There is no doubt that controversy exists between traditional medicine and holistic medicine. The traditional side says herbs aren’t tested and are unsafe. The herbal side says they have been used for thousands of years and are safe. Regardless of your viewpoint, no one should be forced to take a pharmaceutical or an herb. Everyone should be able to try and choose which works best for them. Regardless of which way you are leaning, educating yourself on the benefits and risks of herbs and pharmaceuticals should be explored. Herbs vs medicine is a controversial topic and this month’s newsletter explores this topic.
The Benefits of Using Herbal Medicine First
For thousands of years, human beings relied primarily on herbs for healing. However with the advent of modern pharmaceutical medicine, many people felt that there was no longer a need for herbal medicine – science had triumphed over nature to create superior remedies. However, today there has been a renewed interest in herbal medicine. This interest and rapid growth in the herbal industry in recent years demonstrates this. In 2020 alone, the sales of herbal dietary supplements increased by 17.3% and the market for herbal remedies continues to expand.
Pharmaceutical Problems
Modern drugs have many side effects which is fueling the growth of herbal medicine. The commercials promoting them verify this. However, the problem is far worse than most people realize, because illness caused by medical treatments (iatrogenic disease) is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. A recent analysis estimates that 128,000 Americans die each year as a result of taking medications as prescribed. This number is nearly five times the number of people who are killed each year by overdosing on prescription painkillers and heroin.
It’s the newer drugs that are the most problematic. Safety studies are usually short, taking only 6-8 weeks. Many of the side effects unfortunately do not show up until after several months of use. The majority of side effects aren’t discovered until a drug has been in the marketplace for 3 to 5 years. Half of all new drugs are withdrawn within ten years as their harmful side effects become apparent.
Herbal Safety, Advantages, Beneficial Actions
I began my herbal education back in 1996 when the traditional treatments were not helping me with a sinus/ear issue. I used specific herbal combinations to help me with this issue and the herbs were successful. This experience changed my viewpoint and I began to educate myself on herbal medicine now I look at herbs and essential oils first for assistance with various health concerns.
I also began focusing on building health instead of waiting till I got sick to do something about it, which I share in my Healthy Habits Challenge. This month’s Sunshine Sharing Newsletter will shed light on herbal safety, athe dvantages toftaking herbs, and their unique beneficial actions. This newsletter contains a table of herbal actions and uses and many herbal combinations are available, contact me with questions. Learn more about natural remedies and how herbs can help.