Traditional Vietnamese herbal remedies have long been an integral part of the country’s ancient medical system. However, improper use of these remedies can lead to serious health consequences. How can you understand and use these remedies safely?
Dangers of Misusing Traditional Herbal Remedies
Mr. Tuấn, 80, was hospitalized in critical condition after using traditional herbal remedies to treat chronic joint pain and insomnia. The remedies claimed to alleviate aches, pains, and other ailments. However, within days of taking the herbs, he experienced tremors, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, excessive sweating, decreased urination, and a dangerously low blood pressure.
A traditional herbal remedy package and the patient’s blood test results, showing signs of toxicity.
Upon admission, Mr. Tuấn’s heart rate was dangerously slow (20 beats per minute), and his blood pressure was unmeasurable, putting him at risk of cardiac arrest and organ damage. Doctors immediately had to implant a temporary pacemaker and initiate blood dialysis. Analysis of the herbal remedy revealed a high concentration of paracetamol, the main cause of his liver and kidney failure.
Risks of Unregulated Herbal Remedies
Ms. Phương, a 65-year-old Hanoi resident with a history of hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and gout, independently purchased and used a “cure-all” herbal remedy for joint pain for two years. Upon hospitalization, due to the cessation of the remedy, she experienced withdrawal symptoms. Doctors found the herbal remedy contained a high concentration of corticosteroids.
A traditional herbal remedy advertised as a cure-all but containing significant amounts of Western medicine.
Cases like Mr. Tuấn and Ms. Phương are not uncommon. Many patients using unregulated, unverified traditional herbal remedies experience severe complications affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. This is particularly concerning, given the rampant online advertising of these remedies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person medical consultations were limited.
Expert Medical Advice
According to doctors at the 108 Military Central Hospital, traditional herbal remedies can be beneficial when used correctly, with appropriate dosages tailored to individual needs, and properly regulated by qualified authorities. However, the market is flooded with unregulated products claiming to be “family-tested” or “cure-all” remedies, advertised without proper medical examinations.
Unregulated traditional remedies, often claiming to be “family tested” or “cure-all,” are easily found online.
These remedies often include Western medicines, sometimes including prohibited substances, leading to potential long-term health risks. Traditional herbal remedies are not always safe. Unmonitored long-term use can lead to medication dependence, addiction, and silent damage to the endocrine system and other organs.
Information about unregulated traditional remedies readily available online.
Advice for Patients
Doctors advise seeking medical consultations and prescriptions from reputable healthcare providers for verified and quality-tested remedies. Avoid purchasing and using unregulated traditional herbal remedies, especially those heavily advertised online.
Using traditional herbal remedies requires a scientific approach, with expert medical guidance. Only then can patients benefit from these remedies without incurring unnecessary risks.
Authored by: Dr. Lưu Quang Minh, PhD; Ngô Hoài Thu – Cardiology Department – Cardiovascular Institute – 108 Military Central Hospital
Mai Chi – Communications Department, 108 Military Central Hospital
