When Parents Turn to Grandma's Remedies
During the COVID-19 pandemic, something interesting happened: parents around the world started reaching for traditional medicine more often. In one recent study from Ethiopia, researchers found that 87.6% of parents were using traditional remedies for their children. But here's the concerning part—98% of these parents never mentioned it to their doctors.
If you're a Singapore parent, this might hit close to home. Many of us grew up with our own versions of traditional healing: herbal soups, poultices, turmeric drinks, or visits to traditional practitioners. When our children get sick, it's natural to fall back on what our parents and grandparents did. But a new research study helps us understand exactly why parents make these choices—and what we should watch out for.
Why Parents Reach for Traditional Medicine
The research identified six key factors that influence whether parents use traditional remedies for their young children:
- Parents' own habits: If you use traditional medicine for yourself, you're 6.5 times more likely to use it for your child. This is the strongest factor.
- Easy access: When traditional remedies are convenient to obtain, parents use them 2.7 times more often.
- Belief in safety and effectiveness: Parents who trust that traditional medicine works are 4.5 times more likely to use it.
- Family tradition: Interestingly, having someone in the family skilled in traditional medicine slightly reduces usage—possibly because they advise caution.
- Religious and cultural beliefs: Faith and cultural background shape whether families embrace traditional approaches.
- Sibling connections: Having an older sibling relates to lower traditional medicine use—perhaps because parents gain confidence from modern healthcare with their first child.
The Silent Communication Gap
Here's what worries health experts most: nearly all parents who used traditional medicine didn't tell their doctors. Why? The study found four main barriers to disclosure. Parents feared being judged by healthcare professionals. Some didn't trust doctors enough to share. Others weren't even aware that traditional medicine use mattered to their medical care. And many held misconceptions about what their doctors needed to know.
This silence is dangerous. When your child is sick and you're using both traditional remedies and modern medicine, your doctor needs to know. Some combinations can cause problems, and your doctor can't help if you don't tell them the full picture.
What This Means for Singapore Families
Singapore's healthcare system is world-class, but we're also a culturally diverse society where traditional practices remain deeply valued. Many Singapore families—Chinese, Malay, Indian, and others—have their own healing traditions. This research reminds us that combining modern and traditional medicine isn't wrong, but doing it secretly is risky.
The high usage rate (87.6% in the study) tells us that parents aren't making these choices lightly. They genuinely believe these remedies help, often because they've seen them work in their own families. That deserves respect. What needs to change is the conversation between parents and doctors.
Three Things to Do Now
- Tell your child's doctor everything: When you visit the paediatrician or clinic, mention any traditional remedies, herbs, or practitioners you're using. Write it down beforehand if that helps. Your doctor won't judge you—they just need complete information to keep your child safe.
- Ask questions before trying remedies: Before giving your young child traditional medicine, check with a healthcare professional first. Some remedies that are fine for adults can harm babies and toddlers. Dosages matter enormously for small bodies.
- Find practitioners who communicate with doctors: If you want to use traditional medicine, seek out practitioners who are willing to work with your child's doctor and share information. This integrated approach gives your child the best of both worlds.
Being a thoughtful parent means honouring your family's traditions while also protecting your child's health. That's entirely possible—you just need to bring everyone into the conversation.