Homeopathic Medicines vs. Prescription Drugs

STEP 1) Choosing a Topic
The topic I have chosen to write about is "homeopathic medicines vs. the dangers of prescription drugs." I feel that this topic is very interesting because there are so many variations of homeopathic medicines. I am a firm believer that they work. I have used Echinacea many times to help rid myself and my family of the common cold. I would like to see more involvement by the FDA to conduct more tests regarding the effectiveness of the homeopathic medicines.
I have reviewed the feedback from my peers and I get the feeling that many of my peers would be very interested in using the homeopathic medicines rather than using prescription drugs. I was also surprised that some people have never heard of or have even tried homeopathic medicines. I have also had many discussions with my co-workers regarding this topic and to my surprise all of them have used homeopathic more frequently to help cure the common colds or aches and pains. One of my co-workers has actually started to study homeopathic medicine and is well aware of what type of herb can help heal a particular symptom. I know that on several occasions he has directed me to a couple of different herbal remedies that have greatly improved of cured my problem. Recently I was sick with a awful sore throat. I was given Lavender on my tongue on two different days and I was shocked at the outcome. My sore throat went away.
STEP 2) Describe two controversies surrounding this topic?
In conducting my research I have found many controversies surrounding my topic. I have chosen the following two controversies to talk about. The first controversy surrounding this topic would be how closely the FDA (Food Drug Administration) regulates homeopathic medicines. These medicines are regulated in many different ways which are not as complex as prescription drugs. The manufacturers are not required to submit any new drug applications when producing a new homeopathic medicine in a timely manner. These products are also exempt from many of the practices that are used on prescription drugs and certain regulations that must be followed by the manufacturers. Therefore these procedures, or should I say lack of procedures, allow many homeopathic medicines which contain little or no active ingredients to be easily manufactures and then sold. So what it boils down to is that the FDA is much more lax when it comes to homeopathic medicines.
The second controversy surrounding my topic would be if homeopathic medicines really work. In the United States, on the market right now, is a number one selling homeopathic medicine called Hyland’s teething tablets. These tablets are used by hopeful parent given to babies for teething symptoms. This medicine should help relieve the pain of teething. Homeopathic medicines are safe, effective medicines that are low cost. They are sold at most natural food stores and pharmacies. Most of the medicines can be used without fear of drug interactions with other medications or side effects.
STEP 3) Describe which side of the argument you feel is right and why
I strongly feel that using alternatives to prescription drugs would be a better choice since so many prescription drugs are harmful. Research has proven that certain ailments can be relieved or even cured from homeopathic medicines and therapies. Most Americans do not know the harm in taking some of the newer prescription drugs that are coming out. Drug manufacturing companies are able to speed up FDA approval by simply paying to get the approval but this causes concerns since testing of the drugs aren’t for a long period of time.
I feel that with more research I will be able to persuade my audience that homeopathic medicine should at the very least be considered by everyone. I believe that there many different meanings when you speak about homeopathic medicine but what I would like to touch on is the basics. I must have a clear definition of what I am trying to convince my audience of and know exactly what I am referring to.
STEP 4) Formulate a working thesis statement Homeopathic medicine has gained popularity in recent years. Many consumers are turning to homeopathic medicine over the prescription counterparts since the homeopathic medicines are safe and effective. I believe acceptance of homeopathic medicine by the medical professionals will not occur overnight and certainly not until there is more research that has proven its effectiveness.