4 ms·
Thanks. I find this entire area really interesting, but also difficult to navigate as a skeptic because it can be really difficult to separate out the valid sci
by rebeccaskinner 2y ago
Thanks. I find this entire area really interesting, but also difficult to navigate as a skeptic because it can be really difficult to separate out the valid scientifically grounded stuff from the woo that tends to permeate a lot of this stuff, and there's a lot of scientifically grounded knowledge in natural remedies that also have some big caveats that people overlook. I think about things like, e.g. licorice root tea that is natural and might be effective at what it's supposed to do, but also presents a lot of danger that proper pharmaceuticals wouldn't (or would document properly) and it makes me a bit averse to going toward whole plants first.
Still, I do appreciate the perspective. The disaster preparedness and survival enthusiast in me also tries to keep a running catalogue of natural remedies in my head just in case.
- CoffeeOnWrite 2y agoYep it’s a small minority of herbs whose effectiveness is backed up by quality studies. Modern herbalists have “debunked” some traditional remedies. Some herbs have legitimate uses but are also fairly dangerous, like lobelia. There’s a whole continuum. Flower essences are popular among legitimate herbalists, but smell bogus to me. I suggest to try for yourself and come to your own conclusions. The areas where I have found the herbs decisively effective are improving my sleep quality, quieting anxiety, and soothing and improving my digestion.