What can I use for….is one of the most common and frustrating questions I get asked.
You may be surprised to know that this mindset of using a specific “drug” for a specific problem has only been around since the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
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How did we fall into this trap of something specific helping a dis-ease?
In the mid 1800’s a group of physicians created the American Medical Association (AMA). Shortly after scientists started isolating chemicals to create synthetic drugs. This helped AMA doctors easily use synthetic aspirin to treat pain which began our love affair with using this diagnostic model. Our simple medical model currently is using this drug to treat this disease.
For me or anyone that has studied aromatherapy, or any natural health modality this doesn’t work. So, if you ask me “What can I use to treat a headache?” I will not say use willow bark or wintergreen essential oil! These are some of the plants used to create aspirin.
Instead I would want to sit down with you and discuss your overall health. How do you sleep? What is your diet like? Do you have allergies? Are you taking prescription or over the counter medicines?
Lack of sleep, eating the wrong foods for you or seasonal allergies could be a cause. If you are taking any medications have you read all the of the literature that comes with it? Many of the synthetic medicines we use to treat one issue can cause a laundry list of side effects that we don’t always realize.
I hate to be blunt, but if you want a serious answer consider booking a consultation. If someone is willing to say “oh use peppermint essential oil” do you really think they took your health into consideration? Or could it be they would like to sell you a product?
For anyone that has studied a natural healing model we would much rather re-introduce you to the ideas that we once had about our health. An herbalist, aromatherapist, homeopath etc. is going to want to guide you to explore your health. They will offer you options, which should be explored with your medical professional.
So, the next time you want to ask someone “What can I use for….?” Take some time to consider, what is this person’s background? This will help you determine what type of answer your will get.
