Health myths are widespread, deeply rooted in culture and increasingly amplified by social media and informal advice. They influence how people use medicines, trust vaccines, choose home remedies and interact with healthcare providers, often leading to delayed treatment, complications and preventable deaths.
This write-up examines 10 common health myths in Pakistan, explains what the science actually says, and offers clear, evidence-based guidance to support safer decisions for you and your family.
3. Herbal and ‘desi’ remedies are always safe because these are natural
From qahwa and kaadha to hakeemi
syrups and totkay based on herbs or natural mixtures, many people in Pakistan
assume that anything herbal cannot cause harm.
What does the science say?
Studies among Pakistani physicians
and paediatricians show increasing use of herbal medicinal products, but also
report concerns about their safety, lack of regulation and limited evidence.
Research has documented adverse effects, including kidney injury and harmful
interactions between traditional medicines and conventional drugs. The WHO
stresses that “natural” does not automatically mean “safe” and calls for
regulation and proper evaluation of traditional medicines.
Risks of believing this myth
- Liver or kidney damage from untested or
contaminated herbal products
- Dangerous interactions with prescribed
medicines (e.g., for blood pressure, diabetes, or epilepsy)
- Delay in seeking hospital care for serious
conditions such as cancer, heart disease or infections.
Evidence-based guidance
- Inform your doctor about any herbal or
hakeemi products you are using.
- Avoid unlabelled or unregistered products
and those advertised with 100% cure claims.
- Use herbal treatments as complementary (if
at all), not as a replacement for evidence‑based medical care.
- Prefer products registered with the Drug
Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and supported by some clinical
data.
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