While some housewives claim to have benefited by such prescriptions there are others that have come to regret the route of alternative medicinal treatment at the hands of an unprofessional.
Umm Eyaad was having some problems that took a toll on her emotional state, so she decided to try alternative treatment.
“I went to an herbal store and the seller gave me an herb to drink with warm water,” she said. “He said it cured depression. The herb caused serious drowsiness and made me sleep most of the time.”
Unlike medicines that are purchased from pharmacies with clear instructions and warnings, these herbal prescriptions are heard about through word of mouth.
And that was why when Umm Eyaad’s son drank some of the herb he didn’t know he should not be driving.
“My son drank some of it and got into an accident while driving because suddenly he became very drowsy,” she said.
It was a minor accident because he managed to control the car since he was still within the neighborhood and driving at a low speed.
Dr. Hafez M. Al-Bajory narrates a tragic case in which a man with renal failure lost his life when he suddenly decided to quit the dialysis and turn to alternate medicine though his condition was stable.
“This patient was stable and he was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, but until then he needed to have the dialysis, which he was getting regularly. But some people suggested to him alternate medicine and he quit the dialysis, went to an uncertified practitioner and died after that,” said Al-Bajory.
“Any medication must be properly documented and certified and prescribed by a certified doctor before it is safe to take it,” he added.
“If you were to visit any medical factory you’ll see the numerous processes the medicine goes through before it is packed and ready to be sold. Only a trained medical professional can provide a proper diagnosis and then prescribe the medicine needed.”
