Complementary medicine – where’s the evidence?
April 19, 2010
Practitioners of complementary
and alternative medicine (CAM)
generally agree that evaluating
natural remedies by the same
criteria as orthodox medicines can
be a flawed and limiting approach.
Researching a single herb or
nutrient does not reflect how these
ingredients are used in a clinical
setting as part of a whole system
approach where multiple
therapeutic tools are used together.
In reality though evidence is
needed if CAMs are to be accepted
and prescribed widely by healthcare
professionals.
In fact there is a substantial body
of evidence covering the use of
herbal medicines and nutrients for a
wide range of conditions.
In addition, the low level of risk
associated with these medicines has
been highlighted and further
validates their use as a part of
effective patient care.
However research funding for
CAMs in Australia is still inadequate,
and there is a need for more quality
studies to support its use.
In spite of this, there is impressive
and growing research that does exist
and it is important that this research
is communicated for the overall
benefit to patient health.
One event to note is the third
Blackmores Research Symposium, to
be held in Syd on 30 April and 01 May.
Here leading international and
Australian researchers will explore
nutrient and lifestyle strategies for
conditions at different life-stages,
presenting the latest advances in
nutritional medicine and discussing
the integration of these findings into
clinical practice.
Details can be found at
blackmores.com.au/symposium.
For an evidence-based online
seminar on common CAMs used in
pharmacy, with 4 PSA CPD points,go
to www.blackmoresmedical.com.au.
This week’s industry contributor is
Blackmores naturopath Pam Stone.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 19 Apr 10To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 19 Apr 10
