The disregard towards mushrooms and other natural remedies in traditional Western medication.
The diminishing significance of age-old natural healing methods in contemporary medicine
In the grand scheme of things, medicine has experienced an impressive evolution since the turn of the 20th century. What used to be fatal conditions are now easily prevented or cured with a simple visit to a physician, and our average lifespan has essentially doubled in the past 100 years, all thanks to the glorious advancements in pharmaceuticals and medical technology.
Yet, sometimes I find myself pining for a lost connection with nature - a bond that not only offered remedies but a profound understanding of the earth's healing power. Greek philosopher Hippocrates, famed as the 'father of medicine,' once mused, "Nature itself is the best physician." There's probably more truth in those words than we might realize, given our current estrangement from the natural world.
Our ancestors once wholly depended on nature for healing, using centuries of shared wisdom to combat their illnesses and injuries. This ancient knowledge, born from careful observation of nature and deep respect for the natural world, healed people for countless generations. They attributed medicinal properties to an array of plants and fungi, providing an incredible range of treatments for various ailments. Indigenous communities in particular nurtured an intimate understanding of the flora and fauna surrounding them, sharing their remedies through the generations.
One might wonder, then, why these traditional practices and the wisdom they harbored haven't been memorialized? And why their legitimacy is so frequently challenged despite their long history of sustaining and curing humanity?
The ascent of big pharma and the modern healthcare system
The way we interact with medicine and nature started to drastically change with the advent of the pharmaceutical industry. Synthetic, mass-produced drugs became the preferred means of treatment, and for good reason. These drugs provided accessible and reliable solutions to conditions that would have otherwise been lethal. Diseases like tuberculosis, once considered a death sentence, could now be combatted with antibiotics, and vaccines eradicated smallpox and nearly eradicated polio. To disregard the validity of the modern healthcare system given its substantial contribution to our overall health and well-being would be short-sighted.
However, as the pharmaceutical industry expanded, so did its influence over the healthcare system.
A golden age of pharmaceuticals commenced post the development of penicillin in 1928. During this period, major scientific breakthroughs were accomplished, mainly due to a surge in medical research across the United States and Europe. For once, we had cures for several diseases that were previously incurable. Pharmaceutical companies seized this opportunity, securing patents and industrializing their drug production to sell treatment on a global scale. Soon enough, a few key pharmaceutical companies had monopolized the industry.
The impact of Big Pharma is a double-edged sword in modern medicine. These pharmaceutical titans foster innovation and develop life-saving medications and vaccines that have transformed healthcare. But many of these drugs come with a host of side effects and other negative consequences. Medications designed to cure one ailment can inadvertently cause other health issues, frequently requiring additional medications to manage these newly surfacing problems. For instance, antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health, primarily due to the overprescription and misuse of antibiotics. Now, many infections that were easy to overcome are increasingly challenging and potentially fatal.
Moreover, the focus on synthetic drugs has led to a significant disregard of natural cures. Despite being more accessible, affordable, and generally safer, traditional remedies are often sidelined. The current healthcare system, driven by pharmaceutical interests, centers around treating existing conditions with medications, often neglecting the preventative potential of natural remedies and holistic health practices.
The sidelining of natural remedies
In spite of the longstanding effectiveness of natural remedies for many, they're seldom championed in today's healthcare landscape. This neglect primarily stems from a lack of concrete scientific evidence, which reduces their credibility in the eyes of many healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in research and development to generate data supporting their products' efficacy and safety. In contrast, natural medicines frequently rely on traditional knowledge and anecdotal evidence, as the pharmaceutical sector's focus on patentable, profitable drugs renders little incentive for investing in rigorous testing of natural remedies.
Jamie Bacharach, Medical Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner, states, "Rarely do we see scientific evidence backing claims made by herbal practitioners and herbal remedies. There is a scarcity of comprehensive, evidence-based studies when it comes to the efficacy of herbal remedies, making it difficult for people to put their trust in these medicines."
However, recently a resurgence of interest in natural medicines like functional mushrooms and psychedelics for treating a myriad of ailments has transpired. This burgeoning body of evidence is progressively filling the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific validation.
Clinical Herbalist Carolyn Smith-Kizer highlights a common misconception: "It's frequently assumed that natural treatments, including medicinal mushrooms, lack scientific validation. While it's accurate that many studies are still in their preliminary stages, there is an expanding body of evidence supporting the efficacy of some mushrooms in health management[1]. However, it is essential to note that the quality of mushroom supplements can vary, and not every product undergoes rigorous clinical trials."
Profit over health
The commercialization of healthcare has also led to a prioritization of treatments based on their financial viability rather than overall health benefits. The significant capital required for developing and marketing new drugs ensures that pharmaceutical companies concentrate on treatments that boast substantial financial returns. As a result, the costs of medication and healthcare have skyrocketed, making it difficult for many individuals to afford essential treatments.
Though natural remedies have been disregarded for so long, they too are facing increased commercialization. Over the past decade, the fascination with alternative medicine has surged, as more people recognize the limitations of conventional treatments and seek a more holistic approach. Now, research companies are suddenly interested in multiple natural remedies for their potential health benefits, finally fostering scientific progress but at what cost?
Jessica Baker, LAc, RH (AHG), herbalist and CEO of Baker Botanica, conveys the importance of maintaining integrity within natural medicine, even as the industry faces escalating interest:
"With the boom in popularity of 'functional' and psychedelic mushrooms, we're witnessing millions of dollars being invested in research. This is fantastic, as private organizations are conducting studies that pharmaceutical companies never would. Simultaneously, we must be mindful that these companies, like pharmaceutical companies, are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to earn a profit, which is inherent to our capitalistic system. But is this the paradigm we want to adhere to when it comes to our healthcare system?
As an herbalist, I've witnessed instances where a corporation has attempted to seize control of a traditional herbal remedy, Fire Cider, taking it out of the hands (and pockets) of herbalists. It took years of court battles and an immense amount of money for a group of herbalists (The Fire Cider 3) to defeat a company that wanted to usurp the rights to a recipe that has been widely used and documented for generations."
Baker's concerns underscore the complexity of integrating natural remedies into a profit-driven system. While the rise in funding for research into natural medicines is a positive development, it also raises concerns about the future trajectory of holistic healthcare. Does the pursuit of profit compromise the affordability and community-oriented essence of natural medicine? As natural treatments capture the attention of a larger audience, there's a risk they'll become more commodified, prioritizing revenue over providing affordable, effective care. This could erode the foundation of natural medicine which is built upon principles of affordability, accessibility, and deep connection to nature and community.
The commercialization of natural remedies also threatens product quality and industry transparency. Companies driven by profits may cut corners, resulting in "natural" supplements that are diluted or adulterated, leaving products with little to no health benefits. This lack of transparency is detrimental, potentially compromising consumer confidence and causing potential health risks for those who seek natural solutions, further poisoning the well for natural medicines.
We've observed this issue arising with mushroom supplements, as many companies have opted for cheaper grain mycelium instead of fruiting bodies (the entire mushrooms). Fruiting bodies are more expensive but contain the comprehensive range of bioactive compounds required for the health benefits that mushrooms offer. This practice has raised concerns within the mushroom supplement industry. For example, Nammex (North American Medicinal Mushroom Extracts) filed a petition with the FDA last year to challenge the misleading labeling and quality issues associated with mushroom supplements. The initiative aims to ensure that consumers are not deceived and products are accurate to their labeling.
"With herbal remedies, including mushrooms, there is often a lack of regulation, resulting in inconsistent quality leading to varying potency and fluctuating efficacy of herbal products. This makes it difficult for healthcare providers to endorse these products because they can be hit or miss," adds Bacharach. "Many believe that 'natural' means safe, and this is simply not true. Many herbal drug manufacturers are not FDA approved, so always carry out research on drug companies before testing their products."
A return to holistic healing
Ironically, despite much of the "Western" world casting doubt on traditional knowledge, we frequently return to these natural remedies when conventional medicine falters or becomes inaccessible. This pattern suggests an underlying trust and reliance on the wisdom of natural remedies when modern medicine falls short or becomes too costly. As the limitations of purely pharmaceutical approaches become increasingly clear, the incorporation of natural remedies is seen as a way to enhance overall well-being and tackle the root causes of illnesses.
"The integration of medicinal mushrooms into conventional healthcare practices underscores the potential for a more comprehensive approach to medicine. Integrative medicine, combining conventional treatments with natural remedies, can offer a more holistic solution to patient care [1]. Success stories and case studies have indicated that natural remedies can complement conventional treatments, leading to improved health outcomes." Carolyn Smith-Kizer explains.
This approach to healthcare not only addresses symptoms but also promotes overall wellness. By fusing the strengths of modern medicine with the wisdom of traditional practices, we can foster a more resilient and adaptable healthcare system. However, this can only be achieved if we respect the validity of both conventional and natural remedies and work towards seamlessly integrating them.
"The primary issue, in my view, lies in the fact that pharmaceutical and insurance companies dominate the conversation about what healthcare should look like. I believe a vital step towards integrating natural remedies into healthcare is shifting the focus from treating all diseases with lifelong pharmaceutical use to education and prevention of disease with access to healthy food and whole herbs, and from utilizing pharmaceuticals as an intervention when necessary[2]," says Jessica Baker. "Many hospitals are introducing acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, meditation, or other stress-reducing activities into their care, while others offer stress management and well-being workshops. This is a step in the right direction, but we must prioritize prevention and treatment if we want the system to change."
Research and development have a crucial role to play in this transformation. Persistent investment in the scientific examination of natural remedies can help validate their efficacy and safety, making it easier for these treatments to be accepted by the medical community. Clear regulatory guidelines and quality standards for natural remedies are also essential to ensure consumer safety and confidence.
In conclusion, integrating traditional natural remedies into mainstream healthcare is about striking a delicate balance between innovation and tradition. The wisdom of our ancestors, who relied on natural medicines for healing, should not be abandoned but rather validated through contemporary scientific research. This harmonious collaboration will lead to a healthcare system that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks forward to a healthier, more harmonious future.
References
- Venturella, Giuseppe, et al. "Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 22, no. 2, 10 Jan. 2021, p. 634, res.mdpi.com/d_attachment/ijms/ijms-22-00634/article_deploy/ijms-22-00634-v2.pdf, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22020634
- Vickers, A., & Zollman, C. (2003). Are herbal medicines placebos? Contemporary drug safety: analysis & research, 16(4), 251-264. https://doi.org/10.2165/cdsrt.16.4.251
- Kaptchuk, T., Eisenberg, D., Cornello, J. A., Kelly, C. G., Kaptchuk, T., & Miller, F. G. (2001). Examining the placebo response: consideration of neurobiological mechanisms and clinical implications. Milner, S., & Cole, R. (Eds.), Advances in clinical neuroimmunology. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker Inc. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-306-48408-8_28
- Fisher, P., et al. (2002). Placebo effects in medicine: mechanisms, detection, quantification, influences on clinical practice, and implications for research. Annals of Internal Medicine, 137(5), 357-373. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-137-5-200210010-00005
- Rossi, J. N. (1997). Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, 1997. Advance data from Vital and Health Statistics, 269. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/ad/ad269.pdf
- In a time when pharmaceuticals and medical technology rule, one can't help but yearn for a deeper connection with nature, a bond that once offered remedies beyond just healing - an understanding of nature's profound healing power.
- Ancient healing wisdom, born from careful observation of nature and deep respect for the natural world, provided a range of natural treatments for various ailments, attributing medicinal properties to plants and fungi such as mushrooms.
- Strangely, these traditional practices haven't been memorialized or given due credibility despite their long history of sustaining and curing humanity.
- Contemporary science is now showing renewed interest in natural medicines like functional mushrooms and psychedelics for treating a myriad of ailments, gradually filling the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific validation.
- Integrating natural remedies into mainstream healthcare requires respect for and validation of traditional practices through contemporary scientific research and clear regulatory guidelines.
- Ultimately, striking a delicate balance between innovation and tradition, honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking toward a healthier future can lead to a healthcare system that recognizes the validity of natural remedies alongside pharmaceuticals.
