Why People Still Turn to Alternative and Traditional Cures

Alternative and traditional cures remain widely used because they emphasize root causes, prevention, affordability, and accessibility. While pharmaceutical research dominates conventional care, traditional therapies persist - particularly where medicines are scarce or costly. Anecdotes and growing research support some complementary treatments, but many claims need rigorous verification. Patients should prioritize safety, look for evidence, and coordinate care with health professionals.

Why alternatives remain popular

More people continue to explore alternative and traditional cures alongside conventional medicine. Many try them when prescription treatments fail to meet expectations, when side effects become a concern, or when they seek prevention and lifestyle-focused care.

How alternative approaches differ

Alternative approaches - often grouped under complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or traditional medicine - generally focus on identifying root causes and supporting the body's own healing capacity. Practitioners emphasize prevention, diet, exercise, stress management, and nonpharmacologic therapies.

Conventional medicine tends to focus on targeted treatments for diagnosed conditions. Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in drug research and development, while CAM modalities typically receive far less commercial funding and formal research support.

Global use and access

Traditional medicine remains an important part of health care in many low- and middle-income countries because it is often more accessible and affordable than commercially manufactured pharmaceuticals. In some regions traditional therapies are the dominant or only available option for large segments of the population .

Cost and supply barriers also affect use: essential medicines can be expensive or intermittently available in remote areas, which increases reliance on local remedies and healers.

Anecdotes, animals, and evidence

Anecdotal observations suggest that some people and animals respond well to traditional or nonpharmacologic treatments. Veterinary complementary medicine, such as acupuncture for horses and dogs, has practitioners and some supporting research. However, the reasons for observed responses - whether physiological, behavioral, or placebo-related - are complex and not fully settled ¹.

Claims that people in certain regions need less medication because their bodies are "used to" fighting disease, or that a smaller amount of disinfectant will suffice, are speculative and require careful clinical evidence before being accepted ².

Balancing choices and safety

Choosing between conventional and alternative options is a personal decision. Many people combine both approaches. When using alternative therapies, prioritize treatments with safety data, check for interactions with prescribed medicines, and consult qualified health professionals.

Health systems and researchers increasingly study traditional and complementary therapies to clarify benefits and risks. Informed choices and prevention-oriented care can complement medical advances without replacing treatments that have proven benefit.

1. Verify prevalence and primary role of traditional medicine in specific low- and middle-income countries (WHO or country health surveys).
2. Check evidence regarding reduced medication needs or differences in immune response among populations routinely using traditional remedies.
3. Confirm the extent and quality of research on veterinary complementary therapies (e.g., acupuncture studies for horses and dogs) and their accepted indications.