Modern medicine has come such a long way since the turn of the 20th century. Diseases that once decimated populations can now be easily cured or prevented with a single visit to the doctor, and our life expectancy has nearly doubled in the past 100 years. Without our current advancements in pharmaceuticals and medical technology, many of us wouldn’t be here today.
Yet as grateful as I am for the incredible progress we’ve made, I often mourn the loss of of a deep, symbiotic relationship with the natural world – a relationship that provided not only remedies but a profound understanding of the earth’s healing potential.
Greek philosopher Hippocrates, the renowned ‘father of medicine,’ once famously stated, “Nature itself is the best physician.” And perhaps, despite how separated we now are from the natural world, there still is some profound truth in his words. Our ancestors once relied entirely on nature for healing, using centuries of passed-down knowledge to survive their illnesses and injuries. This ancient wisdom, born from a close observation of nature and a deep respect for the natural world, healed humankind for centuries and gave us an intimate connection with the world around us. These intricate systems of healing once utilized the medicinal properties of plants and fungi to treat a wide array of ailments. Indigenous communities developed a profound understanding of the flora and fauna around them, creating remedies that were passed down through generations.
So why haven’t these traditional practices and the wisdom they hold largely been forgotten? And why is the validity of these medicines so widely dismissed despite how long they’ve sustained and healed humanity?
The rise of big pharma and the modern healthcare system
Our relationship with medicine and nature began to dramatically change with the advent of the pharmaceutical industry. Synthetic and mass-produced drugs became our primary means of healing and with good reason. These drugs offered accessible and reliable treatments for many conditions that would have otherwise been deadly. Diseases like tuberculosis, once a death sentence, became treatable with antibiotics. Vaccines eradicated smallpox and have nearly eliminated diseases such as polio. It would be foolish to disregard the validity of the modern healthcare system, considering how much it has benefitted our overall health and well-being. Yet, as the pharmaceutical industry grew, so did its influence over the healthcare system.
A golden age of pharmaceuticals ensued following the development of penicillin in 1928. Major scientific breakthroughs were made during this time due to a boom in medical research throughout the United States and Europe, and for once, we had cures for several diseases that were previously incurable. Pharmaceutical companies began capitalizing on these breakthroughs by securing patents and industrializing their drug manufacturing to sell treatments on a global scale. Soon enough, a handful of major pharmaceutical companies began to monopolize the industry.
The influence of Big Pharma is a double-edged sword in modern medicine. These pharmaceutical giants drive innovation and develop life-saving medications and vaccines that have revolutionized healthcare. However, many of these drugs come with a host of side effects and other negative consequences. Medications designed to treat one ailment can inadvertently cause other health issues, sometimes requiring additional medications to manage these new problems. For instance, antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health, which is primarily caused by the overprescription and misuse of antibiotics. Now, many infections that were once easily treatable have become more tough to manage and more deadly.
Furthermore, the overwhelming focus on synthetic drugs has led to a significant neglect of natural cures. Despite being more accessible, affordable, and often safer, traditional remedies are frequently dismissed. The current healthcare model, driven by pharmaceutical interests, prioritizes the treatment of existing conditions with drugs, often neglecting the preventative potential of natural remedies and holistic health practices.
The marginalization of natural remedies
Despite the long-standing effectiveness of natural remedies for many people, they are often sidelined in contemporary healthcare. This is largely due to a lack of definitive scientific evidence, which undermines their credibility in the eyes of many healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in research and development to produce data that supports the efficacy and safety of their products. In contrast, many natural medicines rely on traditional knowledge and anecdotal evidence since the pharmaceutical industry’s focus on patentable, profitable drugs leaves little incentive to invest in the rigorous testing of natural remedies.
“Rarely do we see scientific evidence supporting claims made from herbal practitioners and herbal remedies. There is a lack of comprehensive, science-backed studies when it comes to the efficacy of herbal remedies, and this too makes it difficult for people to place their trust in these medicines,” says Medical Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner Jamie Bacharach.
Yet although current research on holistic remedies is rather limited, it does exist. Within the past few years we’ve seen a resurgence of interest in natural medicines like functional mushrooms and psychedelics for treating a wide range of ailments. This growing body of evidence is helping to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation.
Clinical Herbalist Carolyn Smith-Kizer notes: “One common misconception is that natural treatments, including medicinal mushrooms, are not scientifically validated. While it is true that many studies are still in preliminary stages, there is growing evidence supporting the efficacy of certain mushrooms in health management. For instance, the use of reishi mushrooms in oncology has shown promise in improving the effectiveness of conventional treatments and reducing their side effects (1). However, it is important to note that the quality of mushroom supplements can vary, and not all products are backed by rigorous clinical trials.”
No money, no medicine
The commercialization of healthcare has also led to a prioritization of treatments based on their financial viability rather than their overall health benefits. The significant investment required for developing and marketing new drugs means that pharmaceutical companies focus on treatments that can deliver substantial financial returns. As a result, the cost of medications and healthcare has skyrocketed, making it difficult for many individuals to afford essential treatments.
While natural remedies have been ignored for so long, they too are facing increasing commercialization. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in alternative medicine, as more people have recognized the limitations of conventional treatments and want to try a more holistic approach. Now, many research companies are suddenly interested in several natural medicines for their potential health benefits, which is finally boosting scientific progress, but at what cost?
Jessica Baker, LAc, RH (AHG), herbalist and CEO of Baker Botanica, emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity in the field of natural medicine, even as the industry sees increased investment and interest. She explains:
“With the rise of popularity of ‘functional’ and psychedelic mushrooms, we are seeing millions of dollars going into research. This is incredible, as private organizations are doing studies that pharmaceutical companies would never do. We also must be concerned that these companies, like the pharmaceutical companies, are for-profit businesses. Their bottom line is to profit, which is normal in our capitalistic system. But is that the paradigm we need to adhere to when it comes to our healthcare system?
As an herbalist, I have seen a corporation attempt to take a traditional herbal remedy, Fire Cider, and take it out of the hands (and pocketbooks) of herbalists. It took years of going to court and lots of money for a group of herbalists (The Fire Cider 3) to defeat a company that wanted to own the rights to a recipe that has been widely used and documented for generations.”
Baker’s concerns reveal the complexities of integrating natural remedies into a profit-driven system. While the influx of funding for research into natural medicines is a positive development, it also raises questions about the future direction of holistic healthcare. Will the drive for profit compromise the accessibility and communal nature of traditional remedies? As natural treatments attract more commercial interest, there’s a danger they will become more commodified, focusing mainly on generating revenue than on providing affordable, effective care. This could erode the foundation of natural medicine, which is built on the principles of accessibility, affordability, and a deep connection to nature and community.
The increasing commercialization of natural remedies also threatens product quality and industry transparency. Companies driven on profits might cut corners, resulting in “natural” supplements that are diluted or substancially adulterated, leading to products that have little to no health benefits. Such lack of transparency, whether for mushrooms or other herbal supplements, can diminish consumer confidence and cause potential health risks to those seeking natural solutions, potentially furthering distrust in natural medicines.
We’ve seen this problem arise with mushroom supplements, as many companies have cheaped out on their products by using primarily grain mycelium instead of fruiting bodies (whole mushrooms). Fruiting bodies are more expensive but contain the full range of bioactive compounds necessary for the health benefits that mushrooms offer. This practice has raised concerns amongst those in the mushroom supplement industry. For instance, Nammex (North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts) filed a petition with the FDA last year to challenge the misleading labeling and quality issues associated with mushroom supplements. The initiative seeks to ensure that customers are not misled and that the products they purchase are both effective and true to their labeling.
“With herbal remedies like mushrooms, there is often a lack of regulation, which leads to inconsistent quality, resulting in varying potency and fluctuating efficacy of herbal products. This makes it difficult for healthcare providers to advocate, because they can be hit or miss,” adds Bacharach. “Many people assume natural means safe, and this is not the case. Many herbal drug manufacturers are not FDA approved and you should always do your research on drug companies before testing their product.”
A return to holistic healing
Ironically, despite much of the “Western” world dismissing traditional knowledge, we tend to return to these natural medicines in times of need. This pattern suggests an inherent trust and reliance on the wisdom of natural remedies when modern medicine falls short or becomes inaccessible. As the limitations of purely pharmaceutical approaches become more evident, the incorporation of natural remedies is seen as a way to enhance overall well-being and address the root causes of illnesses.
“The integration of medicinal mushrooms into conventional healthcare practices highlights the potential for a more holistic approach to medicine. Integrative medicine, which combines conventional treatments with natural remedies, can offer a more comprehensive approach to patient care. Success stories and case studies have shown that natural remedies can complement conventional treatments, leading to better health outcomes,” states Kizer.
This approach to healthcare not only addresses symptoms but also promotes overall wellness. By combining the strengths of modern medicine with the wisdom of traditional practices, we can create a more resilient and adaptable healthcare system. However, this can only be achieved if we acknowledge the value of both conventional and natural remedies and work towards integrating them seamlessly.
“The predominant issue, as I see it, is that the pharmaceutical and insurance companies are leading the conversation about what healthcare should look like. I think a step towards integrating natural remedies into healthcare is to shift the focus from treating all diseases with long-term pharmaceutical use to education and prevention of disease with access to healthy food and whole herbs, and to utilize pharmaceuticals as intervention when necessary,” says Baker. “Many hospitals are integrating acupuncture into their care, while others offer yoga, tai chi, meditation, or other stress-reducing activities. This is a step in the right direction, but we must focus on prevention and treatment if we want the system to change.”
Research and development play a crucial role in this process. Continued investment in the scientific study of natural remedies can help validate their efficacy and safety, making it easier for these treatments to be accepted by the broader medical community. Clear regulatory guidelines and standards for natural remedies are also necessary to ensure quality and safety for consumers.
Ultimately, the journey towards integrating natural remedies into mainstream healthcare is about finding a balance between innovation and tradition. The wisdom of our ancestors, who relied on natural medicines for healing, should not be dismissed but rather embraced and validated through modern scientific research. This combined effort will help create a healthcare system that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks forward to a healthier, more balanced future.
References
- Venturella, Giuseppe, et al. “Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 22, no. 2, 10 Jan. 2021, p. 634, res.mdpi.com/d_attachment/ijms/ijms-22-00634/article_deploy/ijms-22-00634-v2.pdf, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22020634.
