Why Plants Are Better Than Drugs Summary

In the article, “Why Plants Are (Usually) Better Than Drugs” by Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Weil argues that using whole herbs, as opposed to drugs containing isolated compounds, is a better method of medicine. He discusses the benefits of using herbal treatments to gently heal the body, naturally achieving health by providing the necessary elements for the body to heal itself. By isolating a single compound, and excluding the other compounds, we are missing out on potential health benefits. These other compounds contribute greatly to the overall effect that the herb has on the body. The isolation of compounds to make medicine is a practice primarily found in Western(allopathic) medicine. Throughout his article, he outlines the most significant reasons that Western medicine uses these practices. Dr. Weil’s primary argument against pharmaceuticals is the fact that one main active compound of a plant is focused on, while disregarding the other complimentary compounds, for the purpose of making money instead of healing the body. (MD, Andrew Weil) …show more content…
Weil does an excellent job of taking the information originally presented in Integrative Medicine and Systemic Outcomes Research (Bell, MD), and narrowed the topic to something that consumers would identify with. He has also made it more readable and easy to understand, increasing the accessibility to the average American consumer. The example he used, regarding the use of the coca leaf by the Andean Indians, was an excellent choice of example to make his point and connect with his audience. Much of his target audience knows that cocaine is a dangerous drug, and can cause serious health risks. By using this as an example he is showing readers the drastic difference between whole plant use and the isolated compound. This example is an effective way to engage the audience by providing information in a way that most Americans are familiar