Indigenous Knowledge System

779 Words4 Pages

Introduction
In this essay I will be discussing the reasons why I can change the negative perception regarding indigenous knowledge system in society and education system. I will be discussing this by looking at different perspectives from different people on the issue of herbal medicine.

Indigenous knowledge system refers to the intricate knowledge systems acquired over and
Over generations by the communities as they interact with the environment. Herbal medicine is a good example of indigenous knowledge which has affected the lives of the people. Government does not approve any kind of herbal medicine. It is usually consumed upon the persons own risk, and when it comes to branded herbal supplements one cannot expect any kind of quality …show more content…

Indigenous people’s culture and their respective knowledge, regarding herbal medicine have been largely misunderstood. Herbal medicine is not appropriate in many conditions, modern medicine treats sudden and serious illnesses and accidents much more effectively than herbal or alternative treatments.

Herbalists would not be able to treat serious trauma such as broken leg, or able to heal an appendicitis or a heart attack as effectively as conventional doctor using modern diagnostic tests, surgery and drugs. Another disadvantage of herbal medicine is the risk of doing yourself harm through self-dosing with herbs, while I can argue that the same thing can happen with medications, such as accidentally overdosing on cold remedies. Many herbs do not come with instructions or package inserts, there is a very real risk of …show more content…

Before a new treatment or drugs is approved for use on the public, it goes through an extensive testing process. First in the laboratory, and then through several layers of patient testing. Some people become frustrated with western medicine because the approval process for new treatment they are receiving for a particular condition, there is no reason to abandon conventional medicine. Clinical trials allow many patients to take advantage of new treatment protocols before they receive official approval.

The guidelines for participating in clinical trials are very strict, and many will not accept patients who have received alternative medicine due to concerns that it will not skew the results of the trial. Teaching and research hospitals typically house most clinical trials, so living within commuting distance of one of these establishments increases the odds of participation. If you believe that you would not benefit from a clinical trial, ask your physician for a

More about Indigenous Knowledge System

Open Document