Otc, Rx, Herbal Medication Review
OTC, Rx, Herbal Medication Review
John W Rothwell III
University of Central Florida April 11, 2013
Topic The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth: and he that is wise will not abhor them (Ecclesiasticus 38:4, King James Version). Botanical medicine has been a part of our world since the beginning of time. During a recent review of the nursing process in my facility, it was noted that herbal remedies continue to be part of our patient’s daily regimen. Though herbal medicines are controlled by the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act and cannot be marketed using specific medical claims, the American consumer is utilizing herbs for their therapeutic effect (Fontaine, 2011). By increasing awareness of botanical medicine the professional nurse will be able to provide an increase in quality of care.
Purpose
The purpose of reviewing botanical medicine is twofold. My first interest is that as an emergency department nurse I am finding more patients utilizing herbal remedies as part of their daily regimen. Secondly is the fear of the unknown. Increasing my knowledge on the utilization of herbal medicine will allow me to provide a higher quality of care. It is becoming more and more critical for the professional nurse to understand the interactions between conventional and herbal medication so that we can ensure the greatest possible outcomes.
Position
My knowledge of herbal medicine is minimal. Though traditional nursing school may review common regimens like St. Johns Wort, Saw Palmetto, Cranberry and Chamomile the mainstream media is playing a significant role in marketing herbal remedies to the consumer. I believe that as health care reform is implemented, and the costs of conventional services remain uncertain, society will continue to look for alternatives that offer an increased quality of life.
Questions * Is the use of herbal medicine an option to embody both conventional and alternative therapy to provide the best
John W Rothwell III
University of Central Florida April 11, 2013
Topic The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth: and he that is wise will not abhor them (Ecclesiasticus 38:4, King James Version). Botanical medicine has been a part of our world since the beginning of time. During a recent review of the nursing process in my facility, it was noted that herbal remedies continue to be part of our patient’s daily regimen. Though herbal medicines are controlled by the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act and cannot be marketed using specific medical claims, the American consumer is utilizing herbs for their therapeutic effect (Fontaine, 2011). By increasing awareness of botanical medicine the professional nurse will be able to provide an increase in quality of care.
Purpose
The purpose of reviewing botanical medicine is twofold. My first interest is that as an emergency department nurse I am finding more patients utilizing herbal remedies as part of their daily regimen. Secondly is the fear of the unknown. Increasing my knowledge on the utilization of herbal medicine will allow me to provide a higher quality of care. It is becoming more and more critical for the professional nurse to understand the interactions between conventional and herbal medication so that we can ensure the greatest possible outcomes.
Position
My knowledge of herbal medicine is minimal. Though traditional nursing school may review common regimens like St. Johns Wort, Saw Palmetto, Cranberry and Chamomile the mainstream media is playing a significant role in marketing herbal remedies to the consumer. I believe that as health care reform is implemented, and the costs of conventional services remain uncertain, society will continue to look for alternatives that offer an increased quality of life.
Questions * Is the use of herbal medicine an option to embody both conventional and alternative therapy to provide the best
References: Acee, A., & Sharoff, L. (2012). Herbal remedies, mood, and cognition. Holistic Nursing Practice, 26(1), 38-51. doi:10.1097/HNP.0b013e31823bff70 Dahlstrom, M., & Piras, S. (2011). OTC meds: Know what your patient is taking. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, 9(6), 10-14. Fontaine, K. (2011). Complementary & alternative therapies for nursing practice (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Gillum, D., Staffileno, B., Schwartz, K., Coke, L., & Fogg, L. (2010). The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors in the old order Amish in northern Indiana: A preliminary study. Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 10(2), 28-37. Gray, D., & Rutledge, C. (2013). Herbal supplements in primary care: Patient perceptions, motivations, and effects on use. Holistic Nursing Practice, 27(1), 6-12. doi:10.1097/HNP.0b013e318276fb32 Libster, M. (2009). A history of Shaker nurse-herbalists, health reform, and the American botanical medical movement (1830-1860). Journal of Holistic Nursing, 27(4), 222-231. doi:10.1177/0898010109342890