Why Natural Medicine?

Natural medicine has been used to support health and wellbeing long before recorded history, in every corner of the globe. For thousands of years, people have turned to plant-based remedies, traditional healers and ancient systems of medicinal knowledge for the management of their health concerns. Today, it is estimated that 70% of Australians use natural medicines and therapies for specific health conditions or preventative health benefits.¹

What Is Natural Medicine And Does Natural Medicine Work?

Natural medicine, also known as complementary, alternative, integrative, holistic or traditional medicine, refers to healthcare practices and therapies that support patients using natural methods. This might include plant and herbal extracts, homeopathic remedies, nutritional advice and supplements, lifestyle recommendations, acupuncture and bodywork. Natural medicines and therapies provide a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. They aim to address the underlying cause of disease by focusing on the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Natural medicine practitioners include Naturopaths, Homeopaths, Acupuncturists, Herbalists, Chiropractors, Kinesiologists, Aromatherapists and Massage Therapists. Natural medicine has a very long history of traditional use and many practices used are backed by modern scientific evidence and research studies.

How Does Natural Medicine Differ From Conventional Medicine?

Did you know that up to 40% of pharmaceutical products used today are derived from plants or traditional knowledge?² One of the most significant being the discovery of aspirin thanks to willow bark. For centuries, willow bark and leaves were used as natural pain relief, thanks to a chemical known as salicin. This salicin compound was used to develop aspirin in the 1800’s. Another example is artemisinin, an active compound found in the plant sweet wormwood, which was used to develop effective anti-malarial drugs.

The main difference between conventional medicine and natural medicine is that conventional medicine typically focuses on diagnosis, standardised treatment and symptom relief. Natural medicine looks at the whole person (personalised treatment), rather than just the symptoms or disease and strives to return the body to a state of balance so it can heal itself. Natural medicines have also been associated with fewer side effects, though this is not always the case, so it is important to consult a natural healthcare practitioner for individualised advice. In many cases, conventional and natural medicines can be “complementary”, and used alongside each other for achieving and maintaining health.

What Can I Use Natural Medicine For?

• Stress and emotional wellbeing
• Immunity & respiratory conditions
• Pain relief
• Energy and fatigue management
• Gut health and digestive disturbances
• Hormonal imbalance
• Allergies
• Weight management
• Skin conditions

Is Natural Medicine Safe?

Like pharmaceutical medication, natural remedies and health supplements should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable and qualified healthcare practitioner. This is because they may interact with certain prescription medications or may not be suitable in some cases. Furthermore, not all natural medicine products are of the same standard, quality and efficacy. Metagenics offer high quality, effective supplements, formulated to meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Metagenics only use the highest quality raw materials that have passed strict quality control testing. The state-of-the-art manufacturing processes adopted at Metagenics avoid the use of excess heat, moisture and compaction, which can reduce the biological activity of many nutrients and herbs.

To find a Natural Healthcare Practitioner near you that uses Metagenics products to support your health needs and concerns, click here.

References

1. Complementary Medicines Australia. Pre-budget submission 2021-22. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-05/complementary_medicines_australia.pdf
2. World Health Organization. Traditional medicine has a long history of contributing to conventional medicine and continues to hold promise. Updated August 10, 2023. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/traditional-medicine-has-a-long-history-of-contributing-to-conventional-medicine-and-continues-to-hold-promise