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
Many people buy homeopathic and herbal remedies and take them alongside their prescribed medication. These remedies are not so strictly controlled but may still interact with the prescribed medicine and cause side effects, it is advisable for the GP’s advice to be sought and care staff should not give any remedies to service users without GP authorisation.
It could be considered that conventional medicine has indirectly contributed to the rise of complementary and alternative medicine. A broad definition of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant health-care system” (The World Health Organisation, n.d.). Expanding on this definition it is important to address the variable similarities of CAM modalities. CAM therapies across the various modalities have in common a shared, in varying degrees, holistic approach and subscribe to some form of vitality - a contrast from the science-based view point of conventional medicine prevalent in western society. In spite of CAM therapies empirical nature and efficacies, it is suggested that dissatisfaction of conventional medicine underpins the popularity it has garnered, thus, it will be examined further as to how and why. A further discussion will be made to related dangers of both alternative and science-based medicine; providing an opportunity to constructively educate the public on the differences between the two systems.
In modern medicine, alternative therapies are poorly understood and studied. The preference for alternative therapies, and herbal medicine were indicated, and the fear of relinquishing information regarding these practices were almost paralyzing. It seemed as though they were ashamed to admit to cultural healing practices, and did not divulge information to practitioners regarding their usage. The cultural disconnect was present as alternative/complimentary medicines are valued as a culture, and “modern” practitioners cast judgment on their usage. This perceived stigma additionally limited the information shared by the cultural participants with modern medical treatments, potentially causing additional harm, as some herbals are potentially toxic.
There are still many people on both sides of the spectrum that are skeptical about treatment methods that differ from what they are used to. The validity of an herbal healer in the western world is more likely to be questioned than that of a medical doctor; while in the east, families may have been seeing a healer for decades and are more likely to question the validity of a doctor practicing western
Man has walked this Earth for a long time and, during that time, they have suffered from ailments. It may not be common practice now to make offerings to the Gods in an attempt to seek a cure but, there are still aspects from ancient times evident within modern pharmacy practice. Albeit refined and better understood now, the medicines and practices established all those years ago have trickled down and firmly found a place to call home all over the world.
“Medicines appear to have greater power in affecting the state of health than the natural morbific irritation, for natural diseases are cured and subdued by appropriate medicines” – says Hahnemann. In my opinion, he holds the view that natural disease has the power to make us sick only when our organism is sufficiently disposed and susceptible to the attack of the “morbific cause” whereas the power of medicine is absolute and unconditional. It acts at all times, under all circumstances and on every living human being. Therefore, appropriately chosen medicine (remedy) that matches the symptoms of the illness, and produce an “artificial disease” that is similar to that which is to be cured, administered in the right dose and potency with a greater degree of intensity than the “natural disease” has absolute power to heal the patient.
Dr. James Marcum, a cardiologist at the Chattanooga Heart Institute in Tennessee claims, “Pharmaceutical drugs don’t heal people.” In fact, he states, “Much of the time they do more harm than good”(Milner). U.S. Citizens need to stop taking harmful pills and start using more natural, holistic healing methods. Everyone has probably used a pill before to relieve their pain, but there are healthier ways to feel just as good. According to the results of the National Health Interview Survey, “In 2012, 33.2% of U.S. adults used complementary health approaches”(What Complementary and Integrative Approaches Do Americans Use?). While some people believe conventional medicine is a better choice, it is clear that holistic healing can replace prescription drugs because they are more safe and effective than prescription drugs, and they are more practical in many ways.
An increasing number of medical schools are now offering courses in alternative medicine for their students, and some hospitals already have alternative medicine departments. The availability of healers and doctors practicing holistic medicine has also increased in recent years, and more and more people are educating themselves in these new fields. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 percent of the world’s population (about 3 billion people) rely on traditional medicine as their primary form of health care.
Herbalism or phytotherapy has many definitions but in essence is the interaction between humans and the plant kingdom (Hoffmann, 2003). Herbalism is based on three principles: 1. The correlation of the herb to the disease or disease picture, 2. The harmony the herb has to an organ system, and 3. The ability of the herb to assist healing in the body (Wood, 2018). Herbalism contains many different branches of which there is Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan and Ayurvedic branches, and is used to treat a wide variety of symptoms. Herbalists make their medication from plants and are dispensed in many
Herbal medicine has been used for many, many years and is a great natural alternative to modern medicine.
Homeopathic is effective for a wide range of ailments such as colds, flu, arthritis, allergies, and sprains to name just a few of the maladies for which there are homeopathic treatments for. But even homeopathy's most devoted supporters can not explain why it works, only that it does work. Critics of the homeopathic methods argue that the fundamental ideas behind homeopathy defy the laws of chemistry and physics and that it's theory makes no sense in the scientific world. (Langman, 1997). They also claim that homeopathic 'cures' are due to the so-called placebo effect; that the patients and professionals of homeopathy believe so strongly in their treatment that their belief system is actually the cure, not the homeopathic method used. (Langman, 1997). Homeopathy's newfound success also dismays many physicians, scientists and consumer advocates who regard the homeopathic formulas as ineffective, at best, and dangerous, at worst. They're especially concerned that by attempting to cure their ills with the homeopathic method, patients will not seek assistance from established treatments for very serious, perhaps life
By examining some of the most popular, enduring alternative medical systems, one can begin to see some general trends of the systems, understand some recurring flaws, and understand the attraction and usefulness of alternative medicine in today's health care system. However, alternative medicine remains controversial. Whether it can be supported scientifically or not, alternative medicine may be useful to encourage both physical and mental well-being via a placebo effect. For this reason, alternative medicine must be considered by physicians as a complement to modern medicine.
Modern medicine and healthcare system have categorized herbal medicine as a natural remedy used when people can’t afford to purchase conventional drugs. They are perceived inferior because they cost less but the health benefits are endless. However, there have been various situations and instances that prove that herbal medicine is good for health.
Pharmaceutical Sciences is a topic that has interested me for a while now. What I can say about this topic is that it will help humanity grow as a whole and keep everyone moving forward. This is a topic where people really need to think about what goes behind the scenes of your average pharmacies. Once people start to think about it, they would start to realize that the science that happens is extremely crucial to mankind as we know it. Without this kind of science, where would humans be today? Would we have the ability to evolve the way we have? How far would humans make it to creating today’s future as we know it? The simple answer to all these questions is
These therapies have proved to be of much benefit in supporting the normal healing course of the body. Even though there are many modern alternative remedies, with different beliefs, all of them operate under some common principles. One of these principles is that the body has the capacity to heal naturally and maintain stability (Paquette, 2000). The other one is that adverse health conditions can occur as a result of factors emanating from mind, emotions and the body. Alternative medicine, according to Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson, (2002), focuses on determining the chief cause of a particular condition, and dealing with the whole person rather that concentrating on symptoms. If a person pays close attention to his/her health he/she can contribute to his/her wellbeing. Alternative medicine holds firmly to the principle that one treatment cannot be used for all people even though they may be suffering from the same condition. Each and every person as per alternative medicine has distinct bodily, mind and spiritual make up (Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson, 2002).