Traditional Medicine and Prescription Medication: Why Your Doctor Needs to Know What You’re Taking

Traditional medicine has been part of African healthcare for generations.

Herbal preparations, medicinal plants and culturally rooted healing practices continue to play an important role in the lives of millions of people across the continent.

For many South Africans, using traditional medicine does not necessarily mean rejecting conventional healthcare either. A person may visit a doctor, take prescription medication and use a traditional or herbal remedy at the same time.

And that is exactly why one conversation is so important:

Your healthcare professional needs to know everything you are taking.

As we recognise African Traditional Medicine Week from 26–31 August, it is an opportunity to celebrate an important part of our healthcare heritage while also encouraging safe, informed use of traditional and conventional medicines together.

Traditional and Modern Medicine Don’t Have to Be Opposites

Healthcare is often discussed as if people must choose one approach or the other.

In reality, many people use different forms of healthcare alongside one another.

The World Health Organization recognises traditional medicine as an important part of healthcare in communities around the world and is actively working towards improving its safe and evidence-informed integration into health systems.

The goal shouldn’t be to dismiss traditional practices.

The goal should be to make sure that whatever you use to support your health is being used as safely as possible.

“Natural” Doesn’t Automatically Mean Risk-Free

One of the most common misconceptions about herbal remedies is that a natural product cannot cause side effects.

But plants contain biologically active substances.

That’s often precisely why they are used medicinally.

Those substances can potentially affect:

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Blood clotting
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• The nervous system
• How other medicines are absorbed or processed by the body

The strength and ingredients of traditional remedies can also vary depending on the plant, preparation method and product.

This doesn’t mean herbal medicine is automatically dangerous.

It means it deserves the same thoughtful approach you would give any substance that can influence your health.

Can Traditional Remedies Interact With Prescription Medication?

Yes.

Some herbal and traditional medicines can interact with conventional medications.

An interaction may potentially cause a medicine to become:

• More powerful than intended
• Less effective
• More likely to cause side effects
• Processed differently by your body

In some cases, two substances may produce similar effects and amplify one another.

For example, a herbal product that lowers blood pressure could potentially have an additional effect when taken alongside prescription blood pressure medication.

Other products may influence the way the liver processes certain medicines.

This is why your doctor or pharmacist needs the complete picture.

Tell Your Doctor Everything You Take

When a healthcare professional asks which medications you use, don’t only list your prescriptions.

Mention:

• Traditional remedies
• Herbal preparations
• Vitamins
• Supplements
• Over-the-counter medication
• Teas or tonics taken specifically for medicinal purposes
• Complementary treatments

If possible, tell them the name of the product or remedy, what it contains and how often you use it.

If you don’t know exactly what’s in a preparation, say so.

Even that information can be useful.

You Don’t Need to Hide Traditional Medicine From Your Doctor

Some patients may avoid discussing traditional remedies because they worry their doctor will judge or dismiss them.

But withholding the information can make it more difficult for your doctor to provide safe treatment.

Your healthcare consultation should be a place where you can speak openly about your health choices.

A doctor doesn’t need to share every cultural belief or practice to understand that knowing what you are taking is medically important.

Think of it in the same way you would tell a doctor about an allergy or another prescription.

It’s information they need to treat you safely.

Certain Medications Need Extra Care

Talking to a healthcare professional is particularly important if you take medication for a chronic medical condition.

This may include treatment for:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart conditions
• Epilepsy
• Blood clotting disorders
• HIV
• Tuberculosis
• Mental health conditions
• Chronic pain
• Autoimmune conditions

You should also seek professional advice before using herbal or traditional medicines if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or preparing for surgery.

Stopping prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor can also be dangerous.

If you’re worried about a medicine or experiencing side effects, discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional rather than simply replacing it with another treatment.

Be Careful of “Miracle Cure” Claims

Traditional knowledge and medicinal plants have contributed enormously to healthcare.

That doesn’t mean every product marketed as traditional, herbal or natural is legitimate.

Be cautious about treatments that claim to:

• Cure many unrelated illnesses
• Cure serious diseases with guaranteed results
• Work instantly
• Replace all prescription medication
• Have absolutely no side effects
• Be safe for everyone
• Require you to stop treatment prescribed by your doctor

No credible healthcare treatment should rely on promises that sound too good to be true.

This applies to conventional health products too.

Health decisions should be based on reliable information rather than fear, pressure or extravagant claims.

When Traditional Treatment Shouldn’t Delay Medical Care

There are situations where professional medical assessment should not be delayed while trying home or traditional remedies.

Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Persistent or severe chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Signs of a stroke
• Severe allergic reactions
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe dehydration
• Sudden confusion
• Serious injuries

You should also speak to a healthcare professional if a symptom continues, repeatedly returns or becomes worse despite treatment.

The issue is not whether the remedy is traditional or conventional.

The issue is recognising when further investigation is needed.

Persistent Symptoms Deserve Investigation

Treating a symptom and understanding what is causing it are not always the same thing.

For example, persistent fatigue may be caused by something relatively simple, but it can also be associated with anaemia, thyroid problems, infection or another medical condition.

Repeated stomach pain could have several different causes.

Recurring headaches could be linked to stress, eyesight, dehydration, blood pressure, migraine or something else entirely.

Continuing to treat the symptom without understanding the cause may delay the diagnosis of an underlying condition.

If something keeps coming back, speak to a healthcare professional.

Your Pharmacist Can Help Too

Doctors aren’t the only healthcare professionals who can help identify potential medicine interactions.

Pharmacists are trained to understand medication and can provide valuable guidance on whether different medicines and supplements may interact.

When collecting a prescription, mention any herbal products or traditional medicines you use regularly.

The more information your healthcare providers have, the safer your overall treatment can be.

Where Telemedicine Fits In

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to asking a health question is simply finding the time to get to a doctor’s rooms.

Telemedicine provides another option.

Through an online medical consultation, you can discuss:

• Your current medication
• Herbal or traditional remedies you use
• Symptoms you are experiencing
• Possible side effects
• Chronic health conditions
• Whether further investigation may be necessary

A healthcare professional can then advise whether your concern can be managed remotely or whether you need an in-person examination, blood tests or additional care.

It can be particularly useful when you’re unsure whether something you’re taking could interfere with your existing treatment.

Respect Tradition. Prioritise Safety.

Traditional medicine forms an important part of Africa’s cultural and healthcare heritage.

Recognising its value and using conventional healthcare do not have to be mutually exclusive.

What matters is making informed decisions.

Know what you’re taking.

Ask questions.

Be cautious about extraordinary health claims.

Don’t stop prescribed treatment without professional advice.

And most importantly, make sure your healthcare providers know about all the medicines and remedies you use.

This African Traditional Medicine Week, one of the healthiest things we can encourage is an open conversation about healthcare.

Not Sure Whether Your Medicines Can Be Taken Together?

If you use traditional or herbal remedies alongside prescription medication and you’re unsure about possible interactions, speak to a healthcare professional.

TruMD gives South Africans convenient access to qualified medical professionals through online consultations, making it easier to ask questions about your medication, symptoms and overall health.

Make informed choices about your health. Talk to a doctor with TruMD.