Either way, it's still called alternative which has me confused sometimes. Didn't Aspirin for instance originally come from a plant? And isn't Valium for instance originally from the Valerian plant, which is used to relax and to sometimes even get rid of headaches?
These are the kinds of things that make you go, hmmmmmm.......
You see, there exist today, and have existed since ancient times, effective, natural alternatives to many drugs. This may constitute the using of a vast selection of herbs, botanicals, minerals, vitamins, and so called natural products. Of these a lot are available all over as vitamins or so called supplements. Some use dietary supplements like multivitamins to meet the daily needs of nutrition, take calcium to improve bone health...
This may not even be thought of as Alternative Medicine anymore, as they are now part of and even promoted as inherent to our daily living. (In this sense they may even have a more conventional use, in the sense of, “take a pill and you’ll be fine.”, and may even be manufactured and marketed by mainstream drug companies.)
Alternative Medicine natural products may also refer to probiotics or live microorganisms like different types of good / pro bacteria that are the same as those in the body's digestive system and intestines and have positive effects for the body and its health. Probiotics are also found in foods like yogurt or kefir besides for being taken as supplements in capsular form.
There are also many different herbs or botanic products used as medicines. These stem from some of the first attempts to improve the human condition since ancient times. Many different traditions and cultures have their specific folk medicine and “grandma remedy" traditions.
Practices of traditional healers can also be considered a form of Alternative Medicine. Traditional healers use methods based on indigenous theories, beliefs, and experiences handed down from generation to generation. A familiar example in the United States is the Native American healer / medicine man.
Dietary and Nutritional healing approaches may also be considered here of course. Many well known and even popular diets or lifestyle / naturalistic approaches, may be used by individuals to promote the healing and well being of a person. Different healing foods and their uses, specific diets, cutting out allergic foods, and even fasting may be used in a therapeutic sense, and are well known both in our modern age, as well as from ancient times from specific peoples and cultures.
It all depends on what specific health issue you are working on or wish to solve at any given time. There's lots to choose from. So foods, supplements, herbs, or natural products are just one very powerful form of natural or alternative medicine that are part of your massive arsenal for self help and healing.
Excellent and inspiring blog.
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