For centuries, people have turned to nature to treat their health problems. From tinctures and teas to salves and poultices, herbal medicine has been a go-to choice for many.
Today, the practice of alternative medicine is still going strong. Based on surveys in the United States, the prevalence of complementary medicine varies from 10% to 40% and is growing quickly. (1)
The question is, why do people use herbal medicine when there are available products that contain chemicals and can effectively curb the symptoms of different diseases?
Here, you can get a quick overview of the differences between herbal medicine vs chemical drugs, their effectiveness, and ease of use.
Why are natural remedies used as alternatives?
Did you know: Over 131 million Americans are using prescription medication? The elderly and people with chronic conditions have much higher odds of using medicine than anyone else. The problem is, the cost of prescription medications and healthcare keeps increasing every year. (2)
In 2018, the growth of spending on medications in the United States went up by 4.5% in net terms. While at the invoice level, it rose by 5.7%. Net spending on medicines amounted to $1,044 per individual, marking a 0.9% ($10) increase compared to 2017.
The overall growth in net spending was primarily influenced by a higher number of patients using existing branded drugs and newly introduced medications. Consequently, patient out-of-pocket costs reached an estimated $61 billion in 2018. Across all payment methods, 8.8% of patients paid well over $500 for their prescriptions, a survey shows. (3)
But, because of their potency, prescription drugs can result in many side effects. Even typical antibiotics can produce gastrointestinal complications, like diarrhea and cramps. Including more severe problems, such as seizures and heart palpitations.
People may prefer natural remedies because:
- They are cost-effective. There is no need to pay for consultancy fees or expensive medication.
- Most of the options, such as ingredients or herbs, are easily available. You can get them at a local shop, have them at home, or get them online.
- Although they are not clinically proven, they’ve been used for generations.
- There is little harm in trying them.
A recent trial examined the effectiveness of a naturopathic approach in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its cost-effectiveness. The findings revealed a 3.3% decrease in the 10-year CVD event risk after one year of naturopathic care.
This led to an average net reduction in societal costs of $1,138 per participant and a drop in employer costs of $1,187 per participant as opposed to receiving only usual care. The main cost savings were associated with decreased losses due to presenteeism, which refers to decreased productivity when at work. (4)
When you take a look at their side effect profile, it is difficult to ignore the importance of natural remedies. Unlike their pharmaceutical counterparts, herbal remedies are not as potent. That means they are milder on the stomach.
When you use them properly (don’t take more than the recommended amount), you are less likely to experience adverse reactions. By opting for a natural remedy, rather than a chemical-based one, you might be able to lessen your dependence on synthetic drugs. (5)
What is the difference between natural and chemical products?
The difference between herbal versus synthetic medicine lies in their composition and how they are processed.
Natural remedies require products or ingredients that occur naturally, such as minerals, plants, and animal products. These remedies are often passed down from generation to generation and it is something people have practiced for a very long time.
Examples of natural remedies include herbal teas, essential oils, and plant-based supplements. They are unregulated and minimally processed. The active ingredient in natural remedies comes from the raw material and is used in its natural state.
Pharmaceutical drugs are chemical-based solutions that require synthetic constituents. To create synthetic medicine, people need laboratories and proper equipment. Conventional drugs are designed to provide a targeted treatment approach.
They are regulated, heavily processed, and involve complex chemical reactions that can help curb a wide range of symptoms. For a drug to be available for use, it must undergo rigorous testing. This helps assess its potency, side effect profile, and effectiveness.
While natural remedies are often considered safe, when used properly, they can still cause side effects. For example, some herbal remedies can interact with medicine. Fenugreek can interact with diabetes drugs, and cause the blood sugar to plummet. (6)
Also, you shouldn’t mix melatonin with other sedatives, like antidepressants, benzos, and narcotics. Melatonin causes tiredness and these drugs can make you even more sleepy.
Which is more effective herbal medicine or modern medicine?
The efficacy of herbal vs synthetic medicine depends on many factors. Such as the type and severity of the health problem you are trying to treat, your overall health status, and personal preferences. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.
Natural remedies, such as homeopathic remedies or herbal supplements, can be effective for mild to moderate health problems. But, they are not strong enough to be used alone for chronic and serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
A study suggests that St John's wort was as effective as standard antidepressants in curbing the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Multiple other studies have confirmed its effectiveness as a potential herbal antidepressant. (7)
Another herbal medicine vs synthetic drugs research paper shows similar results. Yohimbe can be a practical alternative for treating erectile dysfunction. People can use it as a supplementary treatment alongside other medications. (8)
Modern drugs often go through a series of testing before they hit the market. They are highly regulated to ensure safety and potency. Conventional medication can provide a more targeted and faster relief than natural remedies. Patients need them to treat chronic or serious conditions.
For example, a study issued in the Dental Research Journal showed that ginger can be a viable alternative to synthetic agents, specifically ibuprofen. Ginger helped curb the postoperative pain. However, the data in the ginger group showed more variability than in the ibuprofen group. This indicates that ibuprofen is often more efficient at controlling the pain. (9)
When are natural remedies better than synthetic ones?
Natural remedies may be better when you have to treat a mild or moderate health problem. Or if you are susceptible to side effects from conventional medication. There are several conditions for which natural remedies could be effective. These include:
- Digestive issues - Problems like constipation, bloating, and indigestion can be managed with natural remedies. Like peppermint tea, lemon water, and licorice root.
- Headaches - Natural remedies like magnesium, feverfew, and butterbur, can help with headaches and migraines.
- Stress - Products like lavender oil, valerian oil, and passion flower extract may reduce the impact of stress.
- Problems with sleep - Melatonin and chamomile tea can make it easier for some people to fall asleep.
- Inflammatory conditions - People who experience problems like joint pain, can use omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, or turmeric.
It’s important to point out that while natural remedies might effectively curb the symptoms in some people, they may not work with everyone. So, it is best to consult a specialist to figure out the ideal treatment for mitigating your health problem.
How do you know if a supplement is safe?
According to a recent survey, 57.6% of American adults stated using a dietary supplement in the last month. The older the participants, the more likely they were to use supplements. More women than men were interested in incorporating supplements into their daily routines. (10)
The idea of using dietary supplements is to supply the body with nutrients that you lack in your regular diet. These supplements can include fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and other substances. They are typically available as pills, liquids, capsules, and tablets.
Supplements come in various doses and combinations. But, it is important to point out that our bodies require only a specific amount of each nutrient to function normally. When consumed in excessive amounts, the products are not necessarily beneficial and can be harmful.
Supplements can’t replace a balanced diet. You still need to eat well and get healthy fats, protein, whole grains, veggies, and fruits. However, due to the demands of modern lifestyles, not everyone can maintain a healthy diet. This can lead to potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
For example, elderly individuals may benefit from supplements due to age-related resource depletion. Moreover, individuals with certain metabolic disorders may require supplements to alleviate symptoms and improve their condition. Athletes or fitness enthusiasts often turn to supplements to enhance their athletic performance.
But, how can you tell if a supplement is safe?
When selecting a dietary supplement, here are a couple of factors to consider:
- Quality ingredients - Look for supplements that have natural, high-quality ingredients. Avoid products that come with artificial ingredients, binders, or fillers.
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) - The product should be manufactured in a GMP-certified facility. They have high standards for quality control and cleanliness.
- USP-verified - When a product is verified by USP (United States Pharmacopeia), it means that the listed ingredients have the exact specified potency. The product is free from any contamination. Such as microorganisms or heavy metals.
- Third-party testing - For a product to meet specific purity standards, it should be tested by an independent third-party organization.
- Proper dosage - Check the dose of the active ingredient, and make sure it is appropriate for your current health state.
- Talk to a registered professional - If you have a pre-existing medical condition, are using medicines, or recently had any vitamin deficiencies that you worked on, consult with a healthcare professional.
How does this relate to my oral health?
As stated in previous blog posts and on our website, most of the products out there to treat the most common problems are nothing more than a bottle or box full of chemicals. Always check the label to see what you are using. I always ask recommend to people that if you don’t know what the majority of ingredients are then you should really evaluate if you want those in your mouth!
Essential Health Venture offers products that are all-natural and are both alcohol and preservative free. Essential's Dry Mouth Spray uses natures finest ingredients such as coconut oil and aloe vera to help with the instant, long lasting relief that people are looking for. Essential Sprays was founded by Dr. Shane Cope, a dentist with specialty degrees in oral medicine, orofacial pain, and periodontics.
Conclusion
There is a lot of research on the use of herbal vs synthetic medicine. Ultimately, whether you use natural remedies, it comes down to personal preference and your current health state. If you have a mild health problem, then you can use natural remedies to try and treat the symptoms. But, if you are dealing with a chronic issue, like diabetes or heart disease, then natural remedies can’t replace conventional medication. Talk to a doctor to find out which option works best for your current health issue. Check out Essential Sprays full line of products if you are looking for an all-natural, alcohol and preservative free way to alleviate that dry, burning mouth you may be suffering from.
FAQ
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Where do natural remedies come from?
Natural remedies come from various sources found in nature. They are derived from herbs, minerals, animal products, and other natural substances. Plants, for example, are widely used in natural remedies. Mainly because people can use different parts of the plants to make a remedy, like the bark, roots, flowers, and leaves. Some fungi, like fungal mushrooms, are also known for their medicinal properties and are used in traditional natural remedies. (11)
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Are natural remedies safer?
People perceive natural remedies as safer options than synthetic drugs since they come from natural sources. But, just because it is “natural”, it doesn’t mean it is harmless for the body. If you take too much, you can experience a reaction. Some natural substances contain active compounds that can interact with medicine. Also, natural remedies don’t undergo the same rigorous testing as synthetic drugs. This makes it difficult to determine their safety and efficacy.
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Do natural remedies have side effects?
Yes, natural remedies can trigger side effects. Although they are considered milder than those caused by synthetic drugs. The side effects will vary based on the product you use. Valerian root, for example, can cause upset stomach, dizziness, and headaches. Garlic can lead to digestive issues and heartburn. While ginseng can cause digestive disturbances and increased heart rate.
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How do you find out the benefits and risks of supplements?
Research the biological activities of the compounds found in the supplement you are interested in. Look for peer-reviewed studies and research articles that use reputable scientific journals. Evidence-based sources and fact sheets are a great way to start. They can provide some insight into the benefits, risks, and potential side effects of a specific supplement.
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Are natural remedies FDA-approved?
The FDA regulates drugs, including synthetic drugs. But it does not approve or regulate natural remedies in the same way. It doesn’t evaluate their safety or efficacy. So, if you are considering trying different remedies, like dietary supplements, choose reputable brands that sell products with quality certifications.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0733862705701541
- https://hpi.georgetown.edu/rxdrugs/
- https://www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports/medicine-use-and-spending-in-the-us-a-review-of-2018-and-outlook-to-2023
- https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/economic-evaluation-complementary-and-alternative-medicine
- https://campuspress.yale.edu/ledger/what-are-the-benefits-of-herbal-medicine/
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/herbal-medications-prescription-drugs-dont-mix
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1127780/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9612744/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5356382/
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db399.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9328747/
