Natural therapies

 

In this day and age when everything seems to be turning synthetic and from a laboratory, more and more people are concerned about the effect that so called ‘unnatural’ treatments have on our bodies.  So then we are inclined to look for “natural

remedies”, whether it be a supplement, herbal concoction, diet change, aromatherapy, to name a few.

 

Natural treatments are usually seen as being the safe alternative to medication, however, that is not always the case.

 

A drug is any substance that alters the effect or function of the body, whether it is natural or not. 

DEFINITION OF DRUG:

Any synthetic or natural chemical substance used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease, or for other medical reasons.
www.cwru.edu/med/epidbio/mphp439/Dictionary.htm

 

Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition
www.denverhealth.org/portal/SpecialtyServices/CenterforComplexFractures/OrthopaedicResearch/Definitions/tabid/1563/Default.aspx

 

The chemical substance used for its effects on bodily processes.
www.mentalhealthinkids.wisc.edu/pharm/012ph.html

 

Any substance that enters the human body and can change either the function or structure of the human organism. This broad definition includes practically all foreign materials--even food, vitamins, plants, snake venom, air pollution, and pesticides.
www.nurseslearning.com/courses/corexcel/cxnrp-1600/Chap3/course/chap1/terms.html

 

For example, you may think that caffeine is only what’s in your coffee, but it changes the state of your body by increasing the heart rate, blood pressure etc, and in actual fact, is used as a drug to treat infants with respiratory suppression.  Marijuana is completely natural but we still call it a drug (OK, an extreme example), yet has a major effect on brain function, although is effective in treating cancer pain.  Red raspberry leaf tea is just a drink right?- yet it is used to stimulate the uterus and is used to prepare the uterus for labour (I know this because I used it myself) but can be unsafe if taken too soon. The list goes on……….

  Most synthetic treatments have originated from a natural herb, plant, animal or mineral at some time or another.  Its just the synthetic versions are made so that they are just as effective, more easily available, accessible and sustainable. The original natural version of a drug may be rare in nature and difficult to farm for medicinal purposes.

 The difference between conventional drugs and natural alternatives is that the conventional version has been extensively tested for safety and efficacy in a controlled environment.  These drugs come with a leaflet on potential side effects and interactions.  I am not saying that the synthetic version is better, I just want it clear that these drugs are studied more closely and more is known about mainstream medication than alternative substances.  In fact, synthetic medications will often have more side effects than the natural alternative. The use of natural alternatives are often only theoretical or not studied, or have very limited study- not scientifically proven and not regulated.  Doses cannot be monitored, the strength of the substance may vary leading to erratic and unpredictable results.

  My point is, that if you are going to take something, research it first and don’t just dive into a treatment thinking that it’s safe because it’s natural.  Ask a naturopath, do an internet search, check with your dr (although many drs don’t know a lot about alternative therapies).

 

Natural therapies can be extremely effective at treating ailments however, you must know what you are taking before you take it.  These treatments can have negative effects on some chronic illnesses and can cause drug interactions if you are on medication, making the medication not as effective or too effective.  Some of these natural substances cannot be safely taken in pregnancy.  You must inform your doctor of everything you are taking, even if you think it’s harmless, because, chances are that if you are taking something to treat a problem and it is working, then it is acting as a drug and may have side effects or interactions on other drugs and illnesses.  Just because it doesn’t come out of a foil packet or plastic bottle doesn’t mean it’s not a drug.

 

Side effects of natural substances may include thinning of the blood or blood clotting, alterations in electrolytes (the salts of the body, essential for heart function, kidney function), interactions with alcohol, liver damage, miscarriage, stroke, to name a few.

 

Just because it is natural doesn’t mean that it is safe. Extra care needs to be taken in babies, children and pregnancy.

It may take some time for the natural movement to catch up with synthetic as mainstream treatments in terms of how common they are and what we know about them. Until then we have to use our common sense and access all information available so that we do not harm ourselves or our children inadvertently.  Whether it is a substance that you swallow, apply or smell….take care.

 

So please, do your research, inform your doctor and don’t assume that natural=safe.

 

P.S. this may sound like I am against natural therapies, I am not- I myself use alternative therapies and consult my naturopath when required, but I treat all remedies as I would any drug, and make sure of what I am taking before I take it (I think it might be my old pharmacology university subject coming back to haunt me, LOL).

I LOVE natural remedies: if you do too, please use them safely.