General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Naturopaths and the creep of pseudo-science [View all]Grateful for Hope
(39,320 posts)Speaking for myself, I am allergic to many antibiotics (I think it stems from over-use by my doctor and parents during my childhood). My allergic reactions have made me very fearful of trying anything new. As a result, I don't take antibiotics for anything anymore.
I tend to have chronic bronchitis, and it can become pretty severe where my breathing is impaired. So, when I had an occurrence about two years ago, I researched herbs and their associated healing qualities, and came upon some standard herbs that are used in cooking (most prominently, Indian cooking) that are linked to lessening the symptoms of bronchitis.
I tried using a particular herb as instructed in a few of the articles I read for this flare up, and I have to say that it did make me feel better. It did take a bit longer than an antibiotic probably would have, but it did work. Up until then, I had bouts that would last six weeks or more. This particular bout ended in a week and 1/2.
As I see it, there are pros and cons on both sides of this argument. However, I am seeing no one in this thread suggest that there is no use for main stream medicine, while I am seeing many indicate that anything outside of main stream is woo.
I suggest that this is not a black-and-white issue. There are good reasons for using both modalities.