As I’m sure many of your know, Joey Feek of the country music duo Joey + Rory is gravely ill from cervical cancer and is expected to pass away very soon. While reading about her struggle I inevitably came upon the posts from well-meaning folks who lament that if only Joey had used hemp oil/ frankincense/ thyme supplements/ etc. she would be cured. For one, no one other than Joey, her family, and her doctors know what treatments she did or didn’t try. For another, how arrogant do you have to be to presume that, as someone who has never met this woman or know anything about her medical history, you can diagnose her in 10 seconds? What a slap in the face to her and her grieving family!
I personally struggle with two medical conditions Type 2 diabetes and depression. From time to time similarly well-meaning people have suggested that I should forego the medications my doctor recommend to me and instead take herbs/ oils/ etc.
Umm, no. My doctor went to school for a LONG time. He knows a lot about the molecular reactions taking place in my brain and in my bloodstream and I’ve educated myself as well. I have a BS in Biology with a concentration in Biochemistry and a life-long interest in medical research and technology. So, not only is it good for my health but I enjoy learning it and I understand what I’m reading. And in all my research I’ve never found one iota of data NOT being put forth by an entity that sold holistic products that would lead me to believe I’d be better off throwing my Paxil in the trash and treating my depression by having patchouli and geranium scents diffusing into my bedroom. Plus I hate the smell of patchouli, but I digress.
Don’t get me wrong, I will agree that Western medicine doesn’t know everything. I go to the chiropractor once a month even though a part of me is annoyed that from what I know about the spine there’s no logical reason it should do anything. I get a massage once a month and my therapist spends a significant time on craniosacral therapy. Go ahead and Google that- from a medical standpoint it makes zero sense. But, I love it and it feels amazing. Her room smells amazing too- not sure what’s in her diffuser but it’s very nice. I believe that hemp oil should be legal in all 50 states as it does truly help some people dealing with seizure disorders.
So, if you feel more energized or more calm or more sleepy by smelling or drinking something herbal, good for you. I’m truly happy for you. BUT, let’s all leave the medical diagnosis to the folks who actually went to school for it, OK?