Modern medicine is a scientific triumph. However, the process of getting a new drug approved is long, tedious, and expensive. Many of these artificial remedies involve scary side-effects.
Which is why millions of people turn to alternative and more natural medicines to alleviate their illness. Natural medicines have been around forever. Most people think of them as little more than placebos. Nonetheless, there’s more to these organic remedies than you might think. Here are some interesting facts about natural meds:
1. They can help with the opioid crisis
With nearly 100 Americans dying everyday from opioid overdoses, it’s safe to say this is a national health emergency. Painkillers like Oxycontin are easy to get addicted to and difficult to abandon. Natural herbs and substances can help addicts overcome the withdrawal symptoms associated with treatment.
2. Insurance might pay for it
Insurance companies are well aware of the popularity of natural treatments. Nearly all of them cover chiropractic care and at least one-third of insurance policies cover accupressure and accupuncture. Some rare insurance plans might even cover biofeedback, massage, nutrition therapy, or other services offered by a naturopathic doctor.
3. It’s being taught at medical schools
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a lot of MDs in America experiment with alternative medicine. The NCCAM has a budget of $121.5 million and nearly half of all medical schools in America have at least one course on alternative medicine.
4. It’s not as uncommon as you think
According to some estimates, using alternative medicines isn’t as uncommon as most people would think. 38% of US adults and nearly 12% of children have tried some form of natural or alternative medicine in the past. The use of natural remedies is widespread and is quickly moving away from the fringes in most parts of the world.
5. You can combine herbal meds with food
When it comes to herbs people can safely consume, most experts divide them into two groups – medicinal or culinary. However, there’s a lot of crossover in the world of natural remedies. Many common ingredients in your food could already have serious medicinal properties. Rosemary, parsley, and ginger could help you deal with heart disease, hypertension, and gastrointestinal problems respectively. Cinnamon helps with blood sugar and stinging nettle could help alleviate joint pain. Just a few sprinkles of these herbs could make your dinner more delicious while keeping you healthy.
Natural medicine is a often misunderstood branch of healthcare. Considering the fact that medical schools are now studying the effects of natural medicines and many doctors already prescribe them, it’s worth looking into alternative medicines and supplements to help you deal with your health issues.
