The Effect of Herbal Medicine to Treat Digestive System Problem on the Children's Growth

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the herbal medicine in treating digestive system problem on children's growth. MethodsWe studied 135 children who visited ○○ oriental medical hospital to treat digestive system problem from March 2010 to February 2012. We measured their height and body weight on their first time visit and a year later. We compared them using the Growth Statistics Curve made by the Korean Association of Pediatrics, 2007. ResultsGenerally, total children's average height and weight were significantly increased after the herbal medicine. The difference between the height and weight of treated children and the average height and weight was significant. ConclusionsHerbal medicine to treat disorder of digestive system helped growth of children.

Hypothesis Proposal about Predictive Factors and Optimal Age for Response to Herbal Medicine Treatment for Height Gain in Children: a Retrospective Review

“…However, whether baseline percentile is a determinant of treatment response with herbal medicine is a matter of controversy [6][7][8][9] . In a previous study, GH therapy was reported as being effective in children of the lower percentile group 30) .…”

“…The digestant formula (消食劑) is used to enhance digestion and disperse stagnant food 22) . Herbal medicine treatment for digestive problems is known to aid height growth in children 8) . Sleep disorders due to chronic rhinitis interferes with growth in children 37) .…”

“…According to a previous study, 4.4-7.3% of school-children attempt treatment for height gain, and herbal medicine is the most commonly administered treatment modality 5) . Several clinical studies have reported the positive effects of herbal medicine on height gain [6][7][8][9] . In addition, the side effects of herbal medicine in children are relatively few and not serious.…”