The Use of Herbal Medicine in Children of Birjand City, Iran

In recent years، the use of herbal medicine is increasing in different countries of the world. In this study، the use of herbal medicine in children and its related factors were investigated in Birjand city. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during 5 months from May to September 2013 on 600 mothers referred to Vali-e-Asr Hospital of Birjand city through oral interview and filling in questionnaires. Data were analyzed by chi 2 and Fisher’s exact statistical tests. The Significance level was considered p≤0. 05. In this study، 44. 5% of the mothers had used herbal medicine for their children at least once during the last year. There was a significant relationship between relative frequency of use of herbal medicine in children and mothers’ age (25-40years)، education level (illiterate and primary school)، and residence (rural area). The most used herbal medicines included: Mint (34. 1%)، Thyme (30%)، and Teucrium polium (13. 5%). The most indications for use of these plants were reported to be abdominal colic pain (45. 7%)، common cold (30. 7%)، and diarrhea (12. 4%). The most sources of recommendation to the mothers for use of these plants were neighbors and friends. Physicians were not among the information source. 57. 1% (out of 259) of mothers had informed the physicians about the use of herbal products. 97. 6 % (out of 336) of mothers believed that using herbal medicine had no side-effects. Based on the results of this study، it is recommended that necessary information about the herbal medicine be trained to physicians، and use of these plants in children be asked from parents as a part of routine history taking. It is also recommended to inform parents about the proper use of herbal medicine.