When we’re sick, in pain, anxious, or otherwise not feeling well, we have choices to make. We can go see our doctors when problems feel significant. If we just need temporary relief, then we can go to the drug store to pick up an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. But sometimes, we want a more natural solution to our ailments. In these cases, we may choose herbal remedies over modern medicine. Is this the right choice? The answer is that it depends on a number of factors.
Clinical Tests vs. Anecdotal Evidence
There is no question that there is significantly more clinical testing associated with prescription drugs, and even OTC medications than for herbal remedies. Drug companies want their products approved by the FDA and other organizations. There are many benefits to FDA approval, and companies have invested considerable money into the development of their drugs, and they want to make a profit. On the other hand, there isn’t as much profit incentive associated with herbal remedies. 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. 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. When this happens, we rely on anecdotal evidence. We research and weigh the claims of people who have used herbal supplements and natural remedies, and we make a decision. In some cases, natural remedies are gaining popularity. When faced with the choice between mint CBD oil and a prescription medication when facing mild anxiety, more people are choosing the natural option as part of their self-care routine. But is this the right choice?
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 medical professional.
With this in mind, there are a number of things to consider when you choose between prescription medicine, and a self-care routine that includes natural remedies of your choosing. First, you should consider all of the risks and benefits of using a medication, vs. a natural remedy. How much evidence exists that shows that it works? What side effects could you experience if you take a medication vs. a natural remedy? What are your risks if it doesn’t work? For example, if you are suffering from clinical depression, then you should absolutely seek the advice of a psychiatrist who can diagnose and treat your mental illness. The risks are too high if you choose a natural remedy that doesn’t actually work, or work well enough to help you overcome this serious condition. On the other hand, if you are experiencing mild anxiety, then you may not need the strongest of medications. Consider the pros and cons of your options, and consider your interests, and your doctor’s interests, too.
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 medication to another. The same thing happens behind the scenes, between pharmaceutical sales people, and medical professionals who prescribe drugs to their patients. Sales reps will often succeed at convincing a doctor to prescribe their drug more often than a competitor’s. This is generally fine when there are two good options that a doctor can prescribe to you. But what happens when a doctor must choose between prescribing medications to you, from which they earn a living whenever you stop into their office, and a natural remedy that may work just as well, but provides no profit incentive to the doctor? It simply isn’t in your doctor’s interests to steer you towards natural remedies that can’t be prescribed. The takeaway here is that you should of course heed your doctor’s advice, but you should also have a sense of where their interests lie, and where they don’t.
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 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.
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 you can live with if things don’t turn out as expected. Whatever the case, you should always try to make healthy decisions when it comes to your medication, as well as your diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Doctors, medicines, and possibly herbal remedies can help, too.
