Lit Review Paper

1
TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE
East versus West:

Which Medicinal Practice is Best?
Jennifer Crain-Samario
RWS 1302
Professor Masoud
The University of Texas at El Paso
Abstract
There are a lot of different theories about what healthcare is best, what medicine is best, what
you should do for this illness and what you should or you should see for that one. Traditional
Eastern medicine focuses more on a natural path with herbs and healers whereas modern Western
medicine focuses more hospitals, pills, shots, vaccinations and the like. Many people use
unconventional therapies for health problems, but the extent of this use and the costs are not
known. (David M. Eisenberg, 1993) Even though we have advanced in medicine throughout
the years as a nation and even on an international level, the basics come from plants, herbs, and
the healing of those who came before us. Modern medicine is a wonder even of the word today
but we have to credit the old ways that brought us to this point. Herbs and medications can be
used to treat and even cure illnesses and disease. The question is which is better if there is a
better.

East versus West: Which Medicinal Practice is Best? : A Review of Literature
Since the beginning of time humans have been treating themselves with herbs, plants and
natural remedies that have been found to be effective on a number of ailments, illnesses, and
diseases, and in todays age we have acquired the knowledge to go beyond simple plants or herbs
grown at home or found in the wild. We now have the capabilities to cure some diseases that
used to wreak havoc on villages. We are able to take a pill or a shot to control diabetes and the
list goes on. The herbs used in the olden times, it seems, have taken a back seat to modern pills
and shots, or have they. In some parts of the world traditional Eastern herbal medicine is all that
is used to treat illnesses. This could be due to the lack of modern medicine availability in the
region or because of the culture of the people. Whereas here in the United States, majority of
people rely on modern Western medicine. There is a mixture of using both in some instances and
with some people. The focus of this paper will be on the following questions and hopefully
some enlightenment will come to all after reading.
1. What are the effects of an incomplete understanding of healthcare options on patients?
2. What is the cost of using a name brand medication? What effect does it have on the
average, Middle Class, American patient?
3. Is there any scientific proof that suggests herbs and/or herbal remedies may be successful
in treating/curing illnesses?
4. Is it possible to use modern drugs and traditional herbs together for a more effective
healthcare plan?
In order to better understand it is best to start with the first question. What are the effects
of an incomplete understanding of healthcare options on patients? The World Health
Organization (WHO) in 1948 defined health as a "a state of complete physical, mental, and
social well-being not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". While this definition is
comprehensive (though rather utopian and ambitious) it clearly indicates what should be the

goal of health care intervention. (Mohsen Asadi-Lari, 2044) To be able to choose what is
best for ourselves it is always important to be well informed on all matters including
healthcare options. Things such as what doctor is best, what medications should be taken,
should and can I, get second opinions, what kind of insurance is out there and what is best for
me and my family. These are just some of things that could be asked to be better informed
on healthcare options. Medical professionals however tend to focus more narrowly on a
medical model of health care -a history and examination-followed by investigation and
treatment, and finally clinical measures of successful outcome. This approach has been
criticized for producing a paternalistic doctor patient relationship. The relative success of a
given health care intervention may differ significantly from a patient perspective vis--vis the
health care provider's perspective. (Mohsen Asadi-Lari, 2044) With all forms of healing and
medicine the consumer must always be wary of cost and if they are getting the best deal for
what they need.
Moving on to the second question. What is the cost of using a name brand medications?
What effects does it have on the average, Middle Class, American patient? The
pharmaceutical industry is facing serious challenges as the drug discovery process is
becoming extremely expensive, riskier and critically inefficient. A significant shift from
single to multi targeted drugs especially for polygenic syndromes is being witnessed.
Strategic options based on natural product drug discovery, ethno pharmacology and
traditional medicines are re-emerging to offer good base as an attractive discovery engine.
(Vaidya, 2010) Polygenic disease syndromes are a genetic disorder that is caused by the
combined action of more than one gene. Because such disorders depend on the simultaneous
presence of several genes, they are not inherited as simply as are single-gene diseases. Ethno

pharmacology is a related study of ethnic groups and their use of drugs. Ethno
pharmacology is distinctly linked to plant use, ethnobotany, as this is the main delivery of
pharmaceuticals. The cost of medications in todays market can almost break the bank,
especially if a person does not have a decent or even good health insurance. For example the
cost of one epi-pen is approximately $600 in the United States. That is a good chunk of
change for the average Middle Class, American patient whose insurance company does not
cover or has decided to stop covering this medication. This is not the only expensive
medication it is just being used as an example due to the extreme cost. There may be cheaper
alternatives to some medications, but not all. In cases where medicines are just too
expensive possibly herbs or herbal remedies could be used instead. Below you will see a
chart that is comparative prices of some medications in the United States compared to other
countries. (Plans, 2014-2015)
Drug Name
Xarelto(blood Clots) 30 day

Humira(Rheumatoid Arthritis) 28
days
Harvoni(Hepatitis C) 4 weeks
Sout
h
Afric
a
$48
Spain
Switzerla
nd
United
Kingdo
m
Unite
d
States
$101
$102
$126
$320
$552
$822
$1,253
$1,362
--
$18,1
65
$559
$16,861
$906
$22,55
4
$689
$1,39
9
$1,53
4
$1,855
$$663
$1,752
$470
$,299
6
$33,1
35
$,134
9
$5,37
2
$3,93
0
Truvuda(HIV/AIDS) 30 days
--
Tecfidera(Relapsing Multiple
Sclerosis) 30 days
Avastin(certain types of cancer) 1
400mg vial
-$956
Is there any scientific proof that suggests herbs and/or herbal remedies may be
successful in treating/curing illnesses? This is a good question. There is some proof that
herbs are successful in treating illnesses. Herbs are best used for preventative care and
not curative care. An interview was done with Lisa Karr, FNP (Family Nurse

Practitioner) to get her thoughts on Eastern herbal medicine and modern Western
medicine. When asked what benefits she found from using herbs as opposed to modern
medication and vice versa her answer was this. Currently practicing specifically herbal
medication is not standard practice of care. But within my practice; I encourage the
use of probiotics, teas and some herbal compounds to assist with symptoms. (Karr,
2016) To add to the curative versus preventative line of thought she had this to say,
Controlling symptoms of viral illnesses are better used with herbal medications. Severe
bacterial infections in immunocompromised patients the use of appropriate antibiotics
will be needed. (Karr, 2016) Due to the fact using herbal medications and remedies is
not a well-known practice in the United States as it is in some other areas in other
countries in can be very dangerous if it practiced without the proper training and
knowledge. Some herbal medications used in conjunction with modern medications can
cause serious side effects and even deadly reactions. Lisa had this to say on the subject,
In both practices the lack of patient education and misuse of medication/herbals can
have detrimental effects on the liver. (Karr, 2016)

Most everything that we take into our bodies is processed by the liver and
kidneys.
When asked about some specific herbs that she has seen cause damage she
mentioned Valerian Root and also herbs that helped patients she mentions Royal Maca.
Royal Maca has been use to assist in erectile dysfunction for patients whom are unable
to afford traditional prescriptive medications. I have seen jaundice and hepatitis from the
over use of valerian root. (Karr, 2016) To keep things fair an unbiased consequences of
modern medicine were also discussed. With all of the good there is always a little bad.
Lisa had this to say, Consequences of modern medicine? Always risks of using
medication that will affect vital organs. More addictions to pain medications,
benzodiazepines and societal crutch per say on the need to take something to feel
better. (Karr, 2016)
Is it possible to use modern drugs and traditional herbs together for a more
effective healthcare plan? As is seen in the interview with Lisa Karr, FNP, it is possible
to use both together. It is however very dangerous for a laymen to self-medicate with
herbal supplements and with prescribed medications. It is always recommended to
consult with your physician, healer, or whomever is used for your healthcare treatment
and needs.
In conclusion this paper has discussed some very good points on traditional
Eastern herbal medicine versus modern Western medicine. The importance of
understanding and being informed on ones own health care needs, the cost of
medications, whether or not herbs and prescribed medications can be used together, and if
it is plausible to use both together for a more effective health care plan. Being able to
decide and being informed before making a decisions is vital. This information could cut

down on costs of medications and may even give alternative means of treatment. Always
consult with a physician before taking any medication due to possible contraindications
of medications reacting with each other. Using herbs and prescriptions together is
possible and practiced but used with caution as stated before. Using all avenues available
will help to create the most effective healthcare plan for each individual person and their
needs. No one person is the same as the next and all healthcare needs are different.
References
David M. Eisenberg, M. R. (1993). Unconventional Medicine in the United States:
Prevalence, Costs, and Patterns of Use. The New England Journal of Medicine,
246-252.
Karr, L. (2016, November 7). Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). (J. Crain-Samario,
Interviewer)
Mohsen Asadi-Lari, M. T. (2044, Juen 29). Patients' needs, satisfaction, and health
related quality of life: Towards a comprehensive model. Retrieved from
http://www.hqlo.com/content/2/1/32: http://www.hqlo.com/content/2/1/32
Plans, H. C. (2014-2015, Jan-Dec 2014 paid to June 2015). International Federation
of Health Plans. Retrieved from International Federation of Health Plans:
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/518a3cfee4b0a77d03a62c98/t/57d3ca9
529687f1a257e9e26/1473497751062/2015+Comparative+Price+Report+09.
09.16.pdf
Vaidya, G. P. (2010). Natural products drug discovery: Accelerating the clinical
candidate developement using reverse pharmacology approaches. Indian
Journal of Experimental Biology, 220-227.

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1

TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE

East versus West:

TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE

TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE

TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE

TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE

Xarelto(blood Clots) 30 day

TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE

TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE

TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE

TRADITIONAL (HERBAL) MEDICINE vs MODERN MEDICINE

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