Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine - Which One is Better?

Traditional medicine vs. modern medicine: which one is better? Modern medicine has been around for decades. Although it has provided incredible effects, the traditional way of healing has been assisting individuals with their diseases and ailments for thousands of years. 

But choosing whether to pursue a traditional approach or modern method of healing in dealing with health conditions is just a personal decision. 

If you’re still wondering about which one to choose, you should only decide after having a solid understanding of the differences between the two healing methods. 

What is a traditional medicine? 

It’s one of the oldest healing methods. 

China practices it for thousands of years. The traditional healing has grown a lot as several practitioners made use of plants, animals and mineral substances found in their own region to treat diseases and illnesses. 

Traditional medicine is non-invasive. It’s a natural way to address the malfunctions in the body. 

What is modern medicine? 

It’s been around for more than 100 years. But it has already eradicated crippling and deadly diseases, like whooping cough, smallpox, and several others. 

Unlike traditional medicine, modern medicine is based entirely on a scientific approach. It heals by creating synthesized drugs in treating disease. 

This healing approach involves invasive surgical procedures in addressing several conditions. 

Which is better? 

The implementation of science isn’t perfect. Some modern medicines come with adverse side effects. 

For example, surgical procedures don’t work in every case. During the 1980s, some people started to drift away from embracing modern medicine to traditional medicine. 

Even if some of us are still focusing on either modern or traditional medicine, no one can’t deny the fact that we’re in a world of blended medicine. 

It’s an approach that uses both conventional and modern healing methods in treating different illnesses. 

For several years, modern doctors censured traditional practitioners and vice versa. But both sides are going toward a blended medical environment. 

What are some of the traditional medicines in the Philippines approved by the DOH? 

1. Cassia alata

Popularly known as akapulko or bayabas-bayabasan, it’s a ringworm bush in English. As the name suggests, it’s used to cure ringworms and some fungal skin infections. 

2. Momordica charantia

It’s also known as bitter gourd, bitter melon or ampalaya. The DOH approved this traditional medicine for the treatment of a non-insulin dependent type of diabetes. 

3. Vitex negundo 

You know it as lagundi. In English, it’s called 5-leaved chaste tree and. Its primary role as a traditional medicine is to relieve coughs and asthma. 

4. Blumea balsamifera

In English, it’s called Blumea camphora. In the Philippines, this traditional medicine is known as sambong that assists in the elimination of urinary stones. 

5. Clinopodium douglasii 

It’s known as peppermint or yerba buena. This traditional medicine is used to treat body aches and pain. You can take it internally or use it externally by pounding its leaves and apply on the afflicted area directly. 

How to handle medicinal plants to be used as a traditional medicine? 

Purchasing herbs grown organically, i.e. sans pesticides is ideal. You should harvest them on a sunny morning. Don’t pick their leaves, fruits or nuts after rain. 

Before you harvest medicinal plants, it’s best to allow their leaves, flowers, and nuts to mature first. The reason for this is that there are less therapeutic substances that you can find on young parts. 

Conclusion 

If you’re considering traditional medicine, you should think balance. You should take your health from both the traditional and medicine sides of drugs as it’s the best option for your health.