Alternative Medicine Good In Bad Economy

64 year old Janet Hafner says she's been off her diabetes medicine for nearly 6 months and she's been controlling her high cholesterol through herbal medcines. She says not only is it good for her pocketbook but her overall health.Hafner says, "To be able to control it better and to know I am not going to have to increase medications and add more medications and eventually go on insulin."

By: | WSPA-TV
Published: March 03, 2009

64 year old Janet Hafner says she's been off her diabetes medicine for nearly 6 months and she's been controlling her high cholesterol through herbal medcines.
She says not only is it good for her pocketbook but her overall health.
Hafner says, "To be able to control it better and to know I am not going to have to increase medications and add more medications and eventually go on insulin."

Anita Rudd is stocking up on herbal remedies as well like vitamin D and Turmeric. She spent about 80 dollars on everything.
Rudd says, "For me it typically starts in my head and I get sinus infections and in a very little bit of time it goes to my chest

With the advice of her doctor she takes a daily regiment of supplements and this year she's had just one cold and no doctors visits.

She says, "It is definitely worth it for me."

Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton, an expert in integrative medicine, says with the help of our doctor many of us can ditch the prescriptions and maintain our health through alternative medicines.

Dr. Dorton says, "With the economic situation right now and how expensive pharmaceuticals and insurance is we are looking for an alternative."

She says there herbal suppliments out there to treat just about anything.

Dr. Dorton says, "I tell many of my patients my goal is to work you off these medicines or get you on the lowest dose possible."

She says supplements like fish oil can help with AD-HD or Co-Enzyme Q10 which helps the heart and your blood pressure.
For patients like Janet Hafner, alternative medicines have been the prescription she needed to lead a happier and healthier life.

Dr. Dorton says vitamin D helps with a number of ailments including mood. She says melatonin can help with sleep related issues and vitamin C can help fight off infection. She says these can interfere with prescription medication you are on, so make sure you consult your doctor before starting any integrative medicine regime. For more information click on this link. For a full list of alternative medicines from expert Dr. Andrew Weil, click on this link.