Is Medication Evil?

Seattle, Washington
September 4, 2016 9:06pm CST
My family eschews medicinal drugs. I married a pharmacist. They still love me, but we can't talk about "the evils" of modern medicine without some heated discussion ensuing. So my family tries herbal remedies, supplements, and dietary changes that Google has told them might work; I go to the doctor and get a pill. I don't know. I just prefer to use methods that have been scientifically proven to work for most people, instead of methods that may work for some people, but haven't been scientifically studied. And if I have an adverse side effect, I go back to the doctor and try another medication. Of course, I'm "pumping my body full of chemicals" (what does that even mean? Everything is chemical!) so every health problem I have can be blamed on drugs I've taken in the past. Ironically, I take an immunosuppressant because I have an autoimmune disease, yet I get a cold about once a year - and the rest of my family is sick 50% of the time. (I wonder how they'd like it if I told them herbs and supplements were destroying their bodies!)
4 people like this
5 responses
• Valdosta, Georgia
5 Sep 16
I rarely ever take medication. Not because of chemicals (as you said that's in our food, drinks, air, etc). I am very sensitive when it comes to medicine, which is my reason. Aleve makes me feel funny and see things that aren't there-my body is THAT sensitive to medicines. The only thing I can take without a problem is Advil. I had an abscess and the doctors gave me pain meds at the hospital. I felt SO loopy, I couldn't walk to the bathroom by myself! I don't like not having self control. I have to be in control at all times of my body and mind. That's just me though. And I don't care if others want to take medications or need to-that doesn't bother me at all. I just can't do it myself.
2 people like this
• Valdosta, Georgia
5 Sep 16
@listener1987 No I don't have any-thank God. I have enough other problems. It's usually financial problems or health problems that people have--we have the first always. Anyway, yeah Aleve and pain meds make me feel like I am insane-no thank you! Lol.
1 person likes this
• Seattle, Washington
5 Sep 16
Yikes! That's a crazy side effect to have with Aleve! Yeah...the paid meds they give you at the hospital will do that to anyone, honestly! It sounds like you don't have too many health problems so that's good, if you're that sensitive to medications! I hope you never have to find out what else you're sensitive to!
1 person likes this
@KatILUs (46)
• United States
5 Sep 16
I don't know much about herbal remedies, am I'm not saying that they don't work. I just consider myself to be a bigger believe in science. I'd rather take something that's proven to make me better when I'm feeling crappy than some herb that stinks and may help me, that there's no research on.
1 person likes this
• Seattle, Washington
5 Sep 16
Haha, "some herb that stinks." I love it. I take a handful of pills every morning. Most of them are prescriptions. I'm definitely dying early... ;)
1 person likes this
• Austin, Texas
7 Sep 16
Scientifically proven huh? Well! Let me just say this. There is so-called “modern” medicine and then there is the so-called “herbal” or “alternative” medicine. Some prefer one over the other. My late mother believed in herbal remedies. My late father always went to a doctor. I was watching a documentary program one time and the educated doctors had come to this place to learn about how the locals or natives treated a certain illness. I can remember one doctor being proud and pompous, saying these people had not received training or teaching and could not possibly know what they were talking about or what they were doing. Because what they were doing did not jive with modern medical practices. By contrast, the other doctor said he was willing to learn from them because the people had been using a treatment that had been working for years where modern medicines and treatments had been ineffective. He said and this is almost a direct quote: “These people may not be educated, but they are by no means ignorant!” So. When it comes to treating an ailment, figure out what works for you.
• Austin, Texas
7 Sep 16
@listener1987 - Well I've seen my mother use home remedies that were very effective. But I've also seen my dad follow his doctor's advice and it was also effective. In the end you just pray and hope God grants you good health. :)
1 person likes this
• Seattle, Washington
7 Sep 16
Very good =) Yeah, I admit, I am more like the first doctor. I guess I've seen so much ignorance I am pretty skeptical. For me, that's why it would be a last resort - I'd rather try things that have had studies done on them and proven to have worked. But if those don't, I'd try other things.
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Sep 16
I believe in using both medications and herbs/supplements cautiously and in balance. *be well*
• United States
6 Sep 16
@listener1987 I take only vitamins that my personal body needs daily. (never multi). I take single herb capsules and pair them with other herb capsules depending on desired effect; fever reducing, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, colds and sore throats. Simple herbs like turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, red clover, slippery elm and others that are all 'foods' at heart. I don't take these herbs daily, only when needed as a remedy. They actually work best that way. Over all they seem to have made a favorable difference to my health.
1 person likes this
• Seattle, Washington
6 Sep 16
Fair enough! May I ask what your experience with supplements has been? Have you noticed any health difference?
1 person likes this
• Seattle, Washington
7 Sep 16
@FibroGodess Good to know!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
5 Sep 16
I don't believe that taking medication is evil at all. When I am sick and needs medical attention, I take what the doctor's prescribe, although I include supplements. I have learned about supplementation when I learned of the changes in the kind of food we take, the water, and even the environmental changes happening around us. Hope you'll be well.
1 person likes this
• Seattle, Washington
5 Sep 16
I'm glad to hear it! Where did you learn about the benefits of supplements?