Financial fall puts herbal alternative on the rise
Herbal remedies are gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds. Hard times have sent people looking for a more affordable alternative to Big Pharma’s expensive (and often dangerous) narcotics that are often no more effective than natural cures available at a fraction of the cost.
An Associate Press review has noted that herbal medicines have risen on pace with the decline of the economy. The reason people are making the switch? Supplements are cheaper than drugs. Self-employed bookkeeper Cathy Birleffi says she’s turning to herbals because “doctors are so much higher [in cost], the insurance isn’t paying as much.”
A U.S. government survey showed that in the final three months of 2008, retail sales of supplements and vitamins were up 10 percent over the same period in 2007. Considering that all these financial panics didn’t really kick in until late summer of ’08, it’s remarkable how quickly people seemed to have made the switch.
What’s more, sales during this period were $639 million, including a six percent up tick of herbal supplements alone. And that’s without even factoring in sales from such retail giants as discount club store or Wal-Mart – so these numbers could be even higher.
Overall, it’s good news that I’m happy about. But as much as I am a believer in natural remedies, it doesn’t mean you should go pumping yourself full of herbs right away – especially if you are still taking prescription medications for the same ailments.
Some of them can interact with existing drug regimens to cause a dangerous reaction.
Consult with a physician skilled in herbal therapies that can assist you in finding a good product and can monitor your progress. To find one in your area, contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at (703)610-9037 or www.naturopathic.org.
