What is it about?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including herbal remedies and dietary supplements, is commonly used to manage influenza symptoms, but little was known about how these approaches are used in Palestine. We surveyed 363 adults to explore the prevalence, types, reasons and information sources associated with CAM use for influenza. Three-quarters of participants reported using at least one CAM approach. Herbal remedies were particularly common, with sage, chamomile and anise among the most frequently reported. Many participants used CAM to support their immune system, while family, friends and the internet were major sources of information. These findings highlight the importance of providing accessible, evidence-based guidance on the safe and appropriate use of CAM.
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Why is it important?
CAM use is not a marginal practice in this population; it is a common part of how people manage influenza. Yet much of the information guiding its use comes from family, friends and online sources rather than healthcare professionals. This creates an important opportunity for pharmacists and other healthcare providers to discuss CAM proactively with patients, address potential herb–drug interactions and misinformation, and reinforce when conventional medical care is needed. Public-health strategies should acknowledge culturally established practices while promoting safe, evidence-based decision-making.
Perspectives
One of the most important lessons from this study is that simply discouraging CAM use is unlikely to be an effective public-health strategy. Herbal remedies are culturally familiar, accessible and widely used in Palestine. The more constructive approach is to understand how people use them and bring these conversations into routine healthcare. Healthcare professionals should ask patients about CAM use, provide evidence-based safety advice, discuss potential interactions with medicines, and help patients distinguish complementary use from replacing necessary medical care.
Dr Dala Daraghmeh
Al-Quds University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Exploring the use of complementary and alternative medicine for influenza management: a cross-sectional study from Palestine, Scientific Reports, January 2026, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-31708-5.
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