Traditional Medicine

A lot of things are happening in the world right now. People are spreading fake news and false criticism all over social media. This is my say on traditional medicine and why people are against it.

Hello everyone! I hope you are doing fine. There was a row among people regarding traditional medicines and modern ones. This is what I'll address in this blog with my personal views and arguments.

These are hard times. The whole human race is at stake. The invisible is taking its toll on humanity. The doctors and scientists are doing their best to save people. They try to cure one and another disease pops up. This doesn’t seem to show any signs of immediate defeat. So as an alternative why don't they just try traditional medicine?

World leaders consider India a nation potential of finding a viable cure for the disease. India is one of the very few places where medicinal herbs and traditional medicines are very well documented, preserved and available to everyone. We are supposed to take good advantage of it. Those people who call traditional medicines un-scientific and un-proven; everything that's being followed in India is based on observational science. Over the centuries, people have forged several scientific values and principles in the name of customs and tradition in the Indian culture.

So, what are the traditional medicines and health practices that we're talking about?

Our grandparents advise us to wash hands, legs and rinse mouth every time we return home. How many of us took that seriously then? Now we do that every day, every time after being afraid of CoViD 19 and advised by the WHO. Isn't that hilarious? Bathrooms and toilets used to be away from living areas in old houses. Do we have it now? Of course not. In the name of comfort, we have washrooms next to bedrooms. We proudly tell relatives that we have "attached bathrooms". Turmeric has been used as an anti-bacterial for a long time. We are more attracted to Dettol and Savlon and on the other side of the world, people are claiming patents for the anti-bacterial property of turmeric and neem. 

India has a perfect balance of climates, perfect for the growth of a vast variety of plants and medicinal herbs. Shouldn't we take proper advantage of this boon? 

This is not the first time that the world is stricken by a deadly disease. This has happened many times in the past and the people of India have not died in huge numbers when compared to other parts of the world. History speaks it. This modern medicine that we're talking about is only about 500 years old. But Indian traditional medicines go a long way back in the timeline and they have very few side effects.

The Indian government has set up new institutions and they're supporting the other existing institutions of traditional medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. It is a very welcoming move from the government. The government should also make sure that doctors of traditional medicine are given equal rights, respect and security. 

I'm not arguing against modern medicines, they have saved millions, for sure. They are affordable, effective more studied on and scientifically proven, but no medicine gives 100% efficacy. All these years people were being treated with the known knowledge of traditional medicines. Then, why some people and politicians of India are against traditional medicines?

Are they being influenced by the medical mafia? Are companies worried that their allopathic medicine business will go down if traditional medicines get a breakthrough? That raises a lot of debatable questions. As young Indians, the future of our nation falls into our hands. Making wise choices and being the change for the greater good becomes our responsibility.

If you have points to add, please do it. This blog is open to counter-arguments and constructive criticism.

Stay home, stay safe. Keep you and yours healthy.

Thank you.