Herbal Medicine & Beyond: Benefits of Traditional Healthcare Systems

Written by: Karina Fernandez-Saito and Ihsaan Alam 

The new age of social media consists of lifestyle gurus handing out medical advice that often seems too good to be true. While caution and personal research are necessary when evaluating trendy content, these platforms have simultaneously become vehicles for the spread of traditional medicine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional medicine for therapeutic uses. Traditional medicine refers to healthcare practices and techniques that do not encompass the realm of Western medicine, which is derived from scientific evidence. This approach to healthcare prioritizes holistic methods through personalized nature-based remedies with a focus on restoring an individual’s balance and entire well-being. Traditional medicine involves diagnosing as well as the prevention and treatment of physical and mental illnesses. 

It may seem that traditional medicinal practices have not been scientifically backed by research; however, this is not the case. Some non-Western healthcare practices around the world, including Native American, African, and Chinese traditional healing systems, have existed prior to the age of science and the industrial revolution. Their approaches historically proved successful, aiding many in their physical and emotional health. As time went on, the medicinal practices rather evolved with science, originating with experience-based evidence. 

Native American traditional healing systems have been recognized by the National Institutes of Health/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). For thousands of years, Indigenous tribes have contributed holistic treatments to treat a range of medical conditions, ranging from mild to chronic. These traditions promoted health through diet, herbal concoctions, ceremonies, and overall way of life. For example, chewing willow bark was used to relieve aches, as it consists of salicin—an active ingredient later synthesized into aspirin. Furthermore, principles surrounding modern vaccines also trace back to Native Americans, as some tribes would deliberately ingest small amounts of harmful substances to build resilience, similarly to how modern immunization works.

Africa is home to many countries, each with different cultures and customs. Collectively, African traditional medicine is the oldest healing system in the world. The continent’s rich biodiversity has long supported the primary use of medicinal plants. Of the approximately 45,000 species of plants, around 5,000 species used in healthcare practices. The diverse uses of the medicinal plants range from elevating mood to treating respiratory issues. One notable example is African wormwood, a plant indigenous to the region, which has been studied for its effectiveness against influenza and malaria. More recently, it has gained popularity due to its potential for treating COVID-19; however, further research is still required. 

Chinese traditional medicine has also gained more mainstream influence in the Western world, with many practices being widely accepted, such as acupuncture and cupping. The main principles of Chinese traditional medicine are grounded in the yin and yang, qi (pronounced “chee”), and the five-element theory. Balance is an important aspect of Chinese medicine. By identifying and treating the imbalance within someone, the body could then heal itself. Qi refers to the body’s life-force energy. When your body has the energy it needs, all the way inside your cells, it allows all bodily functions to work properly. From the necessary nutrients distributed throughout the body to the various organ systems running smoothly. Lastly, the five-element theory is the relationship between the body, mind, and environment. The five elements include wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, each representing a different personality type. Understanding which element is most dominant in a person can help to treat and diagnose mental health issues. 

Traditional medicine from cultures around the world has consistently demonstrated benefits for the communities that practice it. However, many of these approaches still require further scientific research to establish their efficacy and safety. It remains essential that traditional medicine be approached responsibly, with careful consideration and informed research to ensure its safe application.

References: 

Cohen, Sandy . “Traditional Chinese Medicine Basics and How They Support Well-Being.” Uclahealth.org, UCLA Health, 28 Jan. 2025, www.uclahealth.org/news/article/traditional-chinese-medicine-basics-and-how-they-support.

Koithan, Mary, and Cynthia Farrell. “Indigenous Native American Healing Traditions.” The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, vol. 6, no. 6, 1 June 2010, pp. 477–478. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2913884/, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2010.03.016.

Mahomoodally, M. Fawzi. “Traditional Medicines in Africa: An Appraisal of Ten Potent African Medicinal Plants.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, no. 617459, 2013, pp. 1–14, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3866779/, https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/617459.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 2020, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs.

U.S. Mission Italy. “Native Americans’ Many Contributions to Medicine.” U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy, 18 Nov. 2021, it.usembassy.gov/native-americans-many-contributions-to-medicine/