1.
According
to the WHO, alternative medicine refers to practices, approaches, knowledge and
beliefs, dealing with plant, animal and mineral based medicines, manual
techniques and exercises, applied to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or
maintain well-being.
2.
In
Europe and North America over 50% of the population have used complementary
medicine at least once; while in Canada 70% and in Germany 40% of population
have used natural remedy at some point in their life.
3.
In
USA they spent over 17$ billion on traditional remedies.
4.
The
global market for herbal medicines currently stands at over US $60 billion
annually and is growing steadily.
5.
The
WHO started its first ever comprehensive traditional medicine strategy in 2002.
6.
According
to it, it is necessary:
·
Develop
national policies on the evaluation and regulation of TM/CAM practices.
·
Create
a stronger evidence base on the safety, efficacy and quality of the TAM/CAM
products and practices.
·
Ensure
availability and affordability of TM/CAM including essential herbal medicines.
·
Document
traditional medicines and remedies.