Ever felt unwell and didn’t know whether to go to a clinic or try the home remedy your lola swears by?

We Filipinos have a long and rich history of alternative remedies that are quite distinct from Western medicine. (And we also have Vicks, which heals all illnesses known to man.)

In this blog, we learn to navigate these different traditions and determine when to use which—so that after reading, you can answer questions like, “Pills or Plants?”

 What Is Mainstream Medicine?

When we think of doctors, clinics, hospitals, prescriptions, and pharmacies—that’s “mainstream medicine.”

It is manned by medical professionals in white lab coats, who earned their diplomas from reputable medical institutions, and whose practice is mostly backed by Western scientific research.

Western medicine is the prevailing narrative and it’s the “go-to” route for most health concerns. We go to doctors for check-ups, buy prescribed medications, undergo recommended surgeries, and take vaccines. 

In the Philippines, mainstream medicine is easily accessible, especially in urban areas. Hospitals like St. Luke's Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, and Cebu Doctors’ Hospital are equipped with advanced facilities, catering to various medical needs from routine checkups to more complicated surgeries.

 What Is Alternative Medicine?

Alternative medicine, on the other hand, includes practices that are outside the realm of the mainstream. These can range from herbal treatments, and massages to spiritual healing practices.

Different countries have their own medical traditions developed over centuries. For example, India has its Ayurveda, China has its herbal concoctions, acupuncture, and Tai chi, and Japan has its Reiki and Shiatsu.

Each of these has its own healing philosophies and a set of medicinal plants, found in their respective regions, used to treat all manner of diseases and symptoms.   

Here in the Philippines, alternative medicine has deep roots. Before hospitals became widespread, Filipinos relied on local healers, herbs, and traditional remedies. We have the albularyo and hilot, employing medicinal plants like lagundi, sambong, tsaang gubat, bawang, and dahon ng bayabas.  

The Department of Health (DOH) recognizes Filipino alternative practices under the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997, written by Dr. Juan Flavier, which shows just how intertwined alternative medicine is with our culture. 

Now, knowing these two healing approaches, which one should you go for for certain medical conditions?

That’s what we’ll find out next. 

When To Use Mainstream Medicine

Let’s start with mainstream medicine. In certain cases, it’s not just the best choice—it’s the only choice. These are usually emergencies or serious conditions that require immediate and specialized attention.

#1 Emergency Situations

Imagine you’ve been in a car accident. You have broken bones, heavy bleeding, and maybe even a head injury. In situations like this, it’s clear you need to go to a hospital.

In emergencies, you need a stable and systematic set-up to rapidly address your condition. That’s what a hospital is for. You know where it is, and it is staffed by professionals with relevant skills and have the supply and equipment to treat the emergency.

In an emergency, you don’t have the time to search for the albularyo, who’s probably somewhere remote. You also don’t have the time to hunt for plants with specific medicinal properties.  

Emergency care, advanced surgeries, and life-saving interventions can only be done in a medical facility.

So for things like heart attacks, strokes, severe allergic reactions, and severe dengue, you’d want to be treated in a hospital. 

#2 Serious, Life-threatening, and Contagious Conditions

If you’re dealing with a serious infection, like pneumonia or tuberculosis, traditional remedies won’t cut it. Antibiotics and other medical treatments are necessary to fight these kinds of bacterial infections.

You would need to be treated in a hospital—especially for a contagious disease like tuberculosis. Last year, the DOH reported that 70 Filipinos die every day from TB, a stark reminder that conventional treatments are sometimes a must.

Another case would be cancer. Alternative medicine can’t cure cancer, though it may help with symptom management, like using acupuncture to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea. But when it comes to treating the disease itself, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery are the only proven ways to effectively treat many types of cancer.

Another is kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, especially in advanced stages, dialysis is the only way to filter waste from your blood. While you might hear about herbal teas or treatments that claim to “cleanse” your kidneys, these can’t replace the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

These types of diseases need to be addressed by mainstream medicine. 

When Alternative Medicine Makes Sense

You can go mainstream all the way, but alternative medicine also has a place in Filipino healthcare.

In fact, for certain conditions, it can work wonders—especially when it comes to managing minor symptoms or promoting general wellness. Here are a few scenarios when turning to alternative medicine might be a good idea.

#1 Minor Ailments

Got a cold, cough, or minor stomach upset? You can oftentimes rely on alternative treatments like salabat (ginger tea) for a sore throat, luya (ginger), or sambong (a type of herbal plant) for digestive problems. These are tried-and-tested remedies that have been passed down from generation to generation. 

#2 Muscle Pains, Back Aches, and Tension

Have you ever tried hilot? This traditional Filipino massage is often used to address muscle pain, sprains, or backaches. Practitioners use a combination of manual manipulation and herbal oils to relieve tension. While not backed by formal scientific studies, many Filipinos swear by its effectiveness.

If you’ve got muscle soreness after a hard day’s work or from sitting too long at your desk, hilot might just provide the relief you’re looking for. It’s non-invasive, and if done by a trusted manghihilot (traditional healer), it could be a safe way to alleviate your discomfort. 

#3 Stress and Mental Well-being

When things become too overwhelming and stressful many turn to alternative practices like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, or aromatherapy to manage anxiety and stress.

Here in the Philippines, again, hilot can help one relax and contribute to mental wellness.

Plants also have soothing properties and relieve stress. Instead of taking the usual pills to alleviate anxiety, you can explore the soothing properties of chamomile, lavender, valerian root, lemon balm, or peppermint.

When the condition is not urgent or if the illness is minor, one can take the time to explore alternative options.

But when the condition is serious, or in dire need of urgent action or attention, mainstream medicine is the way to go.   

The Gray Areas

Chronic conditions are long-term health issues that persist over time. Unlike acute illnesses, which develop quickly and resolve in a short period, chronic conditions are usually slow to progress and can be managed (but not typically cured).

In many chronic conditions, the two healing approaches can have their say.

Because the diseases progress over time, individuals have time to explore different treatment options.

Diseases like asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, eczema, and other skin diseases, progress over time. So individuals can try both approaches and see what works better in their case.

And even within these two broad categories, there are different options to seek out.

For example, an asthma patient can have their pick of different doctors, different clinics, different drugs, and different mainstream therapies. He can also look to alternative medicine and naturopathic asthma remedies like herbs to manage the condition.

Different individuals can pick and choose what works for them.

But that being said, in so-called “gray areas,” mainstream medicine must be the first option. It is simply the safer way to go.

Why?

Well, here are some of the reasons why people should go to mainstream medicine first:

#1 Evidence-Based Treatments

Mainstream medicine relies on rigorous scientific studies and clinical trials to ensure treatments are effective and safe. These are evaluated through years of research, with verified results. Alternative medicine may not undergo the same level of scrutiny or testing, so their claims and effectiveness cannot be ascertained.

#2 Clear Regulation and Oversight

Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists) are licensed and regulated by health authorities, ensuring they follow strict guidelines. This oversight ensures accountability and safety. Alternative medicine practitioners may lack the same level of regulation, leading to variability in qualifications and care.

#3 Access to Advanced Diagnostics

Mainstream medicine uses advanced tools such as MRI scans, blood tests, genetic testing, and other sophisticated diagnostic equipment to get precise, data-backed diagnoses. These tools help in identifying the root cause of the illness more accurately than many alternative methods.

#4 Better Handling of Complex Cases

Patients with multiple coexisting conditions (comorbidities) need carefully coordinated treatment. Mainstream doctors are trained to handle such complexity, adjusting treatments for interactions between different medications and therapies. Alternative medicine might not have protocols for dealing with complex or overlapping illnesses.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure, mainstream medicine will offer you the tools to manage these conditions effectively. Trying to manage these conditions with only herbal remedies, without professional medical advice, could put your life at risk.

Because of the advantages we talked about above, it is better to consider mainstream medicine ahead of alternative therapies.

But again, alternative cures do have their place in these cases, but as a complement to more mainstream approaches.

In the end, it isn’t a battle between two different healing philosophies, but a proper blending of the two so that they serve their specific strengths and help safeguard your health. 

Striking a Balance

You don’t always have to choose one or the other. Sometimes, the best approach is to use both mainstream and alternative medicine as complements.

If you’re undergoing chemotherapy for cancer—acupuncture, aromatherapy, and music therapy may help with nausea.

After surgery, meditation exercises could help with muscle recovery.

If you have hypertension, you can manage it with prescription meds while using yoga or breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve your heart health.

At the end of the day, it’s not about which type of medicine is better—it’s about choosing the right one for the right situation.

Both mainstream and alternative medicine have their unique features, and knowing when to use each can help you live a healthier, balanced life. Whether you’re heading to the hospital or chugging a herbal mix, the best choice is the one that fits your specific needs and keeps you on the path to wellness.

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