Not long ago, these two health systems were considered incompatible
-- but views are changing. Health care providers are realizing
that conventional pharmacology and natural medicine are not mutually
exclusive disciplines; they can complement each other in ways
that help patients enormously. In addition, we can balance the
growing public enthusiasm for age-old natural remedies with a
solid knowledge of new clinical studies, clinical observation,
and scientific analysis. I believe that in doing so, we can add
credibility to both sides of the medical coin -- natural and conventional.
In my new column on alternative health, I will advocate a balanced
approach toward both disciplines.
Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, I learned about Native Americans
and early settlers who used plants as their primary medicine.
While studying at the University of Colorado Pharmacy School,
I specialized in botanical medicine. I learned that nature is
still providing us with many of our cures. In fact, at least 25
percent of modern drugs are derived from plants.
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Despite nature's contribution to conventional pharmacology
and the expanding acceptance of natural remedies, many
practitioners of Western medicine remain wary of alternative
remedies -- plants, herbs, minerals, and supplements
-- saying that the market is full of products with dubious
health benefits. |
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Despite nature's contribution to conventional pharmacology and
the expanding acceptance of natural remedies, many practitioners
of Western medicine remain wary of alternative remedies -- plants,
herbs, minerals, and supplements -- saying that the market is
full of products with dubious health benefits. There are products
for sale that may be ineffective or even be dangerous, say critics,
sold by unscrupulous manufacturers who take money from consumers
like modern day snake-oil salesmen.
Proponents of alternative medicine argue that consumers have
the right to judge for themselves, and that to take away our right
to self-medicate would be a crime. Indeed, there is compelling
evidence that herbal medicines may lower health care costs, and
in many cases they have a lower risk of dangerous side effects.
As I've said, I try to remain balanced, noting that both sides
have valid concerns. There's no doubt that alternative medicine
is increasing in popularity. In 1997, for instance, 42 percent
of the United States population used at least one alternative
therapy, and the numbers continue to rise. As a result, the need
for education is growing.
I prefer to call alternative medicine complementary medicine,
because I believe it can complement -- rather than replace
-- conventional medicine. I will advocate this inclusive approach
in my column. It is my wish to provide both age-old information
about natural remedies as well as modern discoveries and updates,
so that you can make informed decisions regarding your health.
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Christopher Turf is a registered pharmacist specializing in herbal/botanical
medicine. He lives in the mountains near Boulder, Colorado, with
his wife and new baby. 
am a pharmacist by training and by trade. I am also a proponent
of alternative medicine, both as a viable source of natural healing
and as a way for us to learn about our bodies.