Natural Medicine From a Pharmacist's Perspective
As a licensed pharmacist, it sometimes can be hard for me to separate the effectiveness and safety of alternative medicine from Western medicine, which has a lot more research and science behind it. The United States in general is way behind in the world of naturopathic/homeopathic/alternative medicine; pop into any pharmacy in Europe and you will be greeted with walls of natural remedies. It’s always been this way there, but why is the US so different? I think a large majority has to do with the fact that 1. Medication advertising in the US is WAY more abundant and 2. Big Pharma’s presence makes Western medications more widely available in a commercial sense. Don’t get me wrong, I also just think that the US does not have enough education on herbal + supplemental medications.
I get so many questions about adaptogens, herbals like oregano oil, and vitamins, which made me realize that it can be SO hard to find good information on these types of remedies. The good news? There are a lot of reliable science-based websites out there to verify the efficacy and safety of various “natural” products. My three favorite websites are:
Natural Medicines – this website has it ALL. They have a search bar where you can type in anything that you are curious about, as well as an interaction checker, effectiveness checker, and so many more features! Fun fact: it used to be two different websites, one of which was founded by one of my old pharmacy preceptors! She is seriously the most motivated and inspiring woman.
Pub Med – this site is run by the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, so you know it’s legit! I love using this for studies on both alternative and Western medicine. They have so many journal databases – FYI for some of them you must have a membership, but there is plenty of free info too!
Natural Medicine Journal – I have loved every issue that I’ve read so far! They touch on everything from food sensitivity to the controversy behind adrenal fatigue. Sections range from peer-reviwed articles to commentary and expert interviews, just like any other medical journal!
I cannot wait to share more information about alternative medicine using science-based sources and research. Be warned: they will be brutally honest as I am super skeptical about ANY medication without proper science and trials behind it!
As always, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication ESPECIALLY if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.