People all over the world see herbal medicine as a safe way to stay healthy and to treat orand prevent illnesses.
This is according to Dr Caren Hauptfleisch, Cchairperson of the South African Association of Registered Phytotherapists (SAARP), whose experience in herbal medicine spans more than 30 years.
She attributes the increase in in use of herbal medicine usage to many side-effects of modern medicines and growing antibiotic resistance.
According to Hauptfleisch, in recent years , there has been a resurgence in traditionally used medicinal plants to improve health – either alone or in combination with conventional medicine.
“The introduction of modern healthcare as we know it has led to the disappearance and displacement of many indigenous health practices, however scientists worldwide are now looking to plants and herbs to formulate new phytotherapeutic agents (plant-based treatments) to prevent and treat disease.”
“South Africa, and in particular the Western Cape’s floristic region, is home to a wide variety of indigenous medicinal plants that have been used safely and effectively since time immemorial,Science and clinical use are confirming their medicinal value,” said Hauptfleisch.
These herbs include Rooibos, Honeybush, Buchu, Aloe ferox and Devil’s claw, among others. “Marketers all over the globe are clamouring to include them in their products as the demand for herbal medicine and natural health products grow,” she said.
