Las Tunas, Cuba.- The artificial synthesis of medicines made people not realize that most of what is considered the exclusive creation of laboratories originates from plants or minerals. It fell into oblivion that Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, argued that the healing force for diseases lay in the restorative power of one's own organism with the help of the elements of nature.
Luckily, in the last decades, studies began to visualize unconventional methods. The success of therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy and the use of plants have been expanded worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in the framework of primary care the Natural and Traditional Medicine (NTM), can be combined as natural therapies, and modern Western medicine for the benefit of the affected.
"MEDICINE IS THE ART OF IMITATING THE CURATIVE PROCEDURES OF NATURE" (HIPÓCRATES).
Many people from Las Tunas acquire the benefits of nature in the Michael de Witte green medicine pharmacy, in the provincial capital. "I buy anticatarral syrup because they are very good and reliable," says Frank Camejo. Eliseo Moreno is close, who is waiting his turn. "They favor and stimulate the organism, besides preventing different affections. Here,
The technician Karelia Mora Salas with more than 20 years in this establishment confirms that syrups are the most demanded by the population. "The preference for this medicine comes from our ancestors. People also request homeopathic medicines, known as reliefs, and Vidatox, which is used to relieve cancer pains and, according to research, is effective for chronic conditions. "
This unit also offers a Psychology consultation and those who require it receive floral therapy, which are sublingual drops, made from flower essences, based on the principles established by Dr. Edward Bach. It helps to balance a characteristic or negative emotional state such as fear and lack of confidence.
"In our clinics," he adds, "we elaborate some homeopathic products for dental use destined for emergency areas in all dental clinics."
In the absence of some commonly used products, Mora recommends that customers replace them with others that are also proven to be effective. "The best is to consult the information board and ask the doctors, and those of us on this side of the counter about the other alternatives. Recently we received the information that many of the homeopathic products that were in need will re-enter our markets, "she concludes.
AGAINST EVERY PAIN, A PLANT GROWS. (PARACELSO, XVI CENTURY)
Much of what is sold in the "Michael de Witte" is made in one of the five laboratories dedicated to the local production of these medicines. Mairelis Hechavarría Pérez, principal specialist of one of these centers, located in the municipality, says that the national basic supplies are 97 products, but 53 of these are produced here.
"They are made from natural origin and harmless, without adverse reactions. The country has focused on Natural and Traditional Medicine to cover the current deficit of conventional drugs. We have the raw material to produce shampoo, cream of holy cane, onion syrup and others that stopped being done for a while because the conditions did not exist.
"Our installation," she continues, "is being remodeled and we have received new equipment that allows us to manufacture other items such as aloe cream (known as aloe).
Among the pharmaceutical groups that are elaborated we have the antipyretics, bronchodilators, for avoiding cold, antiseptic, pediculicide, antihypertensive and antifungal.
The laboratory is divided into several areas to ensure the effectiveness of the processes. Here the control of the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of the finished productions of the whole province is carried out. In this regard, Ms. Oslady González points out that several aspects are valued, such as pH, density, active principle and refractive indexes. "If they are within the parameters then they are distributed through the pharmacy network. We also check the raw materials before doing the process, "she says.
PERMANENT SOLUTION
With the economic crisis after the disappearance of the Soviet Union, Cuba had to resort to many techniques of manufacturing medicines and it brought us closer to traditional methods. Then those procedures were gradually recognized by the Ministry of Public Health as a medical specialty that uses methods for the promotion of health, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the ailments.
While this branch is supported, mainly by practical experience, there is a real intention to deepen on knowledge, in light of science. In this regard, Dr. Libia Lezcano Faura, responsible for the NTM Program, in Las Tunas, says that the purpose is "to encourage research to give it a true scientific character and treat the patient in a more comprehensive manner. We pay special attention to the training of specialists and they transmit the knowledge to other doctors. "
Through a very well organized system, patients in this locality obtain the benefits. "In each area of Health -explains- works a consultation with a doctor qualified in NTM to attend the cases sent from other health offices, in which, in addition, a trained staff works and even in some of these places the acupuncture is applied.
"The secondary level of assistance allocates lines of therapeutic use to the guard corps and to the income. In the Ernesto Guevara de la Serna provincial hospital a reference place is located".

Lezcano says that this territory has the necessary supplies to carry out the work. Laser therapy equipment has been received, specifically those used for the stimulation of acupuncture points and other ozone therapy, a modality that was introduced in the last year.
"We NTM advocators are convinced of its effectiveness. We try to train new professionals in these concepts. For several years, the program began to be implemented and statistics show an increase in the number of people assisted. "
The political will to stimulate the development of green medicine and its growing popularity constitutes an important advance in favor of health. A safe way to replace imports and above them, improving the population´s quality of life.

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