St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a third world country in the West Indies. The local population often relies on traditional remedies for the treatment of asthma. This study sought to determine the number of subjects seen in the asthma clinic who reported using traditional remedies for the treatment of asthma, the types of remedies used, and their perceived efficacy.

Subjects seen in the Asthma Clinic from 2001-2003 were surveyed for the use and perceived efficacy of herbal and alternative remedies in the treatment of asthma. All subjects were consented.

Of 137 subjects surveyed (mean age 18.8 years, 57% female), 42% reported using traditional remedies for the treatment of asthma, with 19% also using Salbutamol for acute exacerbations of asthma. Asthma severity levels were as follows: 47% Intermittent Asthma, 24% Mild Persistent, 19% Moderate Persistent and 10% Severe Persistent Asthma. Sixty percent reported using local herbs, 30% roots (53% marijuana root, 41% local herb roots, 6% wild onion root,), 10% boiled bark (67% tamarind tree, 16.5% patamen tree, 16.5% plum tree bark), 6% the juice of boiled lizard (Anole Iguanidae), 4% whale oil/honey, and 2% smoked marijuana. None of the subjects reported these remedies had greater efficacy in relieving symptoms of asthma than Salbutamol.

Local remedies are still frequently used in the treatment of asthma. Their perceived efficacy is not greater than Salbutamol. Further studies are required to understand the continued use of herbal and alternative medications for the treatment of asthma and assess possible barriers to accessing Western Medicine.