lternative medicine has grown in popularity among the United States in the past ten years. Due to the dangers of prescription and over the counter drugs, people are taking a different approach. While alternative medicine has many documented benefits, it also has it dangers as well. Many of these dangers are unfortunately overlooked. First, it’s important not to rely on any form of drug if you don’t have to. There are plenty of exceptions, but if it isn’t necessary to take a drug for your health and wellness, then you shouldn’t be taking it, period. In the next few paragraphs, I will be explaining some reasons why alternative medicine isn’t always the best alternative.
Alternative medicine has strong effects on your body. Echinacea is an alternative medicine that is used to strengthen your immune system and ward off colds. Cat’s Claw has this effect as well. Many people assume since these products are sold without a prescription that they can be used on a daily basis. Unfortunately, taking these medicines on a daily basis could lead to damage of the liver. Another example would be if you are taking an aspirin for heart health. Aspirin has a blood thinning effect, and if someone is also taking gingko biloba to increase mental acuity, this combinations could cause someone to internally or externally bleed to death.
Another thought that needs to be taken into consideration when using an alternative medicine; “Did you get it from a reputable source?” The California Dept. of Health found 1 in 3 alternative medicines were laced with either prescription drugs or toxic metals, one of these metals being arsenic. In this case, it’s almost safer to just take a prescription drug because at least you know what you’re getting.
The last thing to take into consideration with alternative medicine is allergies. The ingredients in these alternative medicines are unknown to our bodies, so it’s difficult to know in advance how we will respond. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing, etc…), stop use immediately!
Alternative medicine has many benefits, but the dangers aren’t very heavily publicized. It’s important to be aware of what you’re putting in your body. Whether you choose prescription, OTC, or alternative medicine, just make sure you aren’t taking it if you don’t actually need it. All forms of medicine have side effects, so just make sure the side effects don’t outweigh the benefits.
-Tom