Why people take herbal medicine

Nowadays, many people of our country know about herbal treatment or herbal medicine. In Bangladesh, herbal medicine means Unani & Ayurvedic medicine. It is also called Traditional Medicine. Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80 per cent of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care.
In our country people have become dependent on allopathic medicine. These medicines have different side effects which have bad impact on our physical health. But natural medicines have no side effects. So, anyone can take it without any doubt.
The history of herbal medicine
Plants had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. Indigenous cultures (such as African and Native American) used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical systems (such as Unani, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies were used. Researchers found that people in different parts of the world tended to use the same or similar plants for the same purposes.
 The Bangladeshi system of medicine was called the Unani & Ayurvedic. The Bangladeshi materia medica, or list of herbs used as medicines, was quite extensive. As early as 800 BC one Bangladeshi writer knew 500 medicinal plants and another knew 760 - all indigenous plants of Bangladesh. Bangladeshi herbalism or Unani & Ayurvedic is still practiced today, and many authentic, traditional formulations are available outside of Bangladesh.
In the early 19th century, when chemical analysis first became available, scientists began to extract and modify the active ingredients from plants. Later, chemists began making their own version of plant compounds and, over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favour of drugs. Almost one-fourth of pharmaceutical drugs are derived from botanicals.
Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some part of their primary health care. In Germany, about 600 - 700 plant based medicines are available and are prescribed by some 70% of German physicians. In the past 20 years in the United States, public dissatisfaction with the cost of prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to an increase in herbal medicine use.
Importance of herbal medicine
As our lifestyle is getting techno-savvy, we are moving away from nature. However, we cannot escape from nature because we are part of nature. We have not yet fully explored what nature has stored in for us. This fact can be disturbing point with humans. Certain European and Oriental countries have been exploring the use of herbs and has been in practice over the centuries. Great work has been done which eluded the common man's reach and knowledge. With life on tech-route for every individual in the 21st century, human sufferings are coming out with different names. The basic herbs have the answer. The overall key is no side effects and effective remedies. The remedies are in sync with nature which is the biggest plus point where no other medicine can claim these facts. The golden fact is use of herbal treatments is independent of any age groups.
How do herbs work?
In many cases, scientists aren't sure what specific ingredient in a particular herb works to treat a condition or illness. Whole herbs contain many ingredients, and they may work together to produce a beneficial effect. Many factors determine how effective a herb will be. For example, the type of environment (climate, bugs, soil quality) in which a plant grew will affect it, as will how and when it was harvested and processed.
Where will patients get the treatment?
Every government hospital and health complex in different districts has the facilities to take Unani & Ayurvedic treatment. There are BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery) & BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery). Doctors are providing traditional treatment. They listen to the patients' problems very carefully. This treatment is also cost effective. So, its popularity is increasing day by day. Besides, there are different private chambers where people can take traditional treatment.

The writer is Lecturer at Govt Unani & Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital and also
Consultant, Dhaka Traditional Medicine & Acupuncture Centre. Email:[email protected]