Pubdate: Thu, 27 Jan 2000
Source: Examiner, The (Ireland)
Copyright: Examiner Publications Ltd, 2000
Contact:  http://www.examiner.ie/
Author: Conor Keane

Supporters Of St John'S Wort Wake Its Demise

Supporters of ancient herbal remedies staged a wake in Dublin mourning the 
death of the free availability of the herb St John's Wort, which can now 
only be obtained on prescription.

A coffin bearing the legend St John's Wort RIP Jan 1 2000 was taken by 
members of Consumers for Health Choice Ireland to the offices of the Irish 
Medicine's Board in Earlsfort Terrace.

Supporters of natural medicines from all over Ireland attended the protest.

The group plan to lobby the incoming Minister for Health to change the 
criteria and manner in which the Irish Medicines Board deals with natural 
medicines which they say have been in use for thousands of years.

Health Minister Brian Cowen issued a directive banning over the counter 
sales of St John's Wort, with the herb now only available through 
pharmacies on prescription.

"We regard the ban on St John's Wort as a insult and an interference to our 
right to take care of our own health in a way that works for us," said 
Gabrielle McAuley of Consumers for Health Choice. Ms McAuley said they 
would be seeking a meeting with the new Minister for Health as soon as 
possible.

"Complementary health needs to be viewed as a different but equally valid 
way of health care.

"We do not feel it is being dealt with in an appropriate fashion at this time.

"Ancient herbs which have been in use for thousands of years need to be 
treated differently to new pharmaceutical products," Ms McAuley commented.

Ms McAuley said places for people with expertise in herbal, natural and 
homeopathic remedies needed to be set aside on the Irish Medicines Board.

"A sub committee to oversee the regulation of complementary medicines needs 
to be established," she added.

The Irish Medicines Board overseas the licensing of licensing and approval 
of all human and veterinary medicines and clinical trials.

The board also advises the Minister for Health on the safety, control and 
regulation of medicines generally.

Supporters of St John's Wort say it should not be limited to sale by 
prescription only, and that it helps people in relation to mood balancing, 
mild depression, viruses generally and nerve pain.
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