TL/DR –
Jaleelah Abdul Hameed, a Yemeni woman in her 50s, turned to herbal remedies for her liver cancer after doctors misdiagnosed her condition and she was unable to afford international treatment. However, she ended up in worse shape after abandoning her prescribed medications and chemotherapy. Over 20 million Yemenis lack access to basic medical care due to years of conflict, severe funding shortages, and the collapse of Yemen’s healthcare system, forcing many to turn to traditional remedies, but medical experts caution that herbal practitioners often lack formal medical training and can cause delays in proper medical treatment.
Yemen’s Healthcare Crisis Prompts Increase in Herbal Remedy Use
Living in Taiz, Yemen, Jaleelah Abdul Hameed recalls her family’s unyielding faith in herbal medicine for treating illnesses due to the dire lack of proper healthcare. However, after a misdiagnosis of her liver cancer as a colon ailment and being advised to seek treatment abroad, Jaleelah turned to herbal remedies out of desperation and lack of funds.
Despite the assurance of the herbal medicine centre owner, who prescribed her a mixture of leaf powder and honey, her health deteriorated. Jaleelah ended up back in the hospital for abandoning her prescribed medications and chemotherapy.
A harsh reality for over 20 million Yemenis—the lack of access to basic medical care—has resulted in a surge in traditional remedies use. Severe conflicts have escalated funding shortages while causing the collapse of Yemen’s healthcare system, making it challenging to manage recurring disease outbreaks like cholera and diphtheria.
The Lure of Herbal Medicine
Many Yemenis like Raqeeb Sultan, who was diagnosed with the Helicobacter pylori infection, have found solace in herbal medicine. After eight months of persistent pain despite the medication, Sultan turned to herbal remedies and experienced significant improvements.
However, medical experts advise against replacing standard medical care with herbal remedies. Dr. Adel, an internal medicine specialist, warns about the fluctuating symptoms of H pylori and emphasizes the importance of proper medical treatment.
Despite this, herbal medicine stores are thriving across Yemen. Most of these practitioners base their practice on Islam, claiming to have cure-alls for all ailments.
Regulation of Herbal Medicine
Although practitioners like Ali, based in Taiz, insist on the benefits of herbal medicine, the lack of official permits and regulatory oversight raises questions on its credibility. Many herbal medicine stores operate without licenses, claiming natural herbs don’t require any.
Jaleelah, who continues to battle cancer, stresses the need for tighter regulation over these herbal centres and honey shops, calling for the health office to play an active role in ensuring proper patient care and not allowing these businesses to exploit the healthcare crisis.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News