We’ve all experienced the internal cringe that occurs when we encounter a patient who has opted for a natural remedy over recommended medical treatment. Perhaps producing even more angst is the child who has suffered as a result of a parent's decision to dismiss evidence-based best practices, a choice rooted in a well-meaning but flawed belief that natural remedies are equivalent to modern medicine. It would be easy to simply dismiss these patients as being difficult. “They” are wrong, and “we” in mainstream medicine are right. However, the case against alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical treatments is far from open-and-shut.
As the landscape of modern medicine continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for herbal supplements, dietary changes, and other lifestyle interventions, reflecting a broader shift in patient attitudes toward wellness. Patients are becoming more informed and empowered by a wealth of information – from both credible and non-credible sources. As a result, clinicians will increasingly encounter this trend. How should we navigate this shift, balancing the scientific rigor of pharmaceuticals with the appeal of natural remedies that may not be thoroughly researched?
First, we must acknowledge our knowledge deficit and consider why most of us were not taught from a holistic perspective. There are several reasons why doctors generally do not learn about natural remedies during their medical training. Medical education emphasizes evidence-based medicine, relying on practices and treatments that have been rigorously tested through clinical trials. Many natural remedies lack the robust, large-scale trials necessary to gain widespread acceptance in the medical community. This leads to skepticism from concerned clinicians who wish to “first, do no harm” by recommending only proven treatments.
But why is there less clinical evidence to support the efficacy and safety of natural remedies? Natural treatments are not usually tied to big pharmaceutical companies. Pharmaceutical companies fund a large portion of medical research, with drug-based treatments being their gold standard. This could create a bias toward prescribing medications over exploring natural alternatives, which may not be as financially profitable or as heavily promoted, even if they are comparable in efficacy. However, the enormous investment that pharmaceutical companies make in scientific research has undoubtedly saved countless lives and contributed to the success of modern medicine. There should be room to rigorously study both revolutionary medications and natural treatments.
As well-meaning medical students eager to help people, many of us go through training without fully understanding all the variables that shape medical education and practice. Without substantial research backing, we never discover which type, dosage, and form of natural treatments work with sufficient power to trust them as a preferred treatment option. In addition to a lack of standardization, issues like fear of interaction with other drugs and cultural gaps can deter clinician recommendations.
We can prepare to respond to patients who want guidance on natural treatments by educating ourselves about natural remedies. Looking for those backed by research (often from other countries) that may not always be included in mainstream medical treatment plans is a good place to start. By arming ourselves with a few options to share, we will create open communication that gains these patients’ trust. Instead of an either/or, we may be able to move previously resistant patients to a this and that: a recommended vaccine or medication, and a natural remedy. Here are three natural remedies with enough evidence that they are worth adding to your arsenal.
1) Probiotics
Studies have shown that probiotics can help maintain or restore gut microbiota balance, which is crucial to digestive and immune system health. While results vary by strain, probiotics may offer benefits in both disease prevention and treatment. A meta-analysis highlighted the efficacy of some probiotic strains in reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children and adults. Supplementation also significantly reduced the incidence of gastrointestinal infections in children, with fewer vomiting episodes and a shorter duration of diarrhea. Furthermore, probiotics have demonstrated promising effects on managing conditions like IBS, with studies suggesting supplementation may reduce symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits. Beyond gut health, probiotics have been linked to immune system modulation, with research indicating they may enhance mucosal immunity and reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections. In a 2025 randomized clinical trial, administering a probiotic mixture reduced fever duration in children by two days compared to the placebo, with no significant safety concerns, showing promising potential as an adjuvant treatment for upper respiratory tract infections.
2) Curcumin
Curcumin, the biologically active compound in turmeric, has gained significant attention in clinical research due to its potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Curcumin’s role in reducing markers of systemic inflammation has been well documented, including its beneficial effects on conditions such as osteoarthritis. Clinical trials have shown that supplementation can significantly alleviate pain and improve joint function and stiffness in patients. In terms of adverse events, Curcuma longa extract and curcumin are comparable to those of the placebo. The incidence of adverse effects was lower than with other treatments, such as NSAIDs.
In addition to its musculoskeletal benefits, curcumin has shown promise in metabolic health, with studies indicating that it can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. Specifically, curcumin-piperine supplementation improved serum concentrations of CRP, triglycerides, and glucose in patients with T2DM and hypertriglyceridemia. Even more surprising is the expanding body of preclinical and clinical research examining its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Positive antidepressant effects were reported in six of the seven trials, with anxiolytic effects also identified in four of these. Curcumin, particularly when combined with piperine (black pepper extract) for improved bioavailability, is emerging as a promising adjunct in managing chronic inflammatory diseases.
3) Meditation and Mindfulness
Seeking a non-invasive intervention with broad therapeutic potential? Mindfulness meditation has substantial research backing, which consistently demonstrates its efficacy in reducing numerous symptoms. A landmark meta-analysis found that mindfulness meditation was associated with improvements in anxiety, depression, and pain. Mindfulness-based interventions have also been shown to enhance emotional regulation and reduce stress, which can have downstream positive effects on overall physical health. Even short-term mindfulness practice, as little as four days, significantly improved attention and cognitive performance, suggesting its potential benefits for mental clarity and focus. In the realm of chronic disease management, mindfulness meditation has been associated with improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and immune function, with a measurable impact on levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce insomnia symptoms and improve sleep quality, both of which are essential factors in overall health.
Consider the last new drug you prescribed. How did you learn the dosage, form, and applicable patient population? Perhaps you read research papers, reviewed journal articles, did online CME, or consulted a colleague or specialist with more experience. Other times, you may have gained experience by simply trying it, watching for a response, and then making adjustments to your recommendations for other patients moving forward. While the volume of information may be less robust for previously cited reasons, consider learning about natural remedies in the same way you would approach new drug treatments. It can also help to identify and connect with a physician in your area who has completed an integrative medicine fellowship for additional support.
The trend of patients seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals is likely to expand for the foreseeable future. We can help our patients by adopting an integrative approach that offers a broader range of treatment options. Natural remedies may be a viable option, particularly when symptoms are mild or early in the disease. Even in more advanced illnesses, complementary medicine can be used alongside conventional medicine. Whether we are prepared or not, providing patient-centered care now frequently includes allowing patients to incorporate natural remedies into their treatment plans. The rapid, ever-changing nature of medicine continues to push physicians to engage in lifelong learning, which is something I believe we are quite good at.
What has your approach been with patients who are interested in natural remedies? Share in the comments!
Dr. Nicole Hight is a practicing pediatrician in the Atlanta area and a multi-year recipient of the Top Doctor and Parent Magazine parent choice awards. She earned her undergraduate and medical degrees from Emory University and served as chief resident at Levine Children’s Hospital. She believes a listening ear and an encouraging word changes lives. You can reach her at www.linkedin.com/in/nicolebhightmd, @yourtrustedpediatrician on Instagram, @doctorhight on TikTok. Dr. Hight is a 2024–2025 Doximity Op-Med Fellow.
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