Taking Herbal Medicine Safely

Indonesian people still believe in herbal medicine. This is seen among many traveling shamans or various herbal medicines on the market, such as ginseng, aloe vera, spirulina, propolis or ginkgo biloba.

The increasing use of herbal medicines in Indonesia is also related to many types of plants that exist in this country. Indonesia is one of the countries with abundant plant wealth. But are medicines made from these natural ingredients safe for consumption?

Taking Herbal Medicine Safely
Herbal medicines are made from herbs or herbal extract blends to treat illness or stay healthy. Herbal medicines can be made from leaves, flowers, stems, roots, fruits and even seeds. Then these ingredients are processed and packaged in capsules, tablets, oils, ointments or tea drinks.

Because it is made from natural ingredients, people also think that herbal medicines are safe and don't hesitate to try them, especially if they are used for a long time.

Regulation and standardization of herbal medicines in Indonesia
In principle, herbal medicines circulating in Indonesia are safe for consumption, with an indication that the product has been registered with BPOM RI.

In Indonesia, herbal medicines are grouped into two types, namely traditional herbal medicines and non-traditional herbal medicines.

  • Traditional phytotherapy
Known as traditional medicine or herbal medicine. The ingredients have been used for generations and are a recipe for Indonesia's cultural heritage.
  • Non-traditional phytotherapy
The content of this drug does not exist in the history of traditional Indonesian medical care or is not hereditary, but may be beneficial to the body.
Before allowing the circulation of herbal medicines, BPOM RI will conduct a series of scientific trials to protect the public from possible harmful substances. But for herbal medicines used for generations, usually there is no need to do clinical trials. Although some require additional evidence.

The clinical trial process of a product involves verifying the accuracy of the identity of the plants used, plant parts used, preparation of raw materials and identification of active ingredients. The extraction method used, the method of preparing raw materials and the products tested are also needed.

Herbal medicines circulating in Indonesia may not contain medicinal chemicals (BKO), because they can endanger health and have fatal consequences. Examples of BKO in question are paracetamol as analgesics or sildenafil as a drug to treat impotence.

RI BPOM explicitly prohibits people from taking herbal medicines that contain BKO. RI BPOM will also confiscate herbal medicines that contain these substances.

Efficacy of clinical herbal medicines


Herbal medicine has a content and way of working that is very complex. Although generally considered natural, this does not mean that herbal medicines are completely safe. Different drugs, herbal medicines have different ways to treat diseases. If conventional medicine is specifically aimed at treating diseases, herbal medicines usually play a greater role in the body's recovery process.

Almost all plants have antioxidant effects or their contents. The antioxidant activity of herbal medicines is what makes it used to treat various conditions such as cancer, memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Scientific evidence from various studies to date has concluded that the clinical efficacy of herbal medicines is still not supported by strong and consistent evidence. Some people say they feel better after taking herbal medicine, but cases of poisoning have also been reported. So, if you want to use herbal medicines as a method of treatment, you should first consult your doctor.

Safety tips for using herbal medicines

Most of the natural ingredients used as herbal medicines are safe for consumption. Although safe, herbal medicines can also cause mild and serious side effects on the body. Information about possible side effects usually appears on the package. To avoid danger, here are some tips for taking herbal medicine.

  • Make sure you buy products that have been registered with BPOM RI.
  • Don't forget to check the product expiration date.
  • Follow all instructions for use with the dosage listed on the package.
  • Contact the product customer service department if you want to know more about their products.
  • Before drinking it, be sure to consult with your doctor first.

Herbal medicine can not be consumed by everyone. People with certain conditions should pay more attention or better avoid using herbal medicines.

  • Pregnant and nursing mothers
Pregnancy is a time when mothers must be careful not to eat anything, including herbal medicines. What is consumed by pregnant women can affect the condition of the fetus and cause miscarriage, premature birth, or congenital abnormalities. This also applies to nursing mothers. Intake for nursing mothers can be contained in breast milk. The substances contained in herbal medicines can have an impact on baby's health.
  • People who will undergo surgery
Some herbal remedies can slow blood clotting or thin the blood. This can have a detrimental effect if herbal medicines are taken before undergoing surgery. Ginkgo biloba is one example. Consumption of this herbal medicine must be stopped at least two weeks before surgery because it can slow the blood clotting process.
  • Currently taking certain medicines
Herbal medicines can also cause serious side effects if taken together with medications, such as blood pressure medications, anticoagulants and antidiabetics.
  • Have certain diseases
Herbal medicine, originally intended to provide good benefits, can actually worsen the condition of the disease. For example, bitter herbs. It is thought that this drug can strengthen the immune system, but it can also be dangerous if bitter is consumed by people suffering from autoimmune diseases. There are also herbal medicines based on gotu kola. Gotu kola cannot be eaten by sufferers of liver disease. According to research, consumption of gotu kola can increase the risk of liver damage.

So, don't take herbal medicine, especially if the goal is treatment. You need to know the purpose, benefits, and safety of these herbal medicines. For more information about herbal medicines, you can consult a doctor.

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