Holistic Medicine

While there are many over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that work to treat the common cold, premenstrual syndrome, insomnia and many other illnesses, most conventional medications simply mask symptoms and may inhibit the body's natural ability to heal itself, according to Dworkin (1999). However, herbs and vitamins have a tendency to be gentler on the body and often enhance the body's natural recovery process. For this reason, many people are swapping their OTC medicines for holistic medicines.

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann discovered holistic medicine in the early 1800's. The doctor believed that medicine practiced during this time was barbaric and sought alternatives, experimenting on his family and friends. Hahnemann discovered that large dosages of herbs increased symptoms so he decreased the dosage and discovered that the symptoms decreased and usually ceased (Smith, p. 10).

Upon his discovery, the popularity of holistic medicine was incredible, particularly because most patients resisted modern techniques...
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