Modern healthcare significantly relies on scientific effort. Every year, vast sums of money, often in the billions, are spent on R&D for new drugs and treatments. While these efforts have yielded many advancements, it’s sad and unfortunate to see that many drugs end up having side effects or issues.
These problems end up hurting people so badly that, for many pharmaceutical companies, it has become the norm to set aside money for settlements and lawsuits.
The dismissal of alternative medicine as unscientific starts to become a little interesting in this context. If people are ready to accept the drawbacks and side effects of modern medicine, why isn’t the same level of acceptance shown for natural remedies if they happen to be effective?
In this article, let us explore why alternative medicines don’t get the attention and credit they deserve.
Are Natural and Alternative Medicines Only Placebos?
A common narrative one can find against alternative medicine is that, in clinical trials, its effectiveness isn’t any better than placebo. However, such studies try to pit them against modern medicines as if they were comparable rivals.
In reality, alternative medicine tends to have longer timelines to create results, which can make it seem it isn’t as effective. Similarly, there is a misplaced idea that they should be instant solutions and offer quick results like modern medicine does.
Research is constantly showing us that alternative medicine often benefits us preventatively more than retroactively. In other words, it aims to prevent or lower the chances of a condition developing in the first place.
Turmeric, for instance, has become an international sensation despite initially being met with skepticism. Today, its anti-inflammatory properties are widely recognized, and turmeric is often used to treat arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
Similarly, cannabis is another striking example. For a long time, the very term was associated with illicit drugs. Today, however, we have seen how the substance has seen widespread use in a number of medical applications.
As Edwin’s Edibles notes, cannabis constituents like delta-9, THC, and CBD have been used to treat PTSD, seizures, multiple sclerosis, and more. Even individuals with Parkinson’s disease have seen surprising improvements when administered medical marijuana.
What Stops Alternative Medicine From Reaching Wider Acceptance?
Despite clear evidence that people’s lives are being transformed by alternative medicine, the medical world is still reluctant to admit its benefits.
Even papers and studies conducted last year state there is “no compelling evidence” when talking about marijuana as a treatment option for Parkinson’s. They will admit that “potential benefits” exist for tremors, but the conclusions are often presented in a dismissive manner. Is this simply a part of the scientific inquiry?
Some would say yes, but others would argue that, in this manner, the benefits of alternative medicines are undermined and dismissed. Many still refuse to take cannabidiol because they think it causes a high. As Edwin’s Edibles states, this is not true.
Public perception is constantly shaped and influenced. Whether this be at the policy level or even through ‘information campaigns.’ Even if alternative medicine offers significant benefits, it is constantly presented as a treatment not worth trying.
Another reason for the lack of acceptance is the non-existent regulation of alternative medicine. This has the unfortunate side effect that anyone can make claims and market and sell their remedies. As one can imagine, this makes the entire movement lose credibility.
A Similar Theme Seen Everywhere
Moreover, with insurance being such a big part of the healthcare industry, there is little incentive to give much attention to alternative medicine. Insurance companies are notorious for requiring clear and definitive remedies. In fact, this is true in many areas.
Take a look at mental health. Despite there being several types of therapy that are effective, insurance companies offer coverage for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) far more than other options. This is primarily because CBT has a proven track record of creating results. Does this mean that other therapies don’t work?
Not at all.
Millions of people receive therapies besides CBT and still find catharsis. Should their experiences be discounted as anecdotal just because they lack the hard evidence backing them? Should we be looking at the world in such black-and-white terms?
That’s a question that each person considering alternative medicine needs to ask themselves.
Conclusion
Ensuring that guaranteed treatments exist for medical conditions is an essential part of modern civilization. The regulations and requirements that exist today do play an important role, and we’d be worse off if we didn’t have them. That said, there are still several diseases for which we have no scientific cure.
If some treatment option seems to help with the symptoms, it deserves attention and credit. Some would argue that it is unscientific to undermine or disregard a treatment just because it doesn’t meet certain rigid criteria. Often, it appears that these criteria prevent medical innovation from occurring.