They are much more predictable, well understood and easier to dose than the chemical cocktail of natural compounds. Please note that I am not saying that there aren’t any useful natural medicines. I am stating that it is better to isolate the active components.
For better or worse, the pharmaceutical companies do a good job of selecting what remedies are actually helpful and have a proven effect.
If garlic actually boosted the immune system, then the pharmaceutical companies would immediately start working on a garlic-derived medication to help the immunocompromised. If elderberry was actually helpful in curing a cold, then doctors would be prescribing a corporate-produced elderberry derivative.
To a large extent, the natural remedies that haven’t been studied, refined, and monetized aren’t remedies at all. They’re a placebo. I firmly believe there is no natural remedy that performs as well as whatever the standard medication is for treating the condition you’re trying to fix.
“Alternative medicine that works is just called medicine.”
I agree with general sentiment that pharmaceuticals are stronger. And when I need it, I go for it. But sometimes I don’t need the strongest stuff. Sometimes my body just needs a helping hand, not a nuke. Pharma industry is about quick and easy - but that doesn’t mean it’s always good.
Calling something placebo just because it is not s strong is certainly over the line though.
My point wasn’t that pharmaceuticals are stronger, it’s that they actually work. Your doctor isnt going prescribe IV morphine for a headache, but they’ll probably tell you to take a low-dose NSAID. The vast majority of natural remedies have no clinically significant effect on the body. The ones that DO have an effect have been turned into real medicine.
When I said that natural remedies are a placebo, I don’t mean that to be insulting. That’s literally why people think they work is because of the placebo effect.
Well… idk where you are from but here doctors would recommend natural stuff where applicable. And many times there are actual remedies made based on natural stuff, as you say.
By saying I prefer natural based medicine I don’t mean thay when I feel sick I go pick herbs by the moonlight and only use that.