Guidelines on the use of indigenous-western anti-hypertensive therapies in Belize

Abstract

This study’s objectives were to identify, describe, and provide guidelines on using indigenous-western antihypertensive therapies in Belize to examine indigenous therapies’ efficacy in lowering blood pressure. The researcher utilized an explanatory sequential mixed method research design to examine indigenous-western therapies. Data were collected quantitatively from the general public (n=422) and qualitatively from hypertensive patients (n=24) using indigenous therapies and vendors (n=19) of indigenous therapies. The study results identified 47 different medicinal plants used in the management of hypertension in Belize, as reported by participants. Besides, leaves were the most reported plant part used to manage hypertension, while boiling (decoction) was the most common preparation method. The common route of administration was the oral route, and ½ to 1 cup 2 to 3 times daily was the dose and frequency of administration, respectively. The majority of participants using indigenous therapies did not report side effects. Conversely, orally administered hydrochlorothiazide and captopril were the most common western therapies reported by most respondents in the study. The majority of the respondents did not report concomitant use of indigenous-western therapies to manage their hypertension; however, those who used indigenous therapies reported that medicinal plants were efficacious in lowering their blood pressure. Some of the claims by participants are verified by Western science, thereby authenticating indigenous therapy claims. The researcher developed guidelines on the use of indigenous-western therapies from the results of the study. Collaboration between indigenous healers and Western medical practitioners to provide holistic healthcare approaches was recommended since both sciences have identical foundations and can learn from each other. The government should incorporate indigenous knowledge systems into school curricula.