As consumers increasingly turn to natural remedies for their health concerns, the debate over the efficacy and safety of natural medicines has become more complex. Many individuals are choosing to supplement or completely replace traditional, Western medicine with natural medicines. There are a variety of reasons for this resort, such as a desire to reduce the risk of drug-related side effects or the tendency to prioritize holistic approaches to health. Whatever the reason may be, it is important to evaluate the wisdom of resorting to natural medicines.

One of the primary arguments in favor of natural medicines is that they are often less toxic and produce fewer side effects than their pharmaceutical counterparts. This is particularly relevant for individuals with chronic conditions who are taking medications every day.

These individuals may experience unwanted side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or liver damage, which can detract from their overall well-being. Natural medicines, on the other hand, are often created with fewer synthetic ingredients, making them a safer alternative.

Another argument in favor of natural medicines is their perceived ability to alleviate illness at the root cause instead of merely treating symptoms. To offer an example, a natural medicine like echinacea can be used to boost the immune system and reduce the duration of a cold or flu. In contrast, cold and flu medicines treat symptoms such as runny nose, fever, and sore throat but do not address the root cause of the illness. This means that individuals may have to take them multiple times throughout the course of the illness, whereas natural remedies are thought to tackle the underlying issue and shorten the overall duration of the ailment.

Normally, natural medicines are often more affordable than traditional, Western medicines. This is particularly relevant for individuals without insurance, who may struggle to afford the costs associated with prescription medications. Natural remedies can be brewed at home or purchased at low prices from health food stores, making them an accessible option for individuals in a variety of financial situations.

We may consider the potential downsides of relying solely on natural medicines. For one, natural medicines may not be as consistent in their dosage as traditional medicines. Since natural remedies are often prepared from plants, their potency may vary depending on factors such as soil quality and harvesting conditions. This means that individuals relying solely on natural medicines may not have as much control over the dosage they receive.
Natural medicines may not be regulated as strictly as traditional medicines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines for the safety and efficacy of traditional medicines, but these guidelines do not necessarily apply to natural remedies. This means that there may be less information about the potential risks and benefits of natural medicines, which could put individuals at risk if they are not informed about the potential side effects.

It is important to consider that natural medicines may not be effective for all health concerns. While they may have some beneficial effects for certain ailments and conditions, they may not be effective for more serious illnesses or injuries. Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer may require medications and treatments that are only available in the realm of traditional Western medicine.

The wisdom of resorting to natural medicines is a complex issue that requires consideration of a variety of factors. Ultimately, the decision to rely on natural medicines should be made on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the individual’s medical history, current health status, and the potential risks and benefits of a given remedy.

IN the gospel, there is a part where Christ tells us some indications meant to guide us in our earthly journey. (Mt 7,6.12-14) “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Mt 7,6)
These are words that clearly tell us that we need to develop an abiding sense of the sacred even as we immerse ourselves with the mundane things of the world. They are meant to remind us that our life is not simply a natural human life, but is also a supernatural life with God.

As image and likeness of God, our life cannot help but be also sacred as it is a shared life with God. We cannot help but also handle sacred things in our life, like the sacraments and the sacramentals. In fact, the natural moral law that governs our moral life should be regarded also as sacred. We just cannot treat it the way we treat the purely natural law of physics, chemistry, biology and the like.

And then, Christ continues to tell us about the Golden Rule. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets.” (Mt 7,12) This is a basic ethical law that should govern the way we treat each other. It’s a way to achieve the basic peace and order in our social life.

This Golden Rule reminds me of the way we handle the traffic on the road which can be a good image of how our life actually is. There are many vehicles going in different directions. We just have to learn how to give and take so that each one can reach his destination safely. Especially in a heavy traffic situation, there should be a good sense of reciprocity, flexibility and adaptability.

This does not mean that there are no absolute truths that all should follow. We just have to learn how to live and uphold it in spite of our unavoidable differences and conflicts not only in matters of opinion but also in matters of belief.

We need to remind ourselves that truth in the end can only be achieved if it is also lived, upheld and defended in charity. That is why, we should be ready to go through unavoidable suffering the way Christ suffered to live and defend the truth in charity. In fact, suffering can be the very touchstone of truth in charity.

Thus, Christ also said that to arrive at our proper destination, we need to enter by the narrow gate. “Enter through the narrow gate,” he said. “For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”

That is why he also said in another part of the gospel that for us to follow him, we need to deny ourselves and carry the cross. (cfr. Mt 16,24) We can readily see the wisdom of this divine indication when we realize how easy it is for us to be deceived, confused and trapped into some kind of a silo when we just follow what we want.

We always need to follow the will of God, not just our own will, for that in the end is what is proper to us.