The biggest difference between natural remedies and medications is that substances call natural remedies give your body an elected response. This means natural remedies offer the body raw materials to repair, create a bad environment for germs or act as a catalyst to bring about a change the body chooses.
Why do people prefer natural remedies to modern medicine?
Why people use herbal medicine: insights from a focus-group study in Germany
- Background. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has continuously increased over the past decades.
- Discussion. On the basis of a focus group methodology, our study explored the factors and reasons for consumers using HM in the general population.
- Conclusion. ...
- Abbreviations
Why you should give natural remedies a try?
Natural Ways to Get to Sleep Fast:
- Practice relaxation techniques that help you to unwind and fall asleep, such as journaling or reading.
- Take an Epsom salt bath to soothe muscles and ease your mind.
- Take magnesium supplements in the range of 300–400 milligrams, which promote relaxation and relieve muscle pain.
- Use essential oils such as lavender or frankincense.
Why is Ayurveda better than other treatments?
- Pitta (fire + water). Intelligent, hard-working, and decisive. This dosha generally has a medium physical build, short temper, and may suffer from conditions like indigestion, heart disease, or high blood ...
- Vata (air + space). Creative, energetic, and lively. ...
- Kapha (earth + water). Naturally calm, grounded, and loyal. ...
Why is herbal medicine so unpopular?
The major use of herbal medicines is for health promotion and therapy for chronic, as opposed to life-threatening, conditions. However, usage of traditional remedies increases when conventional medicine is ineffective in the treatment of disease, such as in advanced cancer and in the face of new infectious diseases.
Why modern medicine is better than herbal medicine?
Modern Medicine has extended our lifespan and we can now treat disease and illness with more ease. Traditional medicine involved herbs and plants which were not always effective since people still died of simple illnesses such as chickenpox or even the common cold.
Is herbal medicine better than normal medicine?
Although herbal medicines are generally considered to be safe and effective, but conventionally it is said that if a drug is effective, it would have side effects. Hence, herbal remedies as drugs either have adverse effects or are not effective (2-5).
What are advantages of modern medicine?
Advantages of Modern Medicines Modern medicine has been scientifically proven along with the results of real tests, hypotheses and not just from the theories. alternative medicine provides quick relief from the specific symptoms because they only target that area with the proven chemical formulas.
What are the differences between traditional or natural medicine?
The main difference between traditional medicine and alternative medicine is the approach. Whereas traditional medicine treats symptoms and problems of a certain given area, alternative medicine focuses on cause and prevention, overall health, and non-traditional, often natural treatments.
What are the advantages of herbal medicine over pharmaceutical medicine?
Benefits of Herbal MedicineMore affordable than conventional medicine.Easier to obtain than prescription medicine.Stabilizes hormones and metabolism.Natural healing.Strength in immune system.Fewer side effects.cost effective.
Why natural is not always better?
'Natural' is hard to define There is no clear way to classify something as 'natural', and people are often incorrect about believing that something is natural, even by their own standards. For example, people often use generic terms like “chemicals” to denote that something is unnatural (and therefore bad).
What are benefits of medicine?
The benefits of medicines are the helpful effects you get when you use them, such as lowering blood pressure, curing infection, or relieving pain. The risks of medicines are the chances that something unwanted or unexpected could happen to you when you use them.
What is the importance of medicine?
Medicines are chemicals or compounds used to cure, halt, or prevent disease; ease symptoms; or help in the diagnosis of illnesses. Advances in medicines have enabled doctors to cure many diseases and save lives.
What are advantages of traditional medicine?
Undeniable benefits of herbal medicineReduced side effects. Because herbal medicines are natural, the body often responds favorably to them. ... Increased savings. Prescription medications are expensive. ... Self-healing. ... Empowerment. ... Improved overall health.
Why is holistic medicine better than Western medicine?
In Western medicine, physical components like genetics, germs, and physical symptoms are the focus for identifying the cause of an ailment. In holistic healthcare, identifying a named disease or illness isn't as common as in Western medicine.
How successful is modern medicine?
Conclusion: Modern medicine as we have studied it is successful. Avoidable death rate shows a steep uninterrupted decline over the last 50 years while unavoidable death rate shows only small decreases. Cost as per cent of GDP has increased only moderately.
What are the disadvantages of herbal medicine?
Herbal medicines can have dangerous side effects, research reveals. Herbal medicines can cause kidney failure and liver damage in some consumers because they contain toxic chemicals or heavy metals, or react harmfully with other drugs, a study has found.
Why are prescription medications associated with unpleasant side effects?
There is also the belief that the reason prescription medications are often associated with unpleasant side effect is because they go against what the body really needs.
Why do people rush to get a prescription filled?
In fear of becoming sicker, people will generally rush and have the prescription filled and begin their treatment for the disease, hopefully following the health orders the health professional prescribed. There are people who are trying something different. More and more people are considering natural alternatives to prescription medication.
Do side effects subside with medication?
While many side effects tend to subside once your system has become adjusted to the medication, and many serious side effects are rare, many people don’t want to take a chance with prescribed medication. This has lead to an increase in the purchase of natural alternatives.
Do doctors give samples of drugs?
Often doctors will offer their patients samples of the latest drugs. Despite the fact that the number of doctors who will never consider natural alternatives as a method of treatment outweighs the number of doctors who do, this close association with the pharmaceutical companies may be the reason.
Why are natural products considered safe?
Some people also believe that “natural” products are safe because they believe these medicines are free of chemicals. For many, the word “chemical” has come to mean toxic or synthetic, something to be avoided.
What are some medicines that are derived from plants?
Nature gave us aspirin and morphine, and other medicines derived from plants. The use of plants as medicines has a long history in the treatment of disease, and plants have played an important role in improving our health.
Is herbal supplement a chemical?
An herbal supplement may contain dozens of chemical compounds , and all of its ingredients may not be known . Scientists are studying many of these products to identify what ingredients may be active and to better understand their effects in the body.
Is kava a natural medicine?
And “natural” medicines, contrary to what many may think, are not without side effects. Some can even have serious safety concerns. For example, kava, a plant native to the islands of the South Pacific, and often used as a dietary supplement for anxiety, may be associated with severe liver damage.
Is natural medicine better than synthetic medicine?
A lot of people believe that when it comes to medicine, “natural” is better, healthier, and safer than “unnatural” or synthetic drugs. In fact, researchers have looked at some of the reasons why people have that belief.
Does ginkgo help with dementia?
Studies of ginkgo, including a large study that enrolled more than 3,000 older adults, found that ginkgo supplements don’t help prevent or slow dementia or cognitive decline.
What to consider when choosing between prescription and natural remedies?
First, you should consider all of the risks and benefits of using a medication, vs. a natural remedy.
What would happen if a herbal remedy was shown to be just as effective as a prescription drug?
If an herbal remedy were shown to be just as, or more effective than a prescription drug, then it would devalue that drug and eliminate its competitive advantage. This leaves individuals with a choice between using a drug that has known, tested benefits, and a natural product that may or may not work.
How do supplement manufacturers make money?
Supplements manufacturers make their money because herbal remedies are not typically prescribed by conventional doctors. Chemists and drug manufacturers make their money because they are able to claim their formulas as intellectual property that gives them a market advantage.
Why do doctors take oaths?
They’ve taken an oath to help you overcome your medical problems to the best of their abilities. However, there are often multiple solutions to the same problem, and this is where interests overlap. You’ve probably seen prescription drug commercials on tv.
Can herbal medicine cause side effects?
Some of them may be mild in nature, such as a headache or temporary nausea. Other side effects can be much more significant and possibly permanent. You could experience organ damage, addiction, or other negative effects. For this reason, it’s important to do your research. For example, many doctors prescribed opioids to people who suffered from pain. While these drugs provided temporary relief, they often led to dependency problems. And, when prescriptions ran out, people turned to street drugs. Likewise, natural remedies can have side effects, too, and dosages may not be consistent. Make sure you weigh the risks of any potential side effects against the expected results.
What are non-drug treatments?
Non-drug treatments are usually considered before drug therapy, and can reduce the need for medication. Weight reduction (when necessary), quitting smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol, a healthy, reduced-salt diet, and regular exercise are all low-risk strategies that can be beneficial.
How to reduce cholesterol?
Lifestyle changes are important: A healthy diet, an appropriate weight, regular physical exercise , and quitting smoking can also reduce your risk of heart disease. In those at low risk, drug therapy many not be necessary. “Statins” are a class of drugs that reduce LDL cholesterol.
What is statin therapy?
There’s two general uses for statin therapy: primary prevention (avoiding a first heart attack or stroke), and secondary prevention (using a statin in someone that has already had a heart attack or stroke) to reduce the risk of another cardiovascular event.
Does garlic help with inflammation?
Both are excellent supplements to lower inflammation. Garlic extracts have been proven to improve cholesterol levels as well. Another option I discuss with patients is red rice yeast extract, which is the natural compound statins were derived from in the first place, and works in a similar manner.
Is it necessary to take a trigger pill?
Minimizing specific foods or “triggers” is usually not necessary, but some find this approach helpful. Drug treatment with medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which suppress stomach acid production, are usually appropriate when symptoms are severe, or where there’s esophageal damage.
Is natural supplement good or bad?
Natural supplements, or nutraceuticals, have been given a bad rap lately—which, in some cases, has been absolutely warranted. But natural formulas that actually contain what they claim on the label, and that are formulated to have maximal efficacy, can be equal to their pharmaceutical counterparts.
Is a naturopath a medically trained person?
The BCNA’s own marketing campaign describes naturopaths as “medically trained”: Britt Hermes is a former naturopath and has written extensively about naturopathy, and her perspective is clear: There are no naturopathic standards of care and naturopathic training is very different than what naturopaths claim.
What is alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine provides a holistic approach to treatment. It not only focuses on treating the disease or pain but looks at other factors in a patient’s life that may affect their health. These can include stress, sleep, and nutrition.
How big is the alternative medicine market?
The size of the global complementary and alternative medicine market was approximately $82.27 billion last year. The expectation is that it will continue to grow steadily over the next few years.
Why is homeopathy considered a healing practice?
Homeopathy uses extremely diluted substances, usually minerals or plants, to treat ailments. These stimulate the healing process. Hence the reason for the premise of this practice is the belief that the body can heal or cure itself.
Wading through the options of medicine for patients with chronic conditions
You’re a long-time migraine-sufferer. You’ve been shuttled around from doctor to doctor, handed prescription after prescription after prescription. Your medicine cabinet is filled with medications – both prescription and over-the-counter. Your purse sounds like a pharmacy – every time you set it down, a pill bottle rattles.
About The Author
Krystina is a 30-something RN, BSN, CDE who has worked in a variety of nursing disciplines, from telemetry to allergy/immunotherapy to most recently, diabetes education. She is also a writer and has enjoyed expanding her writing career over the past several years. She balances her careers as a nurse and a writer with being a wife and a mother.
Which is more effective, synthetic or herbal?
Synthetic drugs are more effective. Synthetic drugs are also usually a lot more effective than herbal counterparts. This is because they’re highly concentrated in the compounds that help with whatever illness or condition they are designs to overcome.
Why is herbal medicine less expensive?
In addition to the reduced risk of side effects, herbal medication is usually less expensive due to it being made from natural ingredients and costing less in processing and manufacturing time .
Why is herbal medicine bad?
Herbal medication currently has varying side effects and degrees of usefulness due to a lack of scientific research, and this can usually put people off investing in them in the first place.
Why is it important to take the right medication?
When taking care of our health, it’s important to take the right medication. It could be to take care of an illness or it could be to improve our wellbeing in order to recover from something we’ ve experienced in the past. It’s such a normal thing nowadays to take medication that you rarely ever think about it, but you might have heard about people ...
Why is synthetic medication not meant to be ingested?
Due to the inconsistent nature of medication on the human body, some could argue that synthetic medication isn’t meant to be ingested because it is man-made and has the potential to cause harmful side effects that could range from being a minor hindrance to fatal.
What are the advantages of natural products?
When used to develop new drugs, natural products and traditional medicines have their incomparable advantages, such as abundant clinical experiences, and their unique diversity of chemical structures and biological activities. Keywords: natural products, traditional medicines, drug discovery, traditional uses, chemodiversity. 1. Introduction.
Why are natural products important?
However, natural products are important for the development of new drugs, and these products have been in constant use. Some type of medicines, such as anticancer, antihypertensive, and antimigraine medication, have benefited greatly from natural products [10,12].
What is traditional Chinese medicine?
Such forms of medicine as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, Kampo, traditional Korean medicine (TKM), and Unani employ natural products and have been practiced all over the world for hundreds or even thousands of years, and they have blossomed into orderly-regulated systems of medicine. In their various forms, they may have certain ...
How long have humans been using plants?
According to fossil records, the human use of plants as medicines may be traced back at least 60,000 years [1,2].
Is Unani a traditional medicine?
Unani has been acknowledged by the WHO as an alternative health-care system. Unani is one of the most important traditional medicine systems.
When did modern drugs start?
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the era of “modern” drugs began. In 1805, the first pharmacologically-active compound morphine was isolated by a young German pharmacist, Friedrich Sertürner, from the opium plant [10,11]. Subsequently, countless active compounds have been separated from natural products.
Is TCM a complementary medicine?
In recent years, TCM has gradually gained considerable approval as a complementary or alternative medicine in Western countries. Chinese herbal medicine, which is the most important component of TCM, is currently used in the health care of an estimated 1.5 billion people worldwide [26,27].
Clinical Tests vs. Anecdotal Evidence
Expertise vs. Self Care
- When it comes to treatments for various ailments, medical professionals like doctors and nurse practitioners are the experts. They’ve had professional training and experience working with patients to help them through the most difficult times. And, most of them are good people who want to help you. These are all good reasons to seek the advice of your doctor or another medic…
Your Interests vs. Your Doctor’S Interests
- Most doctors have your interests in mind. They’ve taken an oath to help you overcome your medical problems to the best of their abilities. However, there are often multiple solutions to the same problem, and this is where interests overlap. You’ve probably seen prescription drug commercials on tv. Often, the goal is to convince you to call your doctor to change from one me…
Side Effects vs. Expected Results
- Whether you decide to take prescribed medicine, or an herbal remedy, there is often the possibility for side effects. Some of them may be mild in nature, such as a headache or temporary nausea. Other side effects can be much more significant and possibly permanent. You could experience organ damage, addiction, or other negative effects. For this re...
Which Choice Is Best?
- It’s up to you to decide which choices are best for yourself. If you just want to have a pleasant spa experience, then the choice is easy. If you need to find a solution to a challenging health issue, then your choice is harder. You might get it right, and you might not. Often when you see a doctor, you’ll have a choice, too. They may present several options, and then you’ll need to decide what y…