A key difference between mainstream and herbal medicine is the concept of passive vs. active consumers.
Many people I know who choose to use mainstream healthcare pay little to no attention to their diet, lifestyle or stress level.
They go through life until they get sick, then go to the doctor with the attitude the doctor will make them better. This usually involves a pill of some type.
I consider these people to be passive consumers. They make little to no effort to be informed about a healthy lifestyle. They view the doctor as having all the power and knowledge. Any healing or cure that happens is totally determined by the doctor’s training and skill level or the pharmaceutical drug that is prescribed.
People who successfully use plants in home-based health care have a very different approach. These folks need to make a commitment first to a better diet and then to a healthier lifestyle. This usually includes either being more active through exercise or slowing down and relaxing. Actively seeking to reduce stress is an essential part of this new lifestyle.
Only then do herbs enter the picture. Studying and using herbal medicine is a lifelong pursuit. Time and commitment are required to become proficient in this area.
It is not enough to simply look for “This herb for this problem” type information. While books are an excellent way to get started, at some point the avid student will feel the need for a face to face class.
I consider these type of people to be very active consumers who take responsibility for their own health and are able to prevent many health problems or deal with some of them as needed. Doctors are seen as an important and respected resource and definitely used when needed.
As much as I treasure the gifts from the plant world, I have to admit herbal medicine is not for everyone. Being actively involved and taking responsibility for one’s own healthcare is not just a good idea. It is an absolute necessity when using herbal products. If a person is unable or unwilling to be an active participant, herbs will not be as effective.