It can be easy to feel concerned when you see the ingredients on the back of some medicine bottles. Harsh-sounding chemicals, numbers and letters that don’t look like something you should consume, and warning labels make the whole thing a little worrying. Is it safe to consume something that is “unnatural”? Or should you simply stick to the remedies that people have devised outside of the medical world? Let’s take a look at what all of this really means so that you can make a choice for yourself.
What Does Natural Mean?
In the case of medicine, people usually refer to natural options as those that are extracted from plants, without synthesised chemicals brought into the mix. There are plenty of examples of natural medicines on the market, but it can be hard to find an alternative to everything the doctor will prescribe, especially if you are on strong medication. This makes it a challenge for those who want to stick to completely natural options, and it’s not uncommon for those who do to find themselves getting sicker down the line as a result. Thankfully, you have someone you can trust in the form of your doctor when you’re making choices like this, making it just a little bit easier to feel comfortable with the decisions you’re making.
Are Synthesised Ingredients Bad?
It can be all too easy to assume that something that is made in a lab is automatically bad for you, or even “unnatural”. Many of the ingredients found in modern medicines are also found in plants, animals, and even you, but synthesising them will result in a more concentrated and pure specimen. This isn’t always the case, and some of the ingredients you find in medicines are only found in labs, but this isn’t necessarily bad, either. It’s always worth looking up the potential side-effects of the medicine you’re prescribed, as the ingredients don’t mean much unless you’re a scientist.
Blurred Lines
As an example of the way that the lines between natural and unnatural can be blurred, bent, and shifted, it’s time to look at two popular options for those struggling to get a good night’s sleep; CBD oil and melatonin supplements. CBD oil is extracted from hemp and purified, making it just about as natural as any remedy out there. Melatonin supplements, on the other hand, are usually made in a lab. This treatment relies on a natural hormone to produce a normal and natural response in your body, showing how easy it can be to get caught up in the idea of ingredients. CBD oil and melatonin supplements can both be good options, though it’s always worth figuring out what’s best for you.
With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of understanding the options you have when you’re choosing medicines. As time goes on, more and more options that appeal to those who want natural treatments will hit the market, with many looming over the horizon today.
*collaborative post
