How you choose medical treatment can be a difficult question to answer.
There are a lot of different choices, and passionate feelings behind them.
As a Master Herbalist, I get drawn into this on a regular basis.
Should you always choose medicine or always choose herbal remedies?I think a little common sense should be added to the mix.
I have yet to see a situation where "always" is going to apply.
Each situation, and each person, is different.
You don't always treat a headache with an aspirin.
It depends on why your head hurts, and that should apply across the board.
Most people list the pros first and the cons second.
I'm going to switch it around.
Here are the cons of using herbs over medications, based on the needs of someone having a heart attack: Speed:If you're having a heart attack, you need medicine right now.
You don't have time to boil some water and sprinkle the herbs into it, then wait for it to brew.
Strength:While some herbs could be useful, most of them aren't strong enough.
The one plant that is has variable amounts of the active principle from leaf to leaf even on the same plant.
You need to know that the product is a standard strength.
Dispensing:You can't give any liquid or capsule to an unconscious or semi-conscious person.
Medications can be given via injection, thus can be used on those who are impaired.
There are pros to the use of herbal remedies, though I would not use them on a heart patient without working with the cardiologist.
Subtlety:Modern medicine is a lot like a sledge hammer.
Within twenty minutes, most medications are at work on your body in a very noticeable way.
Herbs are gentler.
At some point, you may notice that what had been bothering you isn't anymore, but it won't be rapid.
Side Effects:Both herbs and medications can cause side effects, but the right herb in the right situation can make these a minimal threat.
Due to the increased strength, the risks are higher with medications.
There are other things to take into account.
One that may surprise you is that many modern medications could not be made without herbs.
While we no longer need willow to make aspirin, we still require foxglove to make digitalis.
Many other medications are also distilled from plants.
My personal belief is that we need both modern and alternative remedies to stay healthy.
I can guess at what's wrong with you, but you'll need a doctor to confirm it.
Some illnesses, like heart disease, need both of us to intervene.
The doctor can care for your heart, while we herbalists can provide supportive care with herbs like garlic.
Finding the right mix of care will help you stay health.