What Are Natural Medicines?

Natural medicines include a range of substances and methods to address health issues. Natural medicines--which include herbs, homeopathic preventions and treatments, teas and supplements--are alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. The point is to introduce substances into the body that have organic origins. The primary purpose of natural medicines is to treat the causes rather than the symptoms of illnesses.

History

• Once upon a time, there was no distinction between "natural" and "unnatural" medicines. Pharmaceuticals are a relatively recent addition to health care. Since ancient times, human beings have searched their immediate environments for ways to treat illnesses. Generally, herbs and other plants provided remarkable remedies for what ailed people all over the globe. To this day, indigenous peoples and those who believe in the native peoples' wellness approaches use nature's bounty for medicinal purposes. Recently, people have gravitated back to the "old" ways, and look to nature for curatives.

Significance

• Recent trends toward natural medicines reflect dissatisfaction with chemical compounds that have negative side effects, and that can be addicting due to the drugs' essential qualities. Although some pharmaceutical medications are plant-derived, the ingredients of these medications are largely manufactured and not natural in origin. There are benefits to natural medicines, but just because a medicine is "natural" does not mean that it is without danger; drug interactions and allergies are concerns. That said, natural medicines are available for a wide range of ailments. Common natural medicines treat insomnia, headaches and menopause symptoms, to name only a few.

Types

• Natural medicines are available in various forms. Herbs are the most common types of natural medicine, and can be obtained freshly grown--even in live-plant form. You can grow garlic, ginger, chamomile and a host of herbs, which often can be grown indoors and annually. Herbs also are available in teas, tinctures, essential oils, capsules, tablets and ointments. When purchasing herbs of any type, insist that the products be certified organic. Examples of herbal natural treatments are cayenne (to aid circulation), Feverfew (to help prevent migraine headaches), Chamomile tea (to prevent insomnia) and Black Cohosh (to reduce hot flashes in peri- and menopausal women). An excellent resource that can be found in any bookstore or whole-foods store is "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis Balch and James Balch. The manual is regularly updated, and is a thorough resource for physical conditions, herbs and other natural medicines.

Benefits

• People choose natural medicines because "natural" treatments and preventatives are less threatening to the human body. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are accompanied by significant warnings that instill a sense of danger in the user. Some unnatural medicines are habit-forming. Parents may choose natural medicines as a means to protect their children from starting life with systems full of chemicals and additives. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will not support health claims for natural medicines, people have not been deterred, and the natural-medicine industry thrives.

Considerations

• Educate yourself. Do not be fooled by the title "natural" when it comes to medicines. Any product you ingest or apply to the skin can cause harm under certain circumstances. Be aware of allergies to herbs and other natural ingredients. If you are uncertain, the best advice is to avoid the substance. Drug interactions are another concern. In the case of homeopathic remedies, interactions are usually not a problem. Always consult a health-care provider before beginning a natural-medicine regimen. Additionally, use caution when purchasing natural medicinal products, and buy certified organic. Keep in mind that natural remedies take longer to relieve ailments, since they treat the cause of the problem. The natural path requires patience.