The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease. - Voltaire
I can see it, Dr. G. You're already cringing in anticipation of what ridiculousness is about to flow from my mind this evening. It's okay.
I know I have no right to speak of such things, as I never took any higher science classes than high school biology and chemistry. I should be ashamed of myself for what I've been thinking lately. But I've found myself being more and more interested in herbs used for medicinal reasons.
Modern medicine is quite useful, as I've said before and willingly confess once again. I'm entirely grateful that my children will not likely die of fevers or complications of childhood illnesses. I am certainly appreciative in knowing that should some unthinkable accident occur - the amazing talents of surgeons and physical therapists are readily available in a moment's notice. It is a balm to my soul to know that antibiotics are still pretty good at killing bacteria before it kills me.
But I'm not so convinced that every little ache and pain we experience necessitates a trip to the doctor's office. I'm skeptical that the host of medicines we subject our bodies to help any more than they hurt in the long run. The more I go "natural" the more I realize how out of tune with our bodies we really are, and how the choices we make about what goes in affect our health and well being far more than anyone is willing to let on.
So that's why I've found myself wondering more and more about the "medicines" that people have been using for thousands of years. It's never been enough for me to hear an authority on any subject say something is so and accept it without further thought. I want to know whether it is a true statement or partially true or false, based on any myriad of reasons including what someone stands to gain by his claims. That's why I've decided to take our list of complaints in this household and do a little research and test a few claims.
So I look forward to getting back to you on this subject. And as always I invite you to share your own opinion, experiences or beliefs on the topic.
Goodnight!
