News Focus: Medicine’s alternatives

Nov 17 2009 by John Avison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

OUT of the superstitions of astrology came the science of astronomy.

Out of the study of herbs came chemistry and medicine.

Astronomy – the divination of the future by studying the ‘influence’ of the stars and planets – is discredited as a science.

But should we discredit herbalism as easily? It seems that both the UK and EU powers that be think we should.

Unsurprisingly, a local medical herbalist thinks otherwise.

Sue Salmon, of Healing Hands Complementary Therapies in Moldgreen, says we should take herbal medicine seriously.

In the last 10 years three Department of Health reports, a Lords report and the current consultative document have all recommended regulation for three therapies considered to offer the greatest risk to the public – traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine and acupuncture.

It should be noted that a significant element of that concern is not based on the effectiveness or otherwise of the treatments – it is on practitioners’ conduct and competence and the setting up of a system for dealing with complaints.

Sue is fighting to keep accreditation on the agenda.

“It seems that there is now a very real possibility that the Government will not take the important step of statutory regulation for herbal practitioners,” she said.

“I find this gravely worrying. It has grave implications for any member of the public who wishes to use herbal medicine.”

Sue is worried that if UK regulation is not introduced in two years time, the EU’s policy will drive the fans of herbal medicine on to unregulated internet sites or back street dealers for their supplies.

“Many of my clients will testify that herbal treatments work well,” said Sue.

“If we believe that it’s people’s right to choose what kind of medication they prefer, inaction by the Government and action by the EU will take away that right to choose.”

Sue has until November 16, which is when the UK public consultation period on a proposed system of registration for herbalists will end.

Our own Government looks poised to wash its hands of the matter. If it does, legislation not only to refuse accreditation but to ban outright the production and sale of herbal remedies will be put in motion.