Natural Is Not Always Better

Successful marketing has led many people to believe that if a product is "natural," it must be safe. This is not only false, but is also dangerous. Cyanide and arsenic are natural products, and they are certainly not safe.

Another common misconception is that natural products do not contain chemicals. In fact, a chemical is a chemical no matter how it is labeled or how it is produced. For example, Vitamin C is a chemical whether it comes from an orange or from a laboratory. And whether synthetic or natural, the structure of a molecule does not change. On a molecular level, synthetic vitamins, drugs, pesticides, etc., are indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. So what's the difference?

Synthetic products are often superior to natural products, because they contain a known, exact quantity of active ingredient and do not contain unidentified contaminates that can cause infections or toxicities. Also, the time of onset, duration of action and strength of action of synthetic products are significantly more predictable than many natural products. Technology can use a natural substance as a guide and create a similar substance that is safer, more effective and has fewer side effects.

A good example is digitalis, a drug originally derived from plants, which is used to treat heart disease. Small amounts of digitalis have potent effects on the body: too much is deadly; too little is insufficient; the correct amount is lifesaving. Many common plants contain digitalis, so a "natural" digitalis is readily available. However, the amount of digitalis in a plant varies from season to season, from plant to plant and from new leaf to mature leaf to stem to flower. In addition, the plant may contain other chemicals that are harmful or deadly. Natural digitalis can kill you, but synthetic digitalis can save you.

Experienced herbalists agree about these risks of natural products. Anticancer drugs, pesticides, medications and nutritional supplements originate from natural substances. Technology merely improves upon Mother Nature by developing ways to produce these chemicals other than harvesting rare plants, by increasing production without waiting for plants or organisms to grow, by purifying chemicals and formulating them with consistent activity, strength and shelf life.

A seemingly harmless substance obtained from the local health food store can end the life of your beloved pet. Before using such products, consult your veterinarian or seek the advice of a naturopathic veterinarian who is experienced in nontraditional veterinary medicine.