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February 28, 2001
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH COLUMN
Introducing Christopher Terf, R.Ph.

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.

The Natural Pharmacist

 

By Christopher Terf, R.Ph.

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.

 

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.

 

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.