JAMU: an Indonesian herbal tradition with a long past, a little known present and an uncertain future

As this editorial comes in the first issue of the last year of a millennium, it may be the time to examine our position in a global context. Our efforts to include complementary therapies in nursing and midwifery in the more privileged and western world often seem to be a frustrating struggle, tolerated and involving a steep learning curve for all those involved. Fifteen years ago, I used to say that in 25 years time, there would be a merging and integration and fuller acceptance of orthodox and complementary medicine. I am optimistic that my current target of 10 years will still hold, as indeed we have seen this happen already in the areas of palliative care and some more acute conditions. We can, however, become quite despondent with the challenge that remains in front of us and wonder if it is worth our time and energy. It is for this reason that I would like to present a more global picture, to help us appreciate how relatively easy we have it in our organized health systems compared to other more disadvantaged countries in the world.