Students:
Zeina Qamhia
Isra’ Arandi
Hedaya Shakarnah
Lama Hanayshi
Mona Hamarshe
Supervisor:
Dr. Rowa' Al-Ramahi
Abstract:
Background: All over the world, herb utilization has become a popular way used by lactating women to treat several medical conditions instead of or with medicines.
Objective: The main objective of this study was to find the prevalence of herbal product use among lactating women in Palestine
Method: This study was a questionnaire-based cross sectional descriptive study, it was conducted in four primary healthcare centers, two in Nablus and the two in Bethlehem, between August and October 2016. A convenient sample of women who were lactating or had stopped lactation no more than 6 months of study time were met and asked to answer a face to face questionnaire.
Result: Among 400 women, the number of women who used herbs during lactation was 375(93.8%). most of the breastfeeding women used more than one herb (85.8%), they preferred to use herbs mainly because they thought the herbs are safer than medications (89.6%). The most frequently used herbs were anise (66.3%), sage (43.25%), peppermint (42.2%), caraway (40.0%), chamomile (36.5%) and cinnamon (29.8%), some women were regular users, in other cases herbs were used as needed. The most common reasons for using herbs were: spasm, constipation, cold and flu, cough, and calming. In most cases, women based on advice from family or internet (80.0%, 30.7% respectively). Most of them did not tell their doctors (60.8%) that they use herbs during lactation.
Conclusion: Large numbers of lactating women use herbs for many common health problems without consulting their healthcare providers regarding safety and efficacy, so proper counseling by pharmacists and physicians is recommended to minimize possible side effects on mothers and infants.
