When it comes to digging into the world of natural, what's right, and what's not, researching can be overwhelming. From big health sources to lesser-known websites, being on the journey of discovering natural remedies and lifestyle changes can cause us to ask the burning question: Who can I trust? The short answer is, trust God! The long answer is ahead.
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Know the Terrain
The Internet holds so much useful information, and it is truly a privilege to have such a resource available to us for all kinds of things from how to fix a garbage disposal to Indian cuisine recipes. This wealth of information is literally at our fingertips, serving up convenience at its finest. But the problem is, when it comes to natural health, the Internet often presents search results in a biased way (on a lot of different topics). And unfortunately, when it comes to holistic or natural topics, the top results can sometimes provide misleading or confusing information. You may run into phrases like "not enough studies done" or "not approved by the FDA." There is a reason for this, but it does cause a lot of doubts to arise about natural medicine. In Healthline's article "9 Home Remedies Backed by Science," the description reads: "Many home remedies exist that may help treat a variety of things, such as colds, inflammation, and pain. These are not always supported by research. But, scientists suggest that some may indeed work."
Phrases like "may help" and "not always supported by research" are common among popular health information sources. And while a lot of the article's general facts about natural remedies are correct, the overall impression given toward the topic is very cautious and anecdotal. This is partially because institutions like the FDA do not want to approve things that cure and heal people, because God's creation can't be patented like a man-made drug. So, if you find the right sources that promote natural health, you'll find the research to back it. And while natural medicine is certainly not a cure-all in many cases due to an individual's overall health, it is largely a safer way to treat many symptoms and sickness without the host of harmful side effects that usually come with taking conventional medications.
"And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth': and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:11-12, ESV)
There are lots of studies on natural remedies, but you just have to look in the right places. Keep reading and you'll find some trustworthy sources below!
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Don't Crack Under Pressure
Social media is a really influential space where everyone has a voice and an opinion. This is another area to really be careful who you listen to. Always do your research to back up whatever someone is saying online. This is your health, and getting information doesn't necessarily mean being informed.
Also on this note, a lot of content on social media is presented in a way that can make us believe that someone's else's life is the life we should have, and we should have the stuff they have and do the things they do. But that is not reality, nor is it realistic. Even when it comes to living more on the natural side, understand that what you're seeing from people is only a small slice of their lives, and that you don't have to be like them in order to be happy or satisfied. True satisfaction comes from the Lord, and it will also come when you achieve the goals you set for your health, and not the goals that someone else wants to set for you.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 ESV)
This bias is important to keep in mind, because as you research the right remedies, supplements, diets, or tips for you and your family, you'll want to be prepared, know what to look out for, and in the end, do what's best for you and your family.
Be Prayerful
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5 ESV)
This is the first and the most important step to approaching holistic research (as well as anything in life). We should live in light of the reality that God knows all things and owns all things, and He is gracious enough to want to give us the wisdom we need when we ask Him. If we try to handle this life by ourselves and fail to trust Him, our lives can quickly become stressful, unsatisfied, and most of all, displeasing to the Lord. So, as we navigate the sometimes choppy waves of trends and top searches, it is absolutely vital to have God's wisdom and discernment to separate good health sources from untrustworthy ones.
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Do What Works for You
Not every method works for every person. Don't follow the trends just because they're popular, follow your gut and your research. For example, if you have a history of thyroid issues or high blood pressure, you should avoid licorice root, as that can worsen your health issues and cause other complications. Be sure to consider all of your current health issues, lifestyle choices, and medications that you're taking when you are considering adding a natural supplement or remedy. Some are more harmless than others, but just the same with conventional medications, contraindications are very possible! It always pays off to do thorough research, and it's always a good idea to consult with your doctor or naturopath, too.
Find Herbal or Holistic Courses
The best place to look is the source! Find courses through your local community college, university, or an independent school if you're really serious about learning more about holistic treatments, herbalism, and the like. You can even earn a certificate in these subjects or similar ones to further your education!
Here are some health sources I personally trust:
Dr. Eric Berg promotes overall health and holistic methods that have been used for centuries; much of which we have forgotten about in recent history.
RxList shows the full drug information of any pharmaceutical drug; that includes short- and long-term side effects as well as any known contraindications.
The National Library of Medicine is a wonderfully unbiased source of studies in a lot of health categories!
I own Nicole Apelian, PhD's book, The Forgotten Home Apothecary, which features a wide-ranging list of remedies with pictures, techniques, recipes, and even possible side effects.
Dr. Josh Axe is a big proponent of naturopathy and the use of essential oils.
Cleveland Clinic occasionally meets my needs for very general health information (i.e. the benefits of Vitamin D).
Wellness Mama contains a wealth of information on natural remedies! When I was considering oil pulling as part of my dental routine, I found this article on it that helped me make the decision to try it!
Keep your mind open! Even though there are so many benefits to going natural, not all natural remedies or lifestyle changes are beneficial, realistic, or even safe for every single person. As you do your own research, pray and ask the Lord for wisdom so that you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family.