Is the Focus on ‘Natural’ Over ‘Scientific’ Misguided in Wellness?

The debate over natural versus scientific approaches to wellness has been ongoing, with many advocates of natural remedies believing they are inherently better and safer. However, the scientific basis of modern medicine and the efficacy of natural products often converge in ways that challenge this perspective.

Why Natural Isn't Necessarily Better

Simply because something is considered natural, it does not mean it is inherently beneficial or superior. Nature can be harsh and unforgiving. For instance:

Snake venom is naturally occurring but is not used in wellness practices. Polio, a natural disease, is associated with negative health outcomes, not wellness. Cancer, a natural phenomenon, is not typically associated with wellness. Hemlock, another natural substance, is generally not used in wellness practices due to its harms.

Mainstream Medicine's Heedless Risk

The reality is that while natural remedies may seem appealing, the focus on them can sometimes reflect a hidden desire for cheaper alternatives to more expensive medical treatments. Mainstream medicine, though often maligned, is not without its challenges, especially in the United States.

According to statistics, mainstream medicine is actually the third leading cause of premature death in the U.S., highlighting the importance of considering evidence-based treatments.

The Myth of All-Natural

The term ‘natural’ is often misinterpreted as free from harm or side-effects. However, this is fundamentally a delusion. Nearly all medicines in use before the year 2000 were concentrated forms of natural ingredients.

In the 1950s to the 1970s, the Golden Age of Antibiotics led to the development of most modern antibiotics, which are still concentrated forms of naturally derived substances.

Understanding the Mechanism

Many people believe that natural remedies must be safer, but this is not true. All small molecule drugs, whether naturally derived or lab-manufactured, work by agonizing receptors on cell membranes, triggering changes in cellular action. This mechanism is consistent across drugs like Ibuprofen and marijuana.

Value-adding to this, the argument that natural remedies are completely safe is highly misleading. Many have significant side effects:

Ginkgo Biloba can cause intraocular pressure and glaucoma. St. John’s Wort can bind to blood albumin, affecting the efficacy of other drugs, including natural ones, and causing sexual dysfunction and headaches. Cannabis, particularly when used before age 16, can lead to cognitive dysfunction.

A Physician’s Desk Reference is dedicated to tracking side effects of natural remedies and interactions with modern medications.

Homeopathy: A Delusion or Science?

Homeopathic treatments are often considered natural, but they represent a well-intended anti-science approach. While homeopaths may not see themselves as anti-scientific, the result is the same. Only science that accurately describes and predicts natural phenomena is considered valid.

The efficacy of homeopathic remedies is highly questionable. Only about 10% of homeopathic remedies, in my opinion, show any significant efficacy, and even then, this efficacy is far less than FDA-approved variants. For example, garlic contains the active antibiotic ingredient allicin, which works as an antibiotic but is limited in its effectiveness compared to its scientifically derived counterparts.

Garlic Paste vs. Gangrene

While garlic paste can be used to prevent infections when applied correctly, it is not a viable treatment for systemic infections like throat, lung, or blood infections. Using garlic improperly can actually increase the risk of infection by introducing organic material to the wound.

For severe infections like gangrene, the limited efficacy of allicin means that using pure garlic would be futile and potentially dangerous. To achieve even a fraction of the antibiotic properties of allicin, one would need to consume vast quantities of garlic, far beyond the practical and safe limits.

Conclusion: Science and Natural Are Not Mutually Exclusive

The bottom line is that there is no actual separation between 'science' and 'natural.' A natural product must undergo rigorous testing and prove its efficacy in controlled trials to be approved as a valid drug. If it does not work, it will not be approved.

Modern scientific drugs are often naturally derived, albeit in concentrated forms, and some are now manufactured in labs. The majority of the hype around natural and homeopathic therapies is generated by a fear-driven and scientifically illiterate mindset. Understanding the mechanisms of action and acknowledging the potential risks and benefits is crucial for informed decision-making in wellness.