You may wonder why there is such controversy over natural cures and remedies. People swear by them, but others simply dismiss herbal medicine as hogwash and superstition. The truth is that natural cures are often milder than pharmaceutical cures, but also address the disease rather than the symptoms. Looking medicine from this approach, you can see why drug companies keep natural medicine at arm's length.

Cause vs. Symptoms

Take the common cold, for example. If you have a stuffy nose and a headache, you're supposed to take aspirin and a decongestant. These drugs are over-the-counter medicines that make you feel better when you're sick. However, they don't address the cause of your problem--that is, an infection and your immune system. Why do they sell, then?

The answer is that if you only address the symptoms, it will take longer for your body to get over an infection. This means you are sick for longer, take more pills to keep your discomfort down, and buy more drugs. While the symptoms go away temporarily, your immune system is in no way boosted.

If you look beyond major corporations for your health needs, you'll see more and more natural medicine being used. So explore. You just might find yourself feeling better and spending less. There is much anecdotal evidence, as well as scientific evidence, to suggest that natural cures work. Remember, though, that everyone's body chemistry is different, and products may be more or less effective with different people.