The first time someone mentions complementary or alternative medicine

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The first time someone mentions complementary or alternative medicine

Jo Scott-Jones

Jo Scott-Jones

Koromiko
If willow bark helps pain, why can’t chewed koromiko leaves help diarrhoea? [Image: Martha King, 1842]

Specialist GP Jo Scott-Jones looks at the range of responses GPs can give when a patient says they use complementary or alternative medicines – from disdain, through scepticism, to understanding

Key points, Consultations are designed to help connect with patients – it is important to view the world through their eyes and not be dismissive of their beliefs, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
References

1. Vaughan R. Inside story: Alternative medicines, quackery or not? Bay of Plenty Times. 11 August 2015. nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times

2. Koia JH, Shepherd P. The potential of anti-diabetic rākau rongoā (Māori herbal medicine) to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mate huka: A review. Front Pharmacol 2020;11:935.