In Australia, traditional, herbal, natural and alternative medicines and remedies are referred to as ‘complementary medicines’. Many Australians are today turning to complementary treatments to boost their health, as they believe that complementary medicines are safe and reliable, but they can interact with other medicines and they can cause adverse effects as well.
What are complementary medicines and are they effective?
Complementary medicine is a broad term which includes herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, Australian indigenous traditional medicines, traditional medicines of other countries (e.g., India, China) homoeopathic medicines and aromatherapy products. They can be of herbal or non-herbal origin. In complementary medicine, ‘herb’ means any part of a plant traditionally used as medicine and may include the leaf, flower, stem, root, fruit or bark of the plant.
Some complementary medicines are produced or furnished by naturopaths, homoeopaths, herbalists and other therapists, and some can be purchased from pharmacies and other shops.
Are they effective?
All complementary medicines marketed in Australia must meet government standards for quality and safety, but their effectiveness does not currently have to be scientifically proven.
Complementary medicines may contain components which have been used as traditional remedies for a long time like for years, but in many cases, there is very little scientific evidence to support their use for a specific disorder. Consequently, the claims that can be made about complementary medicines are often limited and phrases like ‘may relieve’, ‘may prevent’ or ‘may promote’ are commonly used to describe their benefits.
Utilise complementary medicines safely as they are also prone the developing adverse effects. Complementary medicines need to be handled with the same attention and respect as other medicines. Many complementary medicines can cause adverse effects and some may interact and interfere with allopathic medicines.
Before using complementary medicine, consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are:
Using any other medicine, either prescribed by a doctor or purchased from a pharmacy or elsewhere
Using any other complementary medicine
Sensitive or allergic to any medicine or ingredient of medicinal products (e.g., gluten, lactose, preservatives)
Pregnant/planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
Food sensitivity includes symptoms like heartburn, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and indigestion.
Planning to have surgery.
Using allopathic medicine alongside complementary medicine.
Wanting to use complementary medicine instead of allopathic medicine for some indications.
Important
Always involve all complementary medicines on your medicines list and make sure your doctor and pharmacist know you are taking them. Mention the time of intake as well, as most medications can have interactions with unwanted effects.
Do not stop a prescribed medicine and use a complementary medicine instead – check with your doctor first, consult them before use.
If you want to try a complementary medicine in addition to prescribed or other medicine – check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Some complementary medicines are not safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding – consult with your doctor, pharmacist or naturopath/herbalist.
Some complementary medicines should be stopped at least one week before surgery, especially those medicines that are called "blood thinners" they intend to prolong the bleeding time and which leads to excessive bleeding during the surgery and much other life-threatening consequences – always check with your doctor, pharmacist or naturopath/herbalist.
Do not give complementary medicine to a child, unless the product information states it is safe for use in children and gives a children’s dose.
Like all medicines, complementary medicines must be stored out of the reach of children.
