Herbal medicine, pill boxes and the carers who sort them

For carers who sort a parent's weekly pill box, herbal products need extra care. Keep the label, know the purpose and revisit the plan when medicines change.

Sunday evening at the kitchen table

Many adult children spend part of each weekend filling a parent's pill organiser, compartment by compartment. When a herbal product joins the routine, it can be tempting to tip it into the same box. Herbal medicines come in many forms, though, and appearance reveals nothing about suitability or quality. A capsule looks convenient, a decoction feels traditional, yet neither look answers the questions that really matter for someone's health.

Formulas from Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, prescribed to Lane Cove households, often end up in the hands of carers who want to get these details right.

What to ask, and what to keep

Find out from Christine what is inside, the right way to take it and the date for a recheck. Hold onto the original label and instructions rather than moving the product into an unmarked container; if a pill organiser is used, keep the packaging nearby so anyone helping can check it. When the medicine list changes, perhaps after a hospital stay or a specialist visit, bring the herbal plan back for another look; old advice may no longer fit.

• What is in it, and what is it for?
• How and when should it be taken?
• When will we look at it again?

One clear set of directions

Every herbal plan should state the exact product, set out steps on paper and name a follow-up date. Tape those steps inside the cupboard door if that helps, and tell Christine whenever a specialist or GP changes the list. Should Dad develop an unfamiliar symptom and nobody can say whether the herbs play a part, ring the clinic instead of halving or doubling anything.

Supporting the person you care for

Caring well often means asking the questions the person you look after might not think to raise. If you help a parent or partner manage their medicines and want to talk through a herbal plan, you are welcome to come with them to an appointment at the Lane Cove clinic.