I’ve reached a point in my life where attending funerals has become disturbingly frequent. These aren’t the funerals of strangers or distant acquaintances; these are friends—people I’ve loved, laughed with, and shared life’s journey. They’re not dying of old age; they’re succumbing to diseases that others in different parts of the world have managed to defeat. It’s a heart-wrenching irony that I can’t seem to shake: how many more funerals will I have to attend before the credibility of do-it-yourself remedies reaches the masses or, at the very least, the mass media?
Throughout my life, without any particular effort, I’ve come across numerous stories of people who have intentionally defeated diseases that my friends are dying from. These diseases, deemed “incurable” by the FDA and AMA, seem to hold a terrifying grip on the American consciousness. Yet, in other countries, these same diseases are met with a different approach—one that often leads to remission, healing, and hope.
Some of the people I know have ventured beyond American borders, seeking treatment modalities that are illegal in the USA. They return home disease-free, rejuvenated, and often with a newfound passion for alternative healing methods. They delve into herbal remedies, ancient practices, and medical wisdom predating the 1900s. Their lives are transformed—not just by the absence of disease but by a holistic shift in how they live, eat, and approach health.
Those who don’t leave the USA embark on a different journey. They begin with Google, sifting through the digital noise in search of answers, only to become increasingly frustrated by the filtered, censored results. It’s no secret that Google, once a beacon of information freedom, has succumbed to the pressures of the medical industry and the powers that be. And so, these seekers turn to alternatives like DuckDuckGo, digging deeper into the underground world of alternative therapies. Many emerge victorious, eradicating their diseases for a fraction of the cost—without conventional treatments’ life-draining side effects.
Meanwhile, I watch as friends I care about subject themselves to the grueling, often dangerous, and poison-laden regimens prescribed by the American medical system. These treatments, designed to manage symptoms rather than cure the disease, drain the life out of them. And all too often, the cause of death isn’t the disease itself but the treatment. The medical money machine behind this system is staggering, with profits prioritized over people’s lives.
My dying friends often speak with pride about the “best doctors,” “best insurance,” and “best treatments” they have access to. They boast about the astronomical costs of their care, believing they’re getting the best possible deal, all while the system quietly profits from their suffering. They’re so utterly convinced that this is the only path to follow. They cannot hear me when I try to share the alternatives with them. Their minds are closed, locked in a belief system that leaves me preparing for yet another funeral.
It’s a grievous disservice that in other countries, people have the choice not to die from these diseases—without the threat of imprisonment or the fear that their doctors will lose their licenses for offering natural alternatives. Here, in the land of the free, the freedom to choose life-saving, natural treatments is stifled by regulations, fear, and ignorance.
If you’re like me and desperately want to talk to your friends about natural alternatives, even if they might not be open to the idea, here are some tips that might help:
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- Lead With Love and Empathy: Acknowledge their fear and the seriousness of their condition. Lovingly, let them know you understand their concerns and that you’re not trying to downplay the severity of their situation.
- Share Stories: Sometimes, a reliable source’s personal story or case study can open a dialogue. Share success stories of people who have tried alternative treatments and found relief.
- Offer Information, Not Advice: People can be defensive about their health choices. Instead of telling them what to do (this causes them to shut down any potential for hearing anything that follows), compassionately offer them information and leave it up to them to explore further.
- Suggest Complementary Therapies: Instead of presenting alternatives as a replacement, suggest them as complementary to their current treatment. This can make the idea less threatening and more acceptable.
- Be Patient: Changing deeply ingrained beliefs takes time. It sounds preposterous when it feels like time is of the essence – and it may be. Plant the seed, but don’t expect immediate results. Be there for them as a supportive friend, regardless of their choice.
- Introduce Them to Holistic Practitioners: If they’re open, introduce them to a holistic practitioner who can provide a different perspective on their condition and potential treatments.
- Focus on Prevention: Sometimes, it’s easier to start a conversation about maintaining health rather than curing disease. Discuss the benefits of natural remedies in strengthening the immune system and preventing illness.
The road to acceptance of natural and alternative remedies is long and fraught with obstacles. But for the sake of those we love, we must keep trying. Each conversation, each shared story, and each piece of information is a step toward a future where fewer premature funerals are necessary.
