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The Divergence Of Herbs And Pharmaceuticals

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The Divergence of Herbs and Pharmaceuticals In personal health, there is a big lifetime decision to be made. Presented with two basic options, pharmaceutical medicines and herbal medicines, the choice must be made when the situation of illness arrives, which form of medication will be taken? First, the differences between the two types of medicines must be studies and understood by the user. According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, a drug is defined as, “A substance (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body” (Center…). With this in mind, both herbs and scientifically produced medications are to be considered ‘drugs’. It is a common misconception that herbs and drugs are different, and …show more content…

In a study regarding the effectiveness of herbal medications to the elderly it is stated that, “Changes in health status during treatment with herbs can be attributed to three sets of factors: those related to the specific pharmacological effects of the herbs; those variously labeled “placebo effect”…; and those having no direct association with the herbal treatment” (Snow). This illustrates what a client taking any form of medication should be aware of. Especially for more minor illnesses and health problems, such as sore throat, the placebo effect can come into play, making it seem as if the new drug is working wonders, when in reality it is merely a figment of his or her imagination. Sara Altshul , author of Docs Gone Wild, would argue that herbal remedies should be looked at more reputably, she states; “This Yale-trained doctor prescribes herbs and supplements for everything from diabetes to heart disease, and she isn’t alone. Many natural remedies for women are now officially in whitecoat territory—because they work.” (2). In her article, there are various remedies for common illnesses, said in a straight forward and easy to understand manor. All of the remedies are supported by with

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