Herbal medicine: Trend of practice, perspective, and limitations in Pakistan

Abstract

Although in this modern era, there are a much more advancements in modern medical treatments, traditional medicine, especially
herbal medicines, has always been practiced. More than 70% of the developing world’s population still depends on their treatment
on herbal treatment. Perceptions and believes of the community often lead to self-care or home remedies and consultation with
traditional healers like Hakeems. Therapies like herbal treatment have been utilized by people in Pakistan who have faith in spiritual
healers, clergymen, Hakeems, homeopaths, or even many quacks. Different diseases such as infertility, epilepsy, psychosomatic
troubles, and depression, and many other ailments are still treated by herbal therapy. Herbal medicine is the crucial part of
traditional medicines, so sector has become an important source of healthcare, especially in rural and tribal areas of the country.
In Pakistan, the growth rate of medicinal plants is very high. Pakistan has a very rich tradition in the use of medicinal plants for
the treatment of various ailments. With the requirements of the modern era, the integration of the modern and herbal treatment
in terms of evidence-based information has become necessary. In Pakistan, there is a need to take reforms regarding practice.
The herbal way of treatment have reached us passing through different stages, so it is highly important to bring improvements
in different fields, i.e. education, sale, storage, import, and export of herbal medicines. There is a need of sharing of knowledge
between herbal and allopathic practitioners. The knowledge about the herbal treatment should spread between the health-care
professionals as well as the patients.

, current practice, practice trend, practice limitations, practice perspective