Jordan – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What types of complementary and alternative medicine are available in Jordan?

Jordan’s CAM landscape is both broad and culturally distinctive, shaped by generations of inherited tradition alongside growing exposure to therapies imported from other parts of the world. Among all CAM modalities, herbal remedies and hijama (cupping therapy) are the most frequently encountered, especially among people managing cancer or long-term chronic conditions. Their dominance reflects both the enduring influence of Islamic medical heritage and the deep roots of folk healing in Jordanian society.

The prevalence of herbal medicine use in Jordan reaches 53.3%, with over half of the population holding the belief that herbal products are capable of treating illness. These remedies are accessible through a network of traditional herbalists known locally as attarin, as well as through community pharmacies and health food retailers across the country.

Beyond herbal remedies and cupping, Jordanians also make use of therapies including deep breathing exercises, meditation, chiropractic care, yoga, massage, and diet-based approaches. Aromatherapy and acupuncture are present but attract a smaller following. Private clinics in Amman — concentrated particularly in the city’s western neighbourhoods — have responded to growing demand from both local residents and the expatriate population by offering acupuncture, reflexology, and naturopathic consultations.

Homeopathy maintains a modest foothold in Jordan. Though it enjoys mainstream status in parts of Europe and South Asia, it occupies a niche role in Jordan and is largely confined to a handful of specialist practitioners in the capital. Chiropractic services are available in Amman, though the number of practitioners is notably smaller than in countries where chiropractic holds formal statutory recognition, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, or Switzerland.

One community-based survey found that approximately 40% of respondents had used some form of CAM, with commercial dietary supplements (31.2%), herbal remedies (26.7%), and folk remedies (18.0%) featuring most prominently. These figures illustrate a strong cultural inclination towards self-directed herbal and dietary management of health. Unani medicine, which shares conceptual lineage with classical Islamic medicine, is occasionally referenced in folk healing contexts, though it is not formally taught or practised as a structured discipline in Jordan in the way it is across South Asia.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in Jordan?

According to the WHO Global Report (2019), Jordan does not currently have a national policy on the use of traditional medicine and complementary medicine (TM/CM); however, laws and regulations established in 2001 were updated in 2016. While certain relevant legal instruments therefore exist, there is no comprehensive, purpose-built CAM regulatory architecture comparable to the statutory systems operating in countries such as the UK — where chiropractors and osteopaths are governed by dedicated Acts of Parliament — or Australia, where specific practitioners fall under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

In Jordan, the requirements governing the manufacture of herbal medicines follow the same Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards that apply to conventional pharmaceuticals. Herbal products are regulated in much the same way as conventional pharmaceutical products and are classified as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) serves as the principal authority responsible for registering herbal products and monitoring their safety in the marketplace.

WHO monographs function as the reference standard in place of national monographs and carry legally binding status in Jordan. Safety assessment requirements align with those applied to conventional pharmaceuticals, with additional provisions: conventional use must not have demonstrated any adverse effects, and documented scientific research on comparable products must be referenced.

The regulatory picture for CAM practitioners — as opposed to CAM products — is considerably less robust. A survey of over 100 herbalists revealed that the majority had received no formal education or training in herbal medicine beyond knowledge passed down from their predecessors, and none held a licence specific to that occupation. No dedicated register exists for herbalists, acupuncturists, homeopaths, or naturopaths that would be comparable to statutory professional registers maintained elsewhere.

Pharmacy practice falls under the Drug and Pharmacy Law 2001 and the Ministry of Health’s Public Health Act 2008. The Jordan Ministry of Health is responsible for overseeing general healthcare standards, but specific licensing frameworks for individual CAM disciplines have not been publicly established. Readers are advised to check directly with the Ministry of Health for the most current guidance, as requirements may change. In practice, the regulatory environment governing CAM practitioners in Jordan more closely resembles a voluntary, market-led model than the statutory registration systems found in countries such as the UK or Canada.

Is CAM covered by health insurance or the public healthcare system in Jordan?

CAM therapies are not routinely covered under Jordan’s public health insurance schemes or the government-administered civil insurance programmes. The publicly funded healthcare system, overseen by the Ministry of Health, is structured around conventional biomedical services and does not provide reimbursement for treatments such as acupuncture, herbal consultations, chiropractic, or hijama. This stands in contrast to certain other health systems — Germany’s statutory health insurance, for instance, partially reimburses selected homeopathic and acupuncture treatments — and Australia’s Medicare, which in specific circumstances offers rebates for allied health modalities under chronic disease management plans.

Private health insurance in Jordan is offered by a variety of local and international insurers and is commonly used by employed expatriates. Coverage for CAM differs markedly between policies and providers. The majority of standard private plans in Jordan do not classify CAM as a reimbursable category, although some premium international health insurance plans available in Jordan may incorporate limited wellness or complementary therapy benefits. Given that benefit structures and eligibility thresholds are revised regularly, readers should verify current coverage directly with their insurer before pursuing CAM treatment.

Expatriates whose health cover is provided through employers such as UNRWA or international non-governmental organisations operating in Jordan should review their policy documents thoroughly, since certain international health plans include chiropractic or physiotherapy components that may extend to selected manual therapies. Always obtain written confirmation from your insurer specifying which therapies qualify and under what circumstances, and retain itemised receipts from practitioners to support any reimbursement claim. For updated guidance on covered therapies, consult the Jordan Ministry of Health website and the JFDA.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in Jordan?

The cost of CAM therapies in Jordan varies considerably according to the type of treatment, the qualifications of the practitioner, and where the service is delivered. Amman’s western neighbourhoods — including Abdoun, Sweifieh, and Khalda — generally attract higher fees than smaller cities or rural parts of the country. All figures presented below are intended as general indications only; readers are encouraged to confirm current pricing directly with practitioners or clinics before making any booking. No official fee schedule for CAM in Jordan has been publicly established.

Herbal remedies sit at the more affordable end of the CAM spectrum. Loose dried herbs purchased from an attar shop are typically sold by quantity and may cost only a few Jordanian dinars. Standardised herbal supplement products available through pharmacies — registered with the JFDA — are priced higher, broadly in line with commercial supplement markets across the region. Many medicines and supplements are dispensed in community pharmacies without a prescription.

For practitioner-led therapies in Amman, the following indicative price ranges have been noted through anecdotal sources and available market information (as of 2024–2025, subject to independent verification): hijama (cupping) sessions may run from approximately JOD 15 to JOD 50 per session depending on the practitioner and the scope of treatment; acupuncture consultations at private Amman clinics typically begin at around JOD 30 to JOD 60 per session; chiropractic consultations at established clinics may fall in the range of JOD 40–80 per session. Therapeutic and aromatherapy massage at wellness spas can start from JOD 25 per hour. These are indicative figures only — always confirm current fees directly with the clinic or practitioner prior to your appointment.

As a broader point of comparison, CAM services in Jordan are generally more affordable than their equivalents in Western Europe or North America, though they tend to cost more than similar offerings in parts of South or Southeast Asia. Internationally affiliated wellness centres in Amman — particularly those catering to diplomatic and expatriate clientele — typically charge at the upper end of the local price range.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in Jordan?

Identifying a qualified and trustworthy CAM practitioner in Jordan demands greater personal diligence than in countries that maintain statutory registers, since no single official directory of licensed CAM professionals exists. The following steps can assist expatriates in navigating the market with greater confidence:

1. Ask your conventional doctor for a referral. Physicians at private hospitals and international clinics in Amman — such as Jordan Hospital, Istishari Hospital, or the Al-Khalidi Medical Center — may be in a position to recommend practitioners they regard as reputable, particularly for manual therapies such as chiropractic or physiotherapy-related services.
2. Check whether the practitioner holds a recognised international qualification. For disciplines such as chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture, or naturopathy, ask whether the practitioner holds a degree or diploma from an accredited institution in a country with an established regulatory framework. Reputable practitioners are generally willing to provide this information on request.
3. Verify herbal product registration with the JFDA. All medicines sold on the Jordanian market must be registered with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), which as an independent institution regulates drugs and ensures their safety, quality, and affordability. The JFDA’s registered products database can be accessed at jfda.jo.
4. Contact the Jordan Medical Association (JMA). The Jordan Medical Association can advise on whether a practitioner is a licensed medical doctor who also incorporates CAM into their practice. Some doctors in Jordan blend acupuncture or other therapies with conventional medical care.
5. Use expat community networks. Online forums, Facebook groups for expatriates in Amman, and personal referrals from long-standing residents can help identify practitioners with established reputations within the international community. These should not replace formal credential checks but can be a helpful starting point.
6. Remain alert to warning signs. Practitioners who claim to cure serious diagnosed conditions, who push large quantities of proprietary herbal products lacking clear labelling or registration, or who actively discourage patients from consulting a conventional doctor warrant considerable caution. Given that clear and structured guidelines governing proper herbal product use in Jordan are lacking despite widespread consumption, consumer vigilance is especially important.

No publicly accessible national register of CAM practitioners equivalent to those maintained by statutory bodies in other countries currently exists in Jordan. For the most up-to-date guidance on practitioner standards, contact the Jordan Ministry of Health directly.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in Jordan?

Jordan possesses a vibrant heritage of folk and indigenous medicine drawing on Bedouin traditions, Islamic medicine, and generations of locally accumulated botanical knowledge. These practices remain culturally embedded and continue to be widely consulted alongside — and at times in place of — conventional medical care.

Hijama (wet cupping therapy) carries particular cultural and religious weight. Regarded as a Sunnah (prophetic practice) within Islamic tradition, it is performed across Jordan by specialist hijama therapists whose backgrounds range from formal health or paramedical training to entirely informal experience. The procedure involves applying suction to the skin and, in its wet form, making small incisions to draw blood. It is sought for a broad range of complaints, from musculoskeletal pain to general fatigue.

Herbal folk medicine — drawing on plants such as black seed (Nigella sativa, locally known as habbatus sauda), thyme, sage, chamomile, and olive leaf — is arguably the most pervasive strand of traditional healing in Jordan. One hundred and fifty medicinal plant species have been recorded in the local market. Traditional medicines in Jordan are freely available and are frequently self-prescribed, with herbalists (attarin) operating from dedicated shops in markets and souks throughout the country.

Jordan does not currently have a national policy on traditional medicine (TM) and complementary/alternative medicine (CAM), as documented in the WHO Global Report released in 2019. This means that the country’s rich folk healing heritage exists largely outside formal state recognition or regulatory oversight. Unlike China or India — where traditional medical systems (Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda respectively) are formally integrated into national health infrastructure through dedicated universities and licensed professional bodies — Jordanian folk medicine remains predominantly informal.

Formal training requirements for herbalists, together with clearer communication around the legal and regulatory status of herbal medicine, are areas identified as needing improvement. Involvement of drug registration authorities and Ministry of Health committees in upgrading herbalist practice and establishing a dedicated professional association has been proposed. Efforts to formalise and protect this indigenous knowledge base are ongoing, though a comprehensive regulatory framework has yet to materialise.

What should expats know about using CAM alongside conventional medicine in Jordan?

Combining CAM with conventional healthcare in Jordan calls for careful judgement and transparent dialogue with your treating physicians. Jordan’s conventional medical sector is well-established — the country is widely recognised for the quality of its healthcare services and is regarded as one of the leading medical tourism destinations in the Middle East and North Africa. That said, attitudes towards CAM among clinicians differ, and the consistency with which doctors enquire about or engage with patients’ CAM use is variable.

Research conducted in Jordan has identified high levels of concurrent herbal medicine and conventional pharmaceutical use, a pattern that has prompted calls for greater public awareness. This is a significant concern because interactions between herbal remedies and conventional drugs can diminish the effectiveness of prescribed treatments or give rise to toxic effects. Always inform your conventional doctor of any herbal supplements or CAM therapies you are taking, particularly if you are on prescription medications for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anticoagulation, or epilepsy.

Studies have found that a substantial proportion of pharmacists in Jordan are not adequately familiar with potential herb–drug interactions. Community pharmacists are a highly accessible point of health contact in Jordan, and many patients consult them before visiting a physician — which can mean the burden of raising herb–drug interaction concerns rests with the patient. Take the initiative to raise this with both your pharmacist and doctor, and do not assume that herbal or “natural” products are inherently safe to combine with existing medication.

Integrative clinics that formally bring together conventional and complementary approaches under one roof are beginning to emerge in Amman, though this remains a relatively small segment of the healthcare market. Several private hospitals and wellness centres in the capital offer physiotherapy, nutritional medicine, and manual therapies alongside standard consultations. These settings generally provide a safer environment for CAM use, as there is greater likelihood of coordinated care between practitioners.

For product safety information, the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) publishes details on registered products and issues safety alerts. The Jordan Ministry of Health is the primary public authority for health-related guidance. Concerns about an unlicensed product or practitioner should be directed to the JFDA. Expatriates managing complex health conditions are strongly encouraged to obtain advice from a conventional medical specialist before beginning any CAM treatment programme.

Frequently asked questions about complementary and alternative medicine in Jordan

Can I find CAM practitioners in Jordan who speak languages other than Arabic?

In Amman, especially in western neighbourhoods such as Abdoun, Sweifieh, and Shmeisani, a number of CAM practitioners and wellness clinic staff are comfortable working in both Arabic and English. Certain international wellness centres are oriented specifically towards the expatriate and diplomatic community and may provide services in several languages. For less common languages, it is advisable to contact clinics directly in advance to check whether bilingual staff or interpretation services are available. Expat community groups on social media are frequently a useful source of personal recommendations in these situations.

Is hijama (cupping therapy) legal in Jordan?

Yes, hijama is widely practised and faces no prohibition under Jordanian law. It carries both cultural and religious significance and is offered by specialist practitioners throughout the country. However, Jordan currently has no formal licensing system for hijama therapists, which means that the standard of practice varies considerably. When seeking hijama treatment, look for practitioners with a health or medical background who use sterile, single-use equipment. This contrasts with some neighbouring countries — Qatar, for instance, has issued specific ministerial regulations requiring cupping to be performed by qualified health practitioners.

How do I check whether a herbal supplement is legally registered in Jordan?

Herbal supplements sold in Jordan as over-the-counter medicines should be registered with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). The JFDA’s product database can be consulted, or you can contact the agency directly via jfda.jo. Registered products will carry supporting approval documentation. Exercise caution with products acquired informally from unlicensed herbalist stalls that lack clear labelling, manufacturer information, and a registration number, as such items may not have been subject to any safety evaluation.

Are there any CAM therapies that are prohibited or restricted in Jordan?

No widely reported outright bans on specific mainstream CAM therapies exist in Jordan. However, the absence of a thorough regulatory framework means that the legal standing of certain practices can be ambiguous. Practices involving invasive procedures or the diagnosis of medical conditions may in principle be subject to restrictions under general healthcare legislation if carried out without appropriate qualifications. If you have doubts about a particular therapy, consult the Jordan Ministry of Health or seek advice from a licensed medical professional before going ahead.

Will my international health insurance cover CAM treatment in Jordan?

This depends entirely on the terms of your individual policy. The majority of standard private and employer-provided health insurance plans in Jordan do not reimburse CAM therapies including acupuncture, chiropractic, or herbal medicine consultations. Some premium international health insurance plans may include a wellness or complementary therapy allowance. Review your policy documentation thoroughly, contact your insurer before commencing treatment, and always obtain itemised receipts from practitioners. Since coverage terms and limits are subject to change, verify the current position directly with your provider.

How do conventional doctors in Jordan generally view CAM?

Views among Jordanian medical professionals on CAM differ according to specialty and individual perspective. Some doctors — particularly those with international training or experience in integrative settings — are receptive to discussing CAM and may routinely ask patients about their use of herbal remedies. However, research suggests that patients do not consistently disclose herbal medicine use to their doctors, and not all clinicians make a habit of screening for potential herb–drug interactions. The general pattern is one in which CAM and conventional medicine operate largely in parallel in Jordan rather than as formally integrated systems, making open and proactive communication between patients and doctors all the more important.

Is acupuncture widely available in Jordan?

Acupuncture is available in Jordan, primarily through a small number of private clinics in Amman that offer it as a specialist service. It is considerably less prevalent than herbal medicine or hijama, and demand for it is lower than in countries with significant East Asian diaspora communities or where health insurers partially reimburse the treatment. Some acupuncture practitioners working in Amman are medically qualified doctors who have completed supplementary acupuncture training, which can provide a degree of reassurance regarding clinical safety. Always verify a practitioner’s qualifications before starting treatment.

Are there risks to using herbal remedies purchased from traditional herbalists in Jordan?

Yes. Although many traditional herbal remedies have long cultural histories of use, documented safety concerns exist. Herbs sold through unlicensed attarin stalls may not have been subject to quality or safety testing, may be adulterated or incorrectly labelled, and their potential interactions with prescription medicines are not always understood even by the sellers themselves. Research has found that many Jordanian herbalists have no formal training. Where possible, favour products registered with the JFDA, disclose all herbal product use to your doctor and pharmacist, and exercise particular caution during pregnancy, when taking blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or antiretrovirals, or when managing serious ongoing health conditions.