Warning over alternative medicine 

Health researchers are warning against the use of an alternative Indian remedy after eight cases of lead poisoning.

An article published in the latest New Zealand Medical Journal says the herbal remedy Ayurvedic poses a substantial threat to the well-being of its users because of the lead content in some of its powders and tablets.

The report says the eight patients, seven of whom came from the Auckland region, suffered from symptoms such as abdominal pain after taking Ayurvedic.

Researchers say that even miniscule quantities of lead have the potential to cause harm, including irreversible brain damage and are of no therapeutic benefit.

Study urges caution

Doctors are being urged to increase their knowledge of complementary and alternative medicines amid concern that many New Zealanders use them, but not as carefully as they should.

Research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal indicates most users of natural remedies don't know they can cause harm, don't tell their doctor and take them with conventional medicines, which can be risky.

The study showed that of more than 1,000 people who attended Waikato Hospital Emergency Department over a one-month period a year ago, a third reported using natural remedies with a high satisfaction rate.

Author, emergency medicine specialist Tonia Nicholson, says 63% don't tell their doctor, believing the therapies to be natural and therefore safe.

The Medical Association says it is risky to combine some alternative and prescription medicines and doctors and patients must be more aware of this.

The Charter of Alternative Health Practitioners says adverse reactions are minimal if the therapies are used correctly.