There are some alternative medicine benefits that may persuade people to use alternative therapies rather than more conventional options, such as prescription drugs and visits to a physician. One benefit is the financial savings, because many alternative treatments are less expensive than prescription medications and therapies. Another reason that alternative medicine may appeal to some is the self-reliance patients feel when they are able to relieve symptoms on their own, something that is especially important to those without regular access to a doctor. An additional advantage is that many alternative treatments are considered natural, so they may not have as many unknown risks as synthetic drugs can have. Despite various alternative medicine benefits, patients are advised to see a doctor for an official diagnosis and to ask for information about natural treatment methods before self-treating with alternative therapies.
The price of most types of treatment is among the major alternative medicine benefits. Those who choose alternatives often find that they save money, because they do not have to purchase prescription medications, which can be quite expensive. Instead, they may treat symptoms through the use of herbs or teas, products that usually can be purchased relatively inexpensively at health food stores. Those who use alternative medicines also may perform certain exercises or stretches to relieve some symptoms, and these cost nothing beyond the initial outlay for any required equipment. While initial doctor's visits are recommended, alternative treatments also may allow patients to avoid costly follow-up visits, especially for minor conditions that pose little real health threat.
Some patients find satisfaction in the ability to solve their own health issues rather than relying on a doctor, making self-reliance another of the alternative medicine benefits. They may enjoy mixing herbs or growing plants that are known for relieving certain symptoms. This way, they rarely have to see a doctor, at least for minor illnesses or injuries that they know how to treat on their own. Alternative medicines may be especially appealing to people who do not live near a doctor’s office or pharmacy or perhaps do not have reliable transportation, because they may feel safer when they can get treatment without leaving the house.
Additionally, some patients simply do not trust the ingredients in many prescription drugs, because new side effects and risks are often being discovered. For such patients, one of the most important alternative medicine benefits is the fact that alternative medicines rarely contain synthetic ingredients. Instead, most items are simple, perhaps consisting of a single herb or a mixture of all-natural ingredients. Such treatments have been around for centuries, so those in favor of alternative medicine usually believe the majority of their risks and side effects are already known. Still, if an ailment is beyond the scope of a common cold or allergies, people are advised to seek a doctor's diagnosis before attempting to self-treat with alternative therapies, in part to ensure that they're treating the right condition.