Utilizing herbal medicines is not foreign to Indonesian people. This medicine is considered more natural, so many people choose it. Proven about 45% of the 7699 respondents using the Alodokter application chose to use herbal medicines, although not all of them were officially registered at the Republic of Indonesia Drug and Food Control Agency (BPOM RI). The rest, which is around 55%, chose modern medicine as a treatment step.
Traditional medicine is a natural ingredient or herb from plants, which is believed to treat certain diseases, and has been used for generations, such as herbal medicine. While modern medicine is a drug that has proven its benefits and side effects pharmacologically and clinically. Both modern medicines and herbal medicines that are sold in the market, must have been officially registered at BPOM RI.
Herbal Remedies Are Side Effects Free
In Indonesia, some people are more confident to use herbal medicines, because they are considered natural, so that they are free from unwanted side effects. In fact, even though medicinal plants have long been used and are believed to be safe, it does not mean herbal medicines do not have the potential to cause side effects and poisoning. Conversely, it can be more dangerous than modern medicine.
That is because not all herbal medicines have sufficient clinical trial evidence through research. Most herbal medicines are traditional. This means that the benefits and doses of administration can only be based on estimates and hereditary knowledge of ancestors, without regard to contraindications, side effects, and the maximum dose of administration.
Noteworthy is that herbal medicine cannot be used by everyone. For example women who are pregnant, should not use drugs carelessly, including herbal medicines, in order to avoid danger to the fetus. Then some people may also experience allergic reactions to herbal medicinal ingredients, so they can't use them.
Besides being used directly from nature, boiled, or in the form of herbal medicine, herbal medicines can be in the form of tea, capsules, tablets, ointments, liniment or essential oils. Generally herbal ingredients are dried, crushed or made into powder before being processed into medicine.
Some tips before using herbal medicines safely, include:
- Make sure you buy and use herbal medicines that have been registered at BPOM RI.
- Read and understand, what are the ingredients contained in these herbal medicines.
- Don't forget to always check the expiration date before using it.
- Follow all the recommended instructions.
- You can contact customer service to find out product details.
- If in doubt, you can consult with your doctor about product safety.
Another reason people prefer to use herbal medicine, because generally this type of drug is cheaper and more affordable than modern medicine. In fact, currently modern medicines are also available in the form of generic drugs, which are relatively cheaper and easily available.
Compared to modern medicine, herbal medicine generally has a slower reaction in the treatment process. This type of drug is commonly used for alternative therapies, as well as companion therapy for modern medicines.
Various Modern Medicine
For modern medicine, there is clearer information about how to use it and its effectiveness in dealing with complaints or curing illnesses. Because, this type of drug has gone through a series of research and development, before being allowed to be sold freely on the market and widely consumed. This drug can give a faster reaction, because it is clearer the use and how it works in dealing with a complaint or condition. Drug formulations can also provide guidance on indications and contraindications for the use of each type of drug more specifically, in terms of benefits and how to use them.
Even though it has been clinically tested and officially registered at BPOM RI, there are a number of things that you should pay attention to before choosing modern medicine, including:
- Brand names and generics. Because one type of drug, can have different brands.
- The right way to store drugs, because each drug has a different way of storage.
- When, how and for how long to use it. Always pay attention to the recommended dosage listed on the label, or ask your doctor or pharmacist first before using it.
- Verify whether the medication needs to be finished or not.
- What side effects can be caused by these drugs.
- How and under what conditions you should stop using it.
- What to do if you miss the recommended dose.
- What medicines should not be used with these drugs.
Make sure you really understand these things, before using modern medicine as directed by your doctor.
Basically, you need to be careful about taking drugs and follow the guidelines for taking the right medicine, both herbal medicine and modern medicine. Use medication according to the label or doctor's recommendation. In addition, you need to remember that the risk of allergies persists, against herbal medicines or also modern medicines. Therefore, it is not recommended to treat the disease yourself, without consulting first with a doctor. If you experience symptoms of an illness, do not hesitate to see a doctor immediately.
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