Do you think its worth trying alternative meds?

Question

Why? Please explain your answer and also explain the pros and cons thank you :)

Answer 1

I achieve better results with alternative and complimentary therapies. If you'd have told me 12 years ago that I'd be touting the benefits of anything other an allopathic medicine, I'd have said you were nuts. I was impressed enough with the therapies I received that I started to study ACM, and am still learning.

The down side is that, unlike allopathic meds, not every therapy will work the same for everybody. Echinacea, which is reported to be one of the best immune boosters doesn't do a thing for me; however, the Chinese counterpart, Astragalus, supports my immune system beautifully.

All ACM's, whether it's Reiki, herbal therapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, color therapy, sound therapy, crystal therapy, or other, work to balance the energy of the body. Treatment depends on what frequency the body needs to balance.

When starting to use ACM products and therapies, it's always wise to check with a naturopath, homeopath, aromatherapist or other alternative professional to see which therapy is most likely to work for you; and which one you feel most comfortable using.

Please feel free to email me with any questions.

Answer 2

It depends on your situation. If you have a minor condition or something that keeps returning, like allergies or heartburn, herbal meds and alternative treatments might be just what you're looking for. They're not as strong as clinical stuff, and they're less likely to have side effects. My personal philosophy with regards to medicine is that you shouldn't take lots of it or you'll overload your system, so herbal medications are much more balancing to me.

I also don't like the idea of ingesting synthetic chemicals unless I need to. I am on birth control, and I do go to the doctor if I need to, but in general, I'd prefer to take something herbal, and change my diet rather than adding something synthetic and potentially dangerous to my system.

Herbal and alternative medicines can also be more preventative than clinical stuff. An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure, so keeping your diet balanced and healthy and taking suppliments and things can never hurt.

It's worth trying, I think, just in terms of your overall level of health, but in many cases herbal and alternative cures won't cover what your doctor will give you. Use your best judgement.

Answer 3

Absolutely. You could start with homeopathics, which are in so low concentrations they will not react with anything else you may be taking. Then herbs, which have much fewer side effects than prescription medications. I would stay away from the glandular extracts and reserve OTC and prescriptions for last. If alternative measures don't work, you can then always try drugs. It's like if your back hurt, you can go get a massage or chiropractic adjustment first, and then move to drugs and surgery. But if you try the most invasive methods first, you can't go backward.

Answer 4

When you say alternative meds I would believe you are referring to Natural Therapy and Herbs. They do work but you have to be careful on what you do. In relation to modern meds they are usually better because they are natural and have no side effect.

You do need to read up and study more as not all medical doctors endose them.

I know people who have been cured from hypertension all the way to cancer.

If you like to find out more about Natural Therapy or Alternative Meds do visit this website http://www.artcademy.biz
lots of good info and recipies there

Answer 5

do NOT ask a regular Dr. about if he/she thinks alternative meds will work. 99% of them will say no, you need a prescription drug. why? Because Dr's get paid by drug companies for selling their drugs. That is why drug companies are always going to Dr's offices and trying to tell them about their drugs, so that the Dr will prescribe them and make them more money. I had a major nuero problem for a year that I went to Dr after Dr about and I got drug after drug and MRI's and catscans. NOTHING helped, no one knew the answer. I researched alternative medice for myself, did my own remedies off my research and within a month, I was back to 100% fine. All my problems gone. The MAIN thing that helped me, was a 5 day Organic juice fast. After this 5 days, I was feeling much much better. drugs have more side effects then they help.

Answer 6

Alternative medications, by this I mean herbal remedies, work. There are few side effects and they are gentle. But the 'patient's' system has to be fairly clean of toxins. That means eating a good diet free of hormones, pesticides and toxins, not consuming alcohol regularly and not smoking cigarettes. Also taking herbal with prescription drugs is not a good idea because herbals DO work. You don't need double doses or things canceling each other out.

Answer 7

I've always taken the approach that, if you can afford it, and when all is said and done...even if the alternative medication/treatment doesn't work...you will be no worse off than you are now...medically/physically/emotionally...then why not?

That is not to say you should turn your back on your medical care, but approach alternative therapies as an adjunct...something that will make your condition easier to manage, make you more comfortable in some way, require less prescription medication, slow any deterioration from chronic illnesses, etc.

Answer 8

Herbal/natural vitamin and supplemental therapy works just as well (in some cases better) than doctor prescribed meds.

In a lot of cases the doctor prescribed (or FDA approved) medications will in fact elminate the symptoms (your body's way of telling you something is wrong, but can cause severe side effects (headaches, nausea, blood pressure, etc) which will in fact lead to a 'looping' cocktail of medications.

One common example of this is high blood pressure. Most doctors will prescribe pills to reduce high blood pressure that have to be taken daily - for the rest of your life. But you won't suffer the symptoms anymore... fainting, dizziness, fade outs, headaches etc. Now, ten years down the road... have your liver examined. The medication that you have been taking every day for ten years has been corrupting your liver. Now, not only do you still have to take the high blood pressure pills, you have to counter that with dialysis - eventually a weekly dialysis session.

In the meantime, diet would have helped.

Add more garlic to your diet, and your blood pressure drops. Period.

Reduce (not eliminate) your salt intake and your blood pressure drops.
Period.

There are so many alternatives to the prescribed meds its amazing to me that these continue to exist as common choices.

I've asked my doctor why he didn't just tell me about diet changes in the first place. He said, because he can't guarantee that his patient will follow a prescribed diet plan, he doesn't consider it a safe alternative.
So, we're not considered adult enough to follow a diet plan suggested by our medical practictioners, its easier to take a pill.

Well, I've since stopped taking the blood pressure pill, changed my diet moderately (not radically by any stretch), and haven't had a high blood pressure problem in three years, in addition, my liver has also improved, and things are looking great!

I would strongly suggest you research thoroughly any alternative plans before you start any extreme therapy. BUT quick internet searches can give you the basics... some things to keep in mind:

Professional Medical Doctors are the first step for diagnosis, you do need to know what essentially you are dealing with before you make any plans. (Are you dealing with symptoms of a more serious issue? Are you researching reflux, indigestion or ulcers?Diet can effect all three differently.)

Second guess anything you can't purchase at the supermarket. (i.e. organic veggies, brand name vitamins etc. )

Look twice at therapy plans that cost a lot of money. A lot of really great alternatives can be grown free in your own backyard.

Know what you are taking, if it doesn't make sense to you, or sounds off the wall, it usually is.

My outlook now, is while I trust my family doctor for diagnosis, I feel much more comfortable doing my own research before I agree to any treatment.

There are a lot of books out there that can breakdown general diet plans, and herbal remedies for you, including cautions : i.e. st.john wort great for depression but do not take if pregnant! Always find out the side effects of anything before you put it in your mouth.

It's a little frustrating at first, but after awhile as you build a knowledge base, its kind of fun.

Answer 9

Depends on what you mean by "alternative meds"!

Most of them have little to no scientific evidence (proof) that they work or do anything at all. What you will hear is testimonials ("It worked for me"). What testimonials ignore is the fact that in most cases, they would have gotten better anyway, without the meds!

Look for proof of effect. Scientific studies that should be published in medical journals. When it comes to most "alternative meds", you won't find anything.

Answer 10

Alternative meds, like herbal drugs may be good in some cases and in some people. I would talk with your doctor if your are considering this because herbal drugs & supplements are not controlled by the FDA and so they may have ingredieints in them that may make you ill or have some other adverse side effect. Before you start any kind of treatment you should check with your doctor.