Cover photo from Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacy. (November 2024) In China, many pharmacies sell Western medicines. The population tends to consume a combination of the two. The drug was concocted in this case for my wife, who also created the prescription. In large pharmacies for traditional Chinese medicine, you will find hundreds, maybe even thousands, of drawers with various strange substances, animal and plant-based. The mixture is usually boiled for 2-4 hours and then drunk. The flavors are usually not palatable. (There are exceptions)
Pros and cons of herbal medicine versus pharmaceutical drugs.
In my view, herbal medicine fills nutrient deficiencies in the body in six categories: minerals, trace metals (essential for enzymes), vitamins, electrolytes, antioxidants, and essential enzymes. I want to emphasize that herbal medicine is not a panacea, as commercial publications sometimes tend to portray.
Pros.
- Natural remedies correspond well with the body, recognizing them as natural substances.
- The prescription is customized for patients, according to their needs, by a specialist.
- Most often, there are no contraindications.
- Side effects are minimal.
- The cost is often reasonable. (There are exceptions)
Cons.
- The concentration of active ingredients is low – a very slow effect.
- It usually takes several treatments to feel the change. The patient may get tired and abandoned.
- It's not a shelf drug.
- Preparation is usually required (prolonged boiling)
When summarizing the pros and cons, I believe herbal medicines are advantageous for chronic conditions requiring prolonged treatment. At the same time, pharmaceutical drugs are designed for short terms, especially when a quick response is required. In practice, this is not the case.
