Herbal Remedies vs. Synthetic Drugs - Which is Better?

Herbal Remedies vs. Synthetic Drugs - Which is Better?

It is difficult to put an end to this long-standing debate. Earlier, when science had not reached the level of producing medicine after medicine, most people used what was readily available to cure their diseases. Previously, people discovered various properties (some of which are still being studied to date) present in the herbs they planted in their own backyards. They found that plants not only have food but also medicinal value that is effective in treating their diseases.

Then science defeated the world and gave it miracles using drugs made by man. These are also effective, even more effective than the traditional herbs they used before. More and more people trusted these medications. However, this does not mean that none of them continued to use the herbs. In fact, it is amazing to note that at present, when almost everything has become modern and high-tech, there are still many people who use herbal remedies.

The purpose of this article is to weigh which of the two – herbal remedies and chemical medicines – are more effective. Which one do you think?

In terms of effectiveness

Herbal Remedies: When it comes to effectiveness, it is safe to say that herbal remedies are really effective. Why else would society continue to use them after so many thousands of years? Even doctors recommend some herbal remedies for diseases. What's also amazing about herbal remedies is that a single plant can be used to treat so many different diseases, unlike synthetic drugs.

However, when you take an herbal remedy for your illness, you must be patient to see the results. Because most herbal remedies are consumed fresh, they are not contained in chemicals that speed up results.

Synthetic Drugs: No one could also deny the effectiveness of synthetic drugs, which many pharmaceutical companies are improving and improving over time. Some people would say that they are not as effective as herbs because they are made from plant extracts. However, what makes it more effective is that the compounds needed to cure a particular disease are already separated from the other components of the plant, which helps it target the disease more quickly.

In addition to plant extracts, synthetic drugs are also made with chemicals that speed up the body's healing process.

In terms of security

Herbal Remedies: Herbal remedies are made from natural ingredients, so you can rest assured that there is less risk of ever encountering something harmful to the body. Also, most herbal remedies do not have any side effects on the body because they are not too strong. In fact, compared to synthetic drugs, there are fewer restrictions on the types of herbal medicines that are safe for children.

There is also very little chance of any herbal remedy triggering allergic attacks on the patient. On the other hand, it is better to consult the doctor before taking anything to avoid poisonous and potentially fatal herbs.

Synthetic Drugs: Most synthetic drugs have overdose warnings on their labels. This is because some chemicals used in the production of these medications are too strong for the body to ingest. Even the innocent cough syrup becomes deadly if taken without medical supervision. Synthetic drugs are also not very safe for pregnant women.

Overdose of some synthetic drugs is likely to lead to drug addiction and even organ failure. Failure to stop taking these medicines may eventually result in death.

In terms of availability

Herbal Remedies: It is said that herbal remedies were used earlier because they were easily available in almost all areas. Most of the herbal remedies can be found right in front of our homes and we only need our kitchen to prepare them for medicines. However, in today's times, not many homes have the privilege of growing their own medicinal plants. On the other hand, the use of these herbal remedies is made possible by companies that sell herbs in the form of pills and the like in health food stores.

Synthetic Drugs: Common synthetic drugs can be purchased almost anywhere, in pharmacies and drugstores. You can go to any clinic and you will surely find a medication for your headache. However, some medications, particularly those used to treat more serious illnesses, may be more difficult to find. Sometimes only one hospital in the area has it and sometimes you have to contact the pharmaceutical company that makes it directly.