Herbs have been used medicinally for thousands of years. According to the Herbal Remedy Pro website, the oldest written evidence of herbal usage dates from 2,000 B.C. in Egypt. While many natural have been replaced by synthetic drugs, others are still in use. Still, herbalists and practitioners of natural medicine still believe herbs are a good option worth of consideration.
Costs
Prescription drugs are a multi-billion dollar business that keeps on growing. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Celebrex, a drug used to treat arthritis, can cost over $4 per day as of 2010. On the other hand, ginger, a powerful anti-inflammatory, can be as little as 38 cents per day. Unless you're dealing with a life-threatening illness, it makes sense to try the herbal option first.
No Prescription Needed
Certain drugs not only cost a lot to buy, but they also require you to visit a doctor to obtain a prescription, which means you have an additional expense to cover. For people without insurance, this can add to a significant amount of money over the course of a year. This is especially true if you have an ongoing medical issue, as many doctors only prescribe drugs for a certain period, such as six months, after which you need to return for a check-up and a new prescription.
Less Harmful Side Effects
According to Mother Earth News, a number of drugs previously approved by the FDA have been recalled over the past few decades. They also note that a study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences shows that the credibility of the FDA has dramatically been reduced. As a result, more people are turning to herbal remedies to treat their health problems without the fear of side effects. While there's no official regulation on the testing of herbal supplements, Consumer Lab conducts independent testing, which you can check for free on their site to decide whether a specific product is safe.
An example is St. John's Worth, which is extensively used to treat depression and anxiety. Medicine Net mentions increased sun sensitivity as the main side effect. On the other hand, chemical anti-depressants can cause anything from weight gain and headaches to loss of libido, anxiety and blurred vision. While anti-depressants might be needed in severe cases of depression, some people respond well to the use of herbal products.
Member Comments