Herbal Medicine: Advantages and Disadvantages
There are numerous advantages and disadvantages of herbal medicine. Anyone considering using herbal medicine to treat health conditions should speak with a qualified health professional.
Advantages
There are a number advantages associated with using herbal medicines as opposed to pharmaceutical products. Examples include the following:
-Reduced risk of side effects: Most herbal medicines are well tolerated by the patient, with fewer unintended consequences than pharmaceutical drugs. Herbs typically have fewer side effects than traditional medicine, and may be safer to use over time.
-Effectives with chronic conditions: Herbal medicines tend to be more effective for long-standing health complaints that don't respond well to traditional medicine. One example is the herbs and alternative remedies used to treat arthritis. Vioxx, a well-known prescription drug used to treat arthritis, was recalled due to increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Alternative treatments for arthritis, on the other hand, have few side effects. Such treatments include dietary changes like adding simple herbs, eliminating vegetables from the nightshade family and reducing white sugar consumption.
-Lower cost: Another advantage to herbal medicine is cost. Herbs cost much less than prescription medications. Research, testing, and marketing add considerably to the cost of prescription medicines. Herbs tend to be inexpensive compared to drugs.
-Widespread availability: Yet another advantage of herbal medicines are their availability. Herbs are available without a prescription. You can grow some simple herbs, such as peppermint and chamomile, at home. In some remote parts of the world, herbs may be the only treatment available to the majority of people.
Can Herbal Medicine Be Part of Your Healthy Lifestyle?
The bottom line is that herbs are medicines, and like other medications, they have some advantages and disadvantages. Visiting a physician for the correct diagnosis, consulting an herbalist for the proper herb and dosage, and embracing modern medicine when it makes the most practical sense may be the best of all possible worlds for those who wish to use alternative and complementary therapies.