Don’t mix Allopathy, ancient medicines

Dr G R Ravindranath, General Secretary, Doctors Association for Social Equality, said that lack of research has led to a stagnation in alternative medical systems. 

“Modern medicine has developed from our ancient medical system, while also taking positives from other scientific fields, such as nanotechnology, for example. 

A lot of research is undertaken, to develop modern medicines, scientifically and technically. Similarly, there should be enough research undertaken in these fields as well,” said the doctor. Citing the case of Nilavembu Kudineer, which the government has been distributing across the state as a dengue prevention measure, he said that there could be side-effects due to consumption of the mixture. 

“Siddha practitioners say that Nilavembu Kashayam should be given within three hours of preparation. It should be taken for five days continuously and a specific amount taken twice a day. The distribution should be done with the consultation of a doctor. But this is not happening, as it is being distributed in bus stands and schools, and people get it only once a day,” said Dr Ravindranath, adding that more research should go into the side effects of Nilavembu Kashayam. 

Prof Dr Anita Ramesh, Professor and Head, Medical Oncology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, said that in a condition like cancer, alternative medicine cannot be a primary treatment. 

“For chronic diseases such as knee pain or diabetes, alternative treatment can be used. But in the case of cancer, which is a fast-growing disease, alternative medicine can only be a complementary treatment, taken at the end of the allopathic treatment,” he said. For cancer, allopathy cannot be replaced. 

“The only case where one can approach alternative medicine is when a person is terminally ill and doesn’t want treatment as long as they live or if there is some residual medical condition from treatment. But one should not take both the treatments together, as there can be an increase in side effects which can complicate things. There can be unknown interaction between the drugs,” said the CEO and Founder, Freedom from Cancer Relief and Research Foundation.