Natural medicines made from herbs and plants have been around since the dawn of humanity. The advent of modern medicine has made natural healing less common. However, in recent decades interest in natural medicine has been revived. Keep in mind that it’s important to work with your doctor when taking natural medications to avoid dangerous complications.
Find a doctor with knowledge of natural medicine
Patients who are interested in natural medicine should find a general practitioner or family doctor who is experienced in the type of natural medicine you are interested in. For example, those interested in traditional Chinese remedies should find a doctor who knows enough about the remedies to be able to work with them in conjunction with their Western style of medicine. The doctor does not necessarily need to practice the form of the medicine, but should understand the principles of it well enough to avoid prescribing a medicine that will interact with your herbal medicines.
Find a natural healer
Although there are many highly trained and experienced natural healers, keep in mind that anyone can claim to be a natural healer. Very few forms of natural medicine are regulated by some sort of accreditation body or governed by a state licensing agency, which means that there are unscrupulous people who claim they can cure when in fact they cannot. Ask the healers detailed questions about where they received their training. Beware of those without medical training who claim to be self-taught. Their training may not be adequate to provide any useful advice in the form of natural medicine they claim to practice and worse, they may inadvertently cause harm due to their lack of knowledge. Look for a healer who has completed an educational path or has apprenticed with another healer. Then ask for references.
Buying natural remedies
Most natural remedies, or the ingredients to make natural or herbal medicines, can be purchased at a health food store. However, it is important to ask the healer detailed questions before making any purchases. Some herbs are manufactured in various forms and concentrations, and one form or concentration may be less effective or even have a different effect than another. Worse still, because natural remedies are drugs, patients can accidentally overdose. Before making your purchase, read the labels. Make sure the remedy has the shape and strength you need. Do not substitute without consulting your natural healer.
When to see a doctor
A doctor should always be consulted before beginning any natural medicine regimen. Always tell your doctor about any natural remedies you are taking, and always tell your natural healer about any medications you are taking. Natural remedies and medications can cause dangerous drug interactions that can cause serious health problems or even death. Even seemingly harmless supplements can have dangerous side effects or can render other medications useless or worse, increase their effectiveness and cause an overdose.
Learn more about natural medicine
The best place to learn more about natural medicine is from someone who has had extensive training in the practice. However, your local library and some websites run by universities or organizations can also be reliable sources of information on the natural medical lore. However, patients should not take any supplements or natural medicines without consulting a doctor and a natural healer, if one is available.
Natural Medicine and Traditional Medicine
Many people feel they must choose between natural and clinical medicine. This is not the case. When used judiciously and safely, natural medicine can be a safe complement or even an alternative to clinical medicines. In fact, in many cases, natural remedies can be even safer than their clinical counterparts.
