Self-medication: do it yourself (DIY) medicine

Abstract

Self-medication is not a new phenomenon in the history of humankind. The earliest forms of self-medication were based on traditional and herbal medicines.  Ayurveda (India, ~1500 BCE) and Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasized balance in the body through herbs and minerals. Hippocrates (460–370 BCE). Self-medication refers to the practice of using medicinal products to treat self-diagnosed symptoms or conditions without professional guidance. It has increased since the medicine has been readily available in the pharmacy. While self-medication can be convenient and cost-effective, especially for minor health issues, it carries serious risks when done irresponsibly. Europe (Eastern) had the highest incidence rate of self-medication, and in Asia, it ranged from 7.3 % to 85.59  % with an average of 42.64%.. ‘In Nepal, the common reasons for the practice of self-medication were mild illness (64.1%), and the main source of self-medication was the chemist (73.6%). Self-medication sometimes results in fatal consequences; therefore, people should abstain from self-medication.