According to Gram Research analysis, people in Saudi Arabia use complementary and alternative medicine for different reasons depending on their age, education, income, and cultural beliefs. The study found that both herbal remedies and non-dietary treatments like acupuncture are commonly used alongside conventional medicine, with cultural and religious factors playing a major role in treatment choices. Doctors need to understand these patterns to provide safe, respectful care that respects patients’ health beliefs while preventing dangerous interactions between treatments.
A new study looked at how people in Saudi Arabia use complementary and alternative medicine—things like herbal remedies, acupuncture, and spiritual healing—alongside traditional medical care. Researchers found that different groups of people use these treatments for different reasons. Some use them because of cultural beliefs, while others try them when conventional medicine doesn’t fully help. Understanding these patterns helps doctors and patients have better conversations about all the treatments people are using to stay healthy.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies examined how demographic factors and cultural beliefs influence complementary and alternative medicine use among people in Saudi Arabia, finding that different groups use these treatments for distinctly different reasons.
The study identified that both dietary supplements like herbs and non-dietary treatments such as acupuncture and traditional healing practices are widely used in Saudi Arabia, with cultural and religious beliefs serving as major influencing factors in treatment selection.
Research shows that education level and income significantly affect which types of alternative medicine people in Saudi Arabia choose and how they combine these treatments with conventional medical care.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Why people in Saudi Arabia use alternative and complementary medicine (like herbs, traditional healers, and spiritual practices) along with regular doctor visits
- Who participated: People living in Saudi Arabia who use both conventional medical care and alternative treatments
- Key finding: Different groups of people use alternative medicine for different reasons—some based on cultural and religious beliefs, others because they want extra help beyond what doctors provide
- What it means for you: If you or your family members use alternative treatments, it’s important to tell your doctor about everything you’re taking or doing. This helps your doctor give you the best care and avoid any problems with mixing treatments
The Research Details
Researchers studied how people in Saudi Arabia use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—treatments outside of standard Western medicine like herbal remedies, acupuncture, cupping, and visits to traditional healers. They looked at what factors influence whether someone chooses these treatments, including age, education, income, religious beliefs, and cultural background.
The study examined both dietary supplements (like herbs and vitamins) and non-dietary treatments (like massage, acupuncture, and spiritual healing). By understanding these patterns, researchers could see which groups of people were most likely to use alternative medicine and why they made those choices.
This type of research is important in Saudi Arabia because alternative medicine is deeply woven into the culture and many people use it regularly. Doctors need to understand these practices to provide better care and prevent dangerous interactions between alternative treatments and prescription medications.
Understanding why people choose alternative medicine helps doctors have better conversations with patients. When doctors know about cultural and religious reasons for using these treatments, they can respect patient choices while also making sure nothing dangerous happens. This is especially important in Saudi Arabia where traditional medicine has been used for centuries and remains popular today.
This research comes from BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, a peer-reviewed journal that publishes studies about alternative health practices. The study examined real-world patterns of how people actually use these treatments, which gives practical insights. However, readers should note that the specific sample size wasn’t provided in the available information, which affects how broadly these findings apply to all Saudis.
What the Results Show
The research revealed that complementary and alternative medicine use in Saudi Arabia is influenced by multiple interconnected factors rather than just one reason. Different demographic groups—based on age, gender, education level, and income—showed different patterns of use. Some people used alternative medicine primarily for cultural and religious reasons that have been passed down through families for generations.
The study found that both dietary supplements (herbs, special foods, vitamins) and non-dietary treatments (acupuncture, cupping, massage, visits to traditional healers) were commonly used. The reasons people chose these treatments varied significantly. Some used them as their first choice for health problems, while others used them alongside or after trying conventional medicine.
Education and income levels played important roles in determining which types of alternative medicine people used and how they combined them with regular doctor visits. Wealthier and more educated individuals sometimes used different treatments than those with lower incomes or less formal education.
The research also showed that religious and spiritual beliefs strongly influenced treatment choices in Saudi Arabia. Many people incorporated alternative treatments into their daily health practices as part of their cultural identity. Family recommendations and word-of-mouth were major factors in whether someone tried a particular alternative treatment. The study highlighted that many people didn’t see alternative medicine and conventional medicine as separate—they viewed them as complementary parts of a complete health approach.
This study adds to growing research showing that alternative medicine use is common worldwide, not just in Saudi Arabia. Previous studies in other countries found similar patterns where cultural beliefs and education levels influence treatment choices. However, this research is specifically valuable because it examines these patterns in the Saudi context, where traditional medicine has deep historical roots and remains widely practiced. The findings align with other research showing that people often use multiple types of medicine simultaneously.
The study has some important limitations to understand. The specific number of people studied wasn’t clearly provided, which makes it harder to know how well these findings apply to all Saudis. The research looked at patterns but couldn’t prove that one factor directly caused another—it showed associations rather than cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, people’s memories about what treatments they use might not be perfectly accurate, which could affect the results. The study captured a snapshot in time and may not reflect changes in how people use alternative medicine over the years.
The Bottom Line
If you live in Saudi Arabia or have family there, it’s important to tell your doctor about any alternative medicines or treatments you’re using. This includes herbal remedies, supplements, visits to traditional healers, acupuncture, cupping, or spiritual healing practices. Your doctor can then make sure these don’t interfere with prescription medications or other treatments. There’s nothing wrong with using alternative medicine as part of your health care, but doctors need to know about it. (Confidence level: Strong—this is basic medical safety practice)
This research matters for people in Saudi Arabia who use alternative medicine, their families, and their doctors. It’s particularly relevant for healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia who want to understand their patients’ health beliefs and practices. It also matters for anyone interested in how culture influences health choices. The findings are most directly applicable to people in Saudi Arabia, though similar patterns may exist in other Middle Eastern countries with similar cultural traditions.
Changes in health outcomes from using alternative medicine vary greatly depending on what treatment you’re using and what health problem you’re addressing. Some people report feeling better within days or weeks, while others use these treatments for months or years. The important thing is to track how you feel and share this information with your doctor regularly so you can adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people in Saudi Arabia use alternative medicine so much?
People in Saudi Arabia use alternative medicine for cultural, religious, and historical reasons passed down through families for generations. Many view it as complementary to conventional medicine rather than a replacement. Education level, income, and personal beliefs also influence whether someone uses these treatments.
Is it safe to use alternative medicine while taking prescription medications?
Some alternative treatments can interact with prescription medications and cause problems. Always tell your doctor about every herb, supplement, or alternative treatment you’re using. Your doctor can check for dangerous interactions and help you use treatments safely together.
What types of alternative medicine do Saudis use most?
The study found that Saudis use both dietary treatments (herbs, special foods, supplements) and non-dietary treatments (acupuncture, cupping, massage, visits to traditional healers). The specific treatments chosen depend on individual beliefs, family traditions, and what health problem someone is trying to address.
Should I tell my doctor about alternative treatments I’m using?
Yes, absolutely. Tell your doctor about all alternative medicines, supplements, herbs, and treatments you use. This helps your doctor provide complete care, avoid dangerous interactions, and understand your full health picture. Open communication between you and your doctor is essential for safe health care.
Does using alternative medicine mean you don’t trust regular doctors?
Not necessarily. Many people use alternative and conventional medicine together because they see them as complementary approaches to health. Different factors—cultural beliefs, personal preferences, and what works best for individual health problems—influence these choices. Both can be part of a complete health care plan.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Create a daily log in your health app that records: (1) any alternative treatments used (herbs, supplements, acupuncture, visits to healers), (2) the reason you used it, (3) how you felt before and after, and (4) any side effects noticed. This gives your doctor a complete picture of your health care.
- Start a conversation with your doctor about all the alternative treatments you or your family members use. Write down a list before your next appointment including herbal remedies, supplements, traditional healer visits, and spiritual practices. Share this list with your doctor so they can check for any interactions with your medications.
- Every month, review your alternative medicine use log and note any patterns—which treatments you use most often, which ones seem to help, and any side effects. Share this monthly summary with your healthcare provider to ensure all your treatments work safely together.
This research describes patterns of alternative medicine use in Saudi Arabia but does not constitute medical advice. Before starting any alternative treatment or supplement, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you take prescription medications. Some alternative treatments can interact dangerously with conventional medicines. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical guidance. Always inform your doctor about all treatments you’re using—conventional and alternative—to ensure safe, coordinated care.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.