been using herbal medicine because of the fear from what the doctors reaction would be. The huge harms would come when chemical medicine affects the herbal medicine. A drug interaction between herbal and chemical occurs when herb substance interferes with the activity of the drug, which leads to harming the human body by increasing the probability of the occurrence of the side effect. That is why it should be essential for the doctor to be educated in herbal and chemical medicines. These interactions may occur out of accidental misuse or due to lack of knowledge about the active ingredients involved in the relevant substances. Many herbal medicines have significant pharmacological activity, which could have interactions with chemical medicines. Therefore, health care professionals must be familiar with these types of situations. Regarding my survey that was directed to the general public of Saudi Arabia, it had been found that 80 people think that only 6% of the doctors in Saudi Arabia are well informed about herbal medicine. Herbal medicine can heal mental conditions; health and fitness issues weight management, heart and vascular system health problems, skin problems, and many more. Herbal medicine will achieve same positive results of the chemical medicine but with better care to your body. It will help to clean the body and cleanse itself while fortifying it with nutrients to prevent further illnesses (Tilburt). Herbal medicine focuses on healing the mind, body and soul as a whole. Pragmatic trials are done for various herbals around the world, the pragmatic trials aims to test a treatment policy

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA in a real life situation. These trials are designed to find out about how effective a treatment is in a certain herbal. The pragmatic trial answers questions about the overall effectiveness of an intervention. Based on this trial, people can safely use herbal medicines (Bradly, 2011). Claim 2: The Quraan and Sunnah have given importance to herbal medicine; therefore we should too.

Muslims always turn to the Quran and Sunnah for guidance in all areas of their lives, medical matters should definitely be one of them. God has provided herbals on earth; therefore we should use them wisely. We must explore and use these traditional forms of medicines. Regarding the survey that I have carried out, only three people out of eighty Saudi Arabia citizens have used effective herbal remedies mentioned in the Quraan and Sunnah. For every malady Allah created, he also created its cure (and he who) acquires such knowledge shall benefit from it and one who it will forget such benefit said by Sahih Bukhari (Karima Burns,2003). That clearly shows the lack of knowledge of how powerfully good herbal medicine is on a humans health. There are several herbals that are mentioned in the Quraan and Sunnah that can be used as cure for several diseases. The black seed cumin plant could cure anything but death itself. Said the Prophet Mohammad PBUH. It might seem exaggerated, but it does have powerful healing properties. Allahs messenger (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to soak twenty seeds in water covered with a linen cloth overnight. The following morning, he placed drops of the solution in his nostrils to relieve congestion and head colds (Al-Akili, Medicine of the prophet). Black seeds are a part of the buttercup; they are dark, thin and tiny (Firezuoli, 2007). The people of the Middle East, India and the Mediterranean have been using

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA this seed for numerous centuries to treat different kinds of illnesses (Bradly, 2011).

Today, black seeds are being used as a seasoning spice in different cuisines across the world due to their nutty flavor. Other than their cookery uses, black cumin seeds also have a vast importance in keeping the human body healthy. The main active ingredient in black seeds is crystalline nigellone. The seeds also contain beta sitosterol, thymoquinone, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, proteins and vitamins B1, B2 and B3. They also contain calcium, folic acid, iron, copper, zinc and phosphorous (Karima Burns,2003). These substances make the black seed anti-hypertensive, antitumor, anti-bacteria, anti-histamine, strengthens the immune system, antiinflammatory, promotes lactation, and anti-parasitic (Bradley, 2011). Another herbal medicine that has been mentioned in the Quraan and Sunnah is Fenugreek, also known as a spice. As the Fenugreek has numerous properties to cure different kinds of illnesses. It has been used to treat a number of conditions traditionally. Qasim bin Abdur-Rahman, the son of Prophet Muhammad has said Mix Fenugreek in your medicines. Fenugreek is used as a cure for: diabetes, loss of appetite, to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women, home remedy for fever, skin inflammation, and a remedy to ease childbirth (Karima Burns,2003). In the case of type two diabetes, it is the most valuable spices for the control of glucose metabolism. As it helps in treating diabetes in several ways: it lowers cellular insulin and controls blood glucose. As it has been shown to lower blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetics by 46%. Fenugreek is rich in dietary fiber, which modulates blood glucose levels delaying the absorption of sugar intestines. Moreover, aloe is a substance also mentioned in the Quraan and Sunnah. It is a luscious plant and part of the lily family, the same family that garlic and onions

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA belong to. Different parts of the plant are used for different effects on the body and Aloe Vera has both internal and external applications (S. Mithra, 2013). Aloes and water cress are a sure cure for illness narrated by Qays bin Rafi from Gods messenger (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam ). Aloes can be used as a colon cleanser and detoxification herb. It also provides a unique soothing effect to the digestive system. (Karima Burns, 2003). Saudi Arabia needs to acknowledge that treatments should not only include chemical medicine. But it should also include herbal medicine, as it is exceedingly

beneficial. As it was mentioned before, Fenugreek treats type II diabetes. Since Saudi Arabia has one of the highest percentages in type II diabetes, therefore treatments should include Fenugreek rather than using chemicals to treat the diagnosis. Claim 3: Integrative medicine could be the key to opening a new door to medicine in Saudi Arabia. Conventional Western medicine wont cure the illness entirely, nor will nontraditional practices will, but in fact combining both as one will be the right treatment. The doctor does not need to depend only on chemical medicine or herbal medicine separately while both medicines can be integrated. Integrative medicine is an approach to care that can be incorporated by all the medicinal specialties and professional disciplines, and by all health care systems (The Bravewell Collaboration). The use of integrative medicine wont only improve health care for patients, but it will also enhance the effectiveness of health care delivery for providers. Integrative medicine enhances the ability of individuals to not only get well, but most importantly, to stay well. It is less about the disease and more

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA about the understanding of the body (Alternative Herbal Medicine In The Modern World, 2012). Integrative medicine is different from herbal or chemical medicine as the patient and the doctor form a partnership and cooperation in the healing process. Going to an integrative oncologist, physicians who study, diagnose, and treat cancerous tumors will not change the diagnosis, but it will put the body in a better

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place to get healthy. The oncologist establishes a meaningful interactive relation with his patient. We should use the best medical technology in concert with the realization that human bodies are complex. said Dr. Guamen (The Bravewell Collaboration). The complexity of the human body arises from the specificity and interactions of molecules. Creating a medicine to heal the human body needs years of experiments and development in order for it to compromise with the human body. Therefore, it is stressed that doctors in Saudi Arabia need to be licensed in both chemical and herbal medicines. Integrative medicine considers all the factors that influences health, wellness and disease. Experts in Integrative Medicine describe it as a practice that approaches a patient's whole person, supported by observed evidence and utilizing all forms of treatment approaches. This not only includes disciplines already practiced by healthcare professionals but also herbal medicine, massage therapy, yoga and other therapy techniques (Discovering the Benefits of Integrative Medicine, 2013). Practitioners use all appropriate healing sciences to facilitate the bodys healing response. The care is individualized to address the persons unique conditions, needs and circumstances. Integrative medicine focuses on treating the illness, but it also focuses on the concept of obtaining a healthy lifestyle. Practitioners of integrative medicine exemplify its principles and commit themselves to self-exploration and self-

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA

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development. In addition, integrative medicine leads the patients to healthy behaviors and skills for effective self-care that can be used throw-out their life (Horrigan, 2012). The problem is that integrative medicine is not included in insurance plans of Saudi Arabia (Saudi Food and Drug Authority). Actually, only Canada, United States of America, and United Kingdom are using integrative medicine. Those three places have qualified physicians to treat patients using integrative medicine (Ernst, 2010). Because the practice of integrative medicine involves the use of multiple therapies and healing systems for which specialized training is required, it is intrinsically collaborative. This means that collaborative work between physicians is needed. The only time where Saudi Arabia has discussed about the idea of qualifying integrative medicine was on 15th of May 2002. In Jeddah, a three-day international symposium and exhibition on integrated medicine was held at the Jeddah Hilton Hotel. More than 30 national and international specialists took a part in the even that was organized by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center. Subjects covered include integrated medicine and the role of mixed application of oriental and Western medicine, herbal medicine and homeopathy. Clearly, they have not got to a result till this day (Ramkumar, 2002). The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has not considered integrative medicine nor have they had any research toward it (Ministry of Health Portal, 2011). Conclusion: Based on the collected information, it is concluded that combined or integrative medicine of both herbal and chemical medicines is the optimum approach for people treatment and healing. Also, it was found out from my primary research that there is huge gap in the knowledge of herbal medicine versus chemical medicine

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA within Saudi Arabia. It is recommended to establish a program for qualifying and certifying herbalist within the Ministry of Health and through credited Medical

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Institutes. Chemical medicine should not be ignored as herbal and chemical medicines complement each other. Saudi Arabia cannot depend on one kind of medicine in hospitals. Doctors should have a background in both herbal and chemical medicine before they can serve the patient right. The field of medicine is vast; therefore we should integrate and not ignore any part of it. Herbalism is both an art and a science, which has always varied well with other treatments. Today, we are able to use whole plants in order to treat people and it can be as significant now as it was in the past, and perhaps it will be more applicable in the future as hoping it would be re-discovered. As it was popular during Prophet Mohammads era, and herbals are mentioned in the Quraan in Sunnah, which means that God has provided herbals for us to use. Nevertheless, one should always consult with a medical professional before attempting any treatment. Herbal remedies need a powerful and deep valuation; one cannot rely on the traditional beliefs only. Explanatory and pragmatic studies are helpful for the acquisition of reliable data for the patient using the herbal medicine.

Running head: HERBAL MEDICINE IN SAUDI ARABIA References AlFaraj, G. (2013, August). Physician. (R. AlQatari, Interviewer) Dhahran, EP, Saudi Arabia. Aloe. (n.d.). Retrieved 10 2013, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-607ALOE.aspx?activeIngredientId=607&activeIngredientName=ALOE Alternative Herbal Medicine In The Modern World. (2012). Retrieved 10 2013,

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from Alternative Medicine Facts: http://alternativemedicinesfacts.com/herbalmedicine/alternative-herbal-medicine-in-the-modern-world.html Bradly, D. (2011, September 5). Retrieved 10 2013, from Chemistry Veiws: http://www.chemistryviews.org/details/ezine/1312677/Herbal_Remediation_o r_Complication.html Firenzuoli. (2007, September). Institutes of Health. Retrieved 10 2013, from NCBI: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2206236/ Kerns, A. (2009) Integrative Medicine. USA, Minnepolis. Ramkumar. (2002, 5 2002). Integrated Medicine Seminar Opens. Retrieved 12 2013, from Arab news: http://www.arabnews.com/node/220904 Saudi Food and Drug Authority. (n.d.). Retrieved 10 2013, from SFDA: http://www.sfda.gov.sa/en/drug/about/sector_departments/liicenses/Pages/Lice nsing-Directorate.aspx The Bravewell Collaboration. (n.d.). Retrieved 10 2013, from Integrative Medicine: http://www.bravewell.org/integrative_medicine/declaration_for_a_new_medic ine/ Tian, S. (n.d.). Medicinal Herbs. Retrieved 10 2013, from Health Guidance:

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http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/12415/1/Advantages-and-Disadvantagesof-Herbal-Medicine.html Tilburt, J. (n.d.). World Health Organization. Retrieved 10 2013, from http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/8/07-042820/en/ Ting, K. (n.d.). About Integrative Medicine. (B. Bolwell, Producer) Retrieved 11 2013, from Cleveland Clinic: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/integrativemedicine/about.aspx