Regulating traditional medicine from the nursing perspective

Abstract

Traditional medicine is recognized worldwide as an easily accessible therapeutic alternative with a lower incidence of adverse effects compared to conventional medicine. It is defined as a set of knowledge, practices, and skills from diverse cultures, based on community beliefs and experiences, aimed at promoting health and treating disease. In most Latin American countries, traditional medicine is an essential component of cultural and social heritage. It includes the use of herbs, animal and mineral products, as well as rituals and care by traditional healers, especially in rural areas or among populations with limited access to formal health services. However, the generational transmission of these practices often lacks scientific support, which can create risks when they are adopted as a substitute for evidence-based medical interventions