In the current economy, Americans are increasingly turning to herbal supplements and vitamins as less expensive alternatives to conventional healthcare.
According to the Associated Press, many families are finding that their finances cannot cover prescription drugs and doctorsÂ’ visits are instead looking to treat themselves with natural remedies.
For example, New Jersey mother Kristen Kemp explained that with three children, the price of seeing a doctor can really add up. Instead, she is choosing to treat their illnesses with tea and honey or with Chinese herbs.
“Just in case something bad happens to our jobs, I want more money in the bank,” she told the news provider.
There could be a number of other reasons people are choosing alternative medicine, from a distrust of conventional medicine to a preference for treatments with fewer side effects.
Data from Information Resources reveals that during the final quarter of 2008, sales of vitamins and supplements increased by 10 percent, in comparison with the same period the year before.
The findings follow a government survey released in December, showing that more Americans are using natural supplements to treat their health problems.