Alternative Medical Care...

I go with the Doctors say so, but we also have a large aloe plant and when we get minor cuts or scratches we use that, works great. I believe there is room for both and that there will always be an arguement for both if not carried to the extreme.

My husband and I use herbs regularly to treat things such as sinus headaches and indigestion. We started using them when he was in an auto accident and was on a lot of prescription meds. He had some congestion in his chest and did not want to take yet another prescription. We went to the herb store, described the symptoms, and the clerk mixed up a tea for him. It worked great. Since then, I have read and studied the medical uses of different herbs. I do think they work and that they have to be better for you than all that pharmacutical stuff.

Hi,
It's two-sided. Having been an aromatherapist and herbalist for many years, there are side affects to the herbs as well - and if you take them with an Rx, it can be downright deadly, and I am not exaggerating. I've tried acupunture for pain till the Dr. actually gave up on me (not kidding, it just didn't work for me, though I know of others that it does work for), biofeedback (struck out there too), I make most everything we use, using therapeutic grade essential oils and also organic herbs.
Always cross-check anything you're taking as some of the herbs have their own side affects and also when you mix them with the eventual Rx that might be taken, there can be a very bad reaction - problem is, the medical community won't probably know what's going on.
We do use herbs and blends all the time - if they don't work, then we call the Dr., though I'm allergic to so many meds that there are few that can be given to me.
I think, really, that you need to make sure, even by taking classes like I did and still keeping up on new things, that herbs are great, but also knowing when they're not doing the job is just as important.
It's not always less expensive to purchase quality oils and/or herbs. For example, one of the oils in my three part blend that we RELY on for pain, the one oil costs about $200.00 for a 16 ounce bottle, but it works and then there are two others that I also blend in with it, plus the carrier that I use - so again, not less expensive, the Rx would most certainly be less money. The thing is, this works.
Also oils like rose otto, many herbs, if you don't make SURE you're getting totally non-irradiated and from a reliable supplier, who'll have tests that they can send you on the oils, to make SURE there aren't any things in them that shouldn't be - be very, very careful. I'm so picky about my suppliers that it's not even funny.
So, you're all right. Suffering's not an answer though if you don't have to - sometimes there are things that herbs will not help, nor oils (essential) either, which is why we also have Dr.'s .
If you'd like, please post this to my Aromatherapy, Herbs and More group - which is named after my website, www.healinglite.gather.com
Hugs and Good Luck,
Marilyn

My father-in-law, an ex-Ranger, had a parachute accident while in the Army. He has back pain, and he had to take medication DAILY. He was so tired of sucking down pills, he actually tried acupuncture and he loved it! The effects lasted for about four weeks, and then he'd go back for another round of acupuncture. He doesn't have to suck down percocet or vicadin anymore.

So, no, we shouldn't turn our backs on all alternative meds..in fact, they should always be considered COMPLIMENTARY.

The latest thing about DNA is making medicines based on your unique needs, instead of a one-size-fits all.

I use both. I have been thinking about going to school to become an herbalist, in fact.

I use herbs for things like allergies, insomnia, cuts, bruises, sprains, etc. The only thing that I used modern medicine for is my happy pills and the yearly check up. I had tried to help my depression naturally, but just couldn't get the results that I get with the perscription.

My allergies are much better than they ever were and I have none of the side effects of the meds. I just drink a cup of tea that has nettle among other herbs everyday. (It doesn't have to be hot, I often have it iced)

I never take any pills of any kind. I do believe that the chemicals in the pills do more harm than good. Added to that the fact that most docters will just prescribe anyhting fo anything.

I also believe that most of our sicknessess start on a spiritual level and needs to be addressed there 1st.

I have not been sick at all (not even flue) for the last 5 years. Before that all I had was bronchitis every winter due to my smoking habit which I have stopped in the meantime.

I think the dr's are way to eager to put people on medication. The drug companies use the commercials to convince us one thing or another is wrong and we better start taking their drug. Only then weeks, months, sometimes years down the road they say "oops maybe that wasn't all we thought it was" and you are in worse shape than you started out.
We ALL need to take responsibility for our own health, and not trust the Dr's so much. I got this realization when my GF went to work for a 6 DR clinic, and EVERY single day of the week, they had a drug rep from one company or another there buying them lunch and giving them promotional freebies!
I haven't (yet) used many herbs, but i am a firm believer in the virtues of apple cider vinegar!

Marilyn - Thanks, I joined and posted it there. I appreciate the offer.

You all have a lot of good points. Thanks so much for your responses...

I can't afford insurance right now because I can only qualify for Major Medical which costs almost as much as my rent payment. So, I like to use natural remedies. But, I thoroughly research them first. I only take or eat things that I know won't harm me or mix with other medications I may use.

Even when I had health insurance, I didn't like to take medication unless it was something that was severely interfering with my daily life.

"Nadya k. - I also believe that most of our sicknesses start on a spiritual level and needs to be addressed there 1st. "

I am a Christian but I really do disagree with you .I do think it is wrong to blame ourselves for our diseases .