Are Herbal Treatments Safe? |
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For thousands of years, herbal cures have been used to treat various conditions all around the world. From depression to gout to cancer, these cures have been touted as another way to defeat the chronic suffering of humanity.
Since the advancement of medicine as more than a job for the local voodoo doctor or midwife, however, this practice has been called into question, and in some cases, outright dismissed as useful.
The AMA’s Stance
The increase in sales of herbal supplements over the past 20 years has come to the attention of the traditional medical world, and it hasn’t gone well. The American Medical Association’s attitude is patently negative in regards to herbal remedies and their effectiveness.
"There's more evidence that calls into question their efficacy than evidence that argues persuasively that these products are effective," says Ron Davis, a member of the AMA Board of Trustees and its spokesman for dietary-supplement issues.
Keep in mind that the use of herbal medications – if done correctly and safely – can mean less doctor visits, and less money in the physicians’ pockets. Additionally, many doctors are notoriously averse to looking beyond what the medical books state as fact, preferring to stay with only the scientifically established methods to treat their patients.
Both the Office of Dietary Supplements and the National Institutes of Health have dropped millions of research dollars into studies of the six top-selling dietary supplements on the market to determine their usefulness. So far the studies haven’t been released, though they are expected to become available very soon.
European View
One of the strongest arguments the dietary-supplemental organizations have is the use of their products in European medicine. Where many of the medical facilities are state funded, the economic competition isn’t apparent. Perhaps for this reason, physicians in Europe are more likely to look at the herbal supplements as a possible partner in treating diseases, rather than as a rivalry.
European doctors are also more willing to believe in more therapeutic and homeopathic remedies for disease that U.S. doctors would rather look to prescribed medications for. An example is the perceived over-prescription of antibiotics in the United States compared to European doctors for the same problems.
Research by reputable doctors in Germany has shown herbal remedies to be an effective way to help in treating certain maladies. Additionally, supplements have been a core treatment for decades in Europe.
Studies Show…?
So far, for every study that the AMA pulls out, those who support traditional herbal remedies find another that purports to show the opposite. To date, there has yet to be a conclusive argument made by either side that proves one thing or another, and until the NIH completes its controlled research conclusions, the argument continues.
It is best to have an honest conversation with your physician about his or her opinion in regards to the herbal studies and how effective they may be for you. If this is a route that you feel may be beneficial for you, be sure you find a doctor who is willing to work with you in this regard, and that you feel comfortable going to for additional information about herbal cures.
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