Why Natural Medicine Is the Best Choice Written by Margaret Book

I hope to convince you to make wise and informed decisions about your health by choosing natural medicine over conventional medicine.

Everyone has, or will, take prescription medication. Have you ever read the side effect list? I have, and it’s scary. If you could get what you need, without the risk of the side effects, would you? I have done 15 years of study in the area of natural medicine on my own. By doing lots of experiments and trial and errors, I have learned to make remedies for me and my family.

Conventional medicine is making people sicker. Most medications only treat symptoms and not the root cause of the symptoms. According to Real Truth magazine, “people address the effects of bad health, not the cause--living life as if there are no laws or governing principles of health. When a symptom arises, they address the symptoms instead of the elements of their lifestyle that caused it” (Real Truth, 2010). Dr. David Graham M.D., M.P.H., Associate Director for Science, Office of Drug Safety said “Today we are faced with what may be the single greatest drug catastrophe in the history of the world…In my opinion, the FDA has let the American people down, and sadly, betrayed a public trust.” He spoke these words at a congressional hearing when Vioxx was recalled and taken off the shelves because of its deadly side effects (Testimony of David J. Graham MD, MPH, 2004). But remember the FDA approved it as safe first.

Conventional medicine is expensive; it is a profit-driven industry, so the money is in the management, not the cure, which pushes toward over- medicating that in turn leads to drug interactions and more side effects. According to the article “8 Drugs Doctors Wouldn’t Take,” of the eight drugs listed, commonly heard and proscribed drugs like Advair, Avandia, Prilosec, and Nexium are among the list (Lord, 2008). Many drugs have been approved that have long-term effects that are starting to become apparent. Vioxx is one example of this, so is Darvocet. Both were found to increase the chance of heart attack after enough people died to prove it.

The choice of using natural medicine comes with benefits. The principles of The American Holistic Medical Association have it that “Holistic health care practitioners promote health, prevent illness, and help raise awareness of disease in our lives rather than merely managing symptoms. A holistic approach relieves symptoms, modifies contributing factors, and enhances the patient’s life system to optimize future well-being” (AHMA). You know what you are taking. No mysterious chemical names you can’t pronounce. Most work with the body’s own defenses. Some help build immunity, while others reduce inflammation so that the body can concentrate on the problem and not the inflammatory response. Most natural medicines do not evoke tolerance level responses. They do not require more medication to achieve the same results. Natural medicines tend to be much less expensive.

The disadvantages of natural medicine are few. Knowledge: you have to have a reliable source of information to know what to take and how to prepare it. Be safe. Natural medicines tend to work a little slower because they help the body heal itself. There are exceptions to this; for example, I discovered that frequent exposure to sea salt water will cure ringworm faster than any medicine on the market. There are a few things that are difficult to obtain and must be ordered and shipped.

The biggest argument I have faced opposing natural medicine is the fact that neither the FDA nor any other government agency can regulate natural medicine. The recent track record of the FDA and what their approval means instills no comfort for me. The congressional hearings over bad pharmaceuticals are many; I am not willing to take the chance, will you?

Suppose you have an issue with low iron levels. Your choices are to get an iron pill from the store or from a doctor or increase the intake of red meat and dark green leafy vegetables, or you could use an iron tonic. The pill has a bad record of constipating the consumer and creating pain. Increasing intake red meat and leafy veggies has to be broken down and metabolized by the body. An iron tonic can be made at home with red wine and raisins. The wine leeches the iron out of the raisins, while the raisins soak up the alcohol. The iron rich wine can then be taken in small daily doses. The iron in the tonic is readily useable by the body and requires no breaking down.

Summary: Today I have shown you how conventional medicine can be bad for you, how natural medicine is more beneficial for your health, and why natural choices could be best for you. I make lots of natural remedies for myself and my family, some of which they preferred to any conventional medication. Next time you are prescribed a medication or need an over-the-counter drug, research natural options and preparation techniques.

Works Cited “8 drugs doctors wouldn’t take.” Men’s Health. NBC News Web. “Medicated! Society’s dependence on prescription drugs.” Real Truth Magazine Web. “Principles.” American Holistic Medical Association. AHMA Web. “Testimony of David J. Graham MD, MPH.” Finance. Senate Web.