Nowadays, more and more people are embracing many forms of alternative and holistic ways of treating different illnesses as well as maintaining wellness. The pressures and demands of long working hours, endless meetings, or long travels wreak havoc on busy executives’, business leaders’, or entrepreneurs’  health and well-being.  Thus, in order to stay healthy and on top of their game, they embrace the “alternatives” to keep their health in top shape.

 

Why Bother with the Natural?

Alternative medicine (including herbal or natural medicine and other natural modalities) is an amazing and effective solution to addressing the growing number of health-related concerns we are experiencing today. As the name suggests, herbal medicine is plant-based. There are certain plants that contain chemicals and extracts that are highly beneficial to the human body and can be used to fight certain health issues. They work by boosting the body’s immune system, allowing it to fight off diseases. This is a far better solution than subjecting your body to synthetic chemicals, which may eventually prove to be even more harmful to your health.

Before you begin your natural health journey, here is a list of advantages and disadvantages of using natural medicines.

Advantages of Using Natural Medicines

  • Natural Ingredients

Companies that produce synthetic-free medicines use only natural ingredients for their products. They can scientifically extract and maintain the natural compounds found in the plants. This ensures that each pill or tablet is carefully formulated and filled with the essential nutrients needed to address specific health concerns and assist your body in its natural recovery process.

  • Cost-Effective

Another big advantage of using natural products is the cost—natural products are considerably cheaper when compared to synthetic medicines commonly prescribed by doctors. Many consumers are opting for this solution to help with their health problems.  Natural medicine is cheaper because of the ingredients used to create them. Expensive chemicals are never used in the formulation of the medicine, with the ingredients grown almost anywhere under the right conditions.

  • No Allergic Reactions with Foods

Unlike synthetic drugs, many people experiencing food allergies will find relief at the thought of not having a negative reaction to the food they eat. Since the ingredients are 100% natural, the likelihood of experiencing an allergic reaction at meal time is extremely rare. It allows you to enjoy your meal without the worry of its consequences. However, if you are not sure of an ingredient in a product, or if you are currently taking a variety of prescribed drugs, always check with your doctor. Have that conversation with your physician to determine if your natural medicine will be compatible with your system and your other medication. While a product has worked for others, there is no guarantee that it will have the same effect on you.

 

Disadvantage of Using Natural Medicines

With the advantages of using natural medicine mentioned above, many people would think that there will be never be any complications; they can supposedly use the products at any time. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception that often leads to more health-related problems. The problem is not with the ingredients with which the products are made but in the actual use of the product where certain medical conditions may arise.

We can never deny the fact that natural medicine is the remedy that nature intended and should be treated as such. The products are scientifically formulated, with the dosage indicated for safe consumption. Consumers are urged to follow the dosage indicated on all labels of natural medicinal products.  If you are ever unsure of anything, always consult a health expert or your family doctor to safely determine the proper usage of the product. It is also advisable to undergo a consultation with a health expert to ensure that the natural medicine you are taking is meant for and is the best option for treating your specific health concern.

More importantly, one of the more common problems attributed to the use of natural medicine is self-medication. There might be certain instances wherein the proper dosage indicated on the label is not the prescribed measurement for your use. In that case, it is essential that you consult with a health expert to determine the contents of the product and get a recommended safe dosage to help avoid any complications.

Consumers are also urged to avoid taking more than the recommended dosage of a product to avoid any health complications. Although natural medicine is safe to use, many people are under the impression that even doubling up or more of a product will help it to work faster. This method of thinking is completely wrong and even potentially dangerous.  Instead of being beneficial to the body, over-dosage will only result in creating additional health concerns.

However, keep in mind that not all-natural supplements sold today are safe to use. Due to their popularity, there might be scammers out there who would replicate such products with no significant health value.  Consumers need to check the labels carefully to ensure that the product was formulated with 100% natural ingredients by a credible company.

Whatever challenges an entrepreneur or busy executive may be facing, integrating alternative or natural medicine is an effective option to enhance well-being, achieve greater health, and productivity in the workplace.