Natural Health
Also known as: Natural Wellness · Complementary and Alternative Medicine · CAM
Definition
Natural Health is a holistic approach to wellness and medicine that emphasizes the use of natural therapies, diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies to support the body\’s self-healing mechanisms. In the Philippines, the sector is supported by traditional healing practices and formally regulated under the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997. (Wikipedia)
Identities
| Source Type | Identity |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Alternative medicine |
| Wikidata | Q83944 |
| DBpedia | Alternative_medicine |
| ProductOntology | N/A |
| Wiktionary | health |
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) | Alternative medicine — Philippines |
| MeSH | Complementary Therapies |
| NCBI Taxonomy | N/A |
| AGROVOC | N/A |
| Google Scholar | natural health traditional alternative medicine herbal supplements |
| ConceptNet | health |
| OpenCyc | N/A |
Also Known As
- Natural Wellness
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- CAM
Examples and Analogies
Traditional Herbal Remedies: The utilization of local plants like lagundi for cough relief and sambong for kidney health.
MX3 Supplements: Marketed natural health capsules containing antioxidant xanthones extracted from mangosteen.
Usage Scenarios
1. Formulating a Wellness Plan
A client consults a certified natural health practitioner to design a diet and herbal plan that complements their medical therapies.
2. Manufacturing Herbal Supplements
A domestic company sources organic herbs to produce standardized dietary capsules for retail sale.
Strategies
- Always verify that natural supplements are registered with the FDA before integrating them into a daily wellness routine.
- Consult the PITAHC registry to find certified traditional and alternative health clinics in your region.
Security and Safety Measures
- Do not use natural health therapies as a complete substitute for professional medical treatment of severe or chronic illnesses.
- Discuss any herbal supplement usage with your primary physician to check for potential interactions with prescription medications.
Historical Context
Traditional natural health practices (such as hilot) have existed in the Philippines for centuries. In 1997, the passage of Republic Act No. 8423 established the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), institutionalizing natural health regulation and research.
Challenges and Controversies
Lack of Standard Regulation
Navigating unregulated health claims made by online vendors selling unverified wellness mixtures.
Research Funding Constraints
Securing sufficient funding to conduct human clinical trials on promising local herbal candidates.
Related Topic
- Republic Act 8423 (Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act)
- Traditional medicine in the Philippines
- Dietary Supplement Regulation in the Philippines