Use of Traditional Medicine and Folk Remedies in Hypertensive Patients: based on Cheonan Practice- Based Research Network

Cheong, Yoo Seock; Park, Eal Whan; Yoo, Sun Mi; Kim, Ki Sung; Jung, Hye Weon; Shim, Sug Kyu; Kim, Guwang Hwy; Lee, Jong Min; Park, Yun Jong; Yeoum, Hung Tag

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a chronic disorder that causes various complications. It needs proper pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment. But, other studies show there are many traditional and folk remedies about hypertension in Korea. This study was designed to show behavioral patterns of outcomes and side effects of folk remedies in practice-based network.
METHODS
The study subjects were hypertensive patients visited practice-based network from September to December In 1996. Data were collected through questionnaire about sociodemographic features of patients and types, effect, frequency, and side effects of folk remedies.
RESULTS
The responders totalled 160 patients, and those who have tried traditional medicine or folk remedies were 65 patients(27 men and 38 women cases). Information source about remedies were 'family members or friends' in 53.8%, 'TV, magazines, and newspapers' in 13.8%, and 'books that deal with health information' in 3.1%. There were 22 experienced remedies , the most common remedy was herb medicine. In subjective judgement about anti-hypertensive effect, 6 cases described as 'very effective', 21 as 'somewhat effective', 14 as 'not effective', 17 as 'not sure'. 10(15.3%) of 65 cases experienced side effects.
CONCLUSIONS
40.6% of total responders used traditional or folk remedies, and 15.3% of them experienced side effects. 9.2% of them told that their remedies were 'very effective'. Physicians need to inform patients of side effects of folk remedies and adequate management of hypertension.