Use of herbal remedies grows as U.S. economy sours
Prescription medications are proving too expensive for a growing number of U.S. families, and a growing number are switching to herbal remedies instead. As well, more people are putting off routine doctors visits, and are opting for cheaper alternative therapies, even when there isn’t the evidence to show they work. U.S. nationwide sales of vitamins and supplements are up 10 percent from 2007. One in four of those who choose herbal alternatives did so because of the cost of conventional medicine, according to a U.S. government survey released last month.