The Decline of Natural Medicine and How to Remedy the Situation (pun intended)
(an outline to assist those who wish to get down and dirty and dig into the what, why and how allopathic medicine came into favor with humanity, especially the ‘Developed World’)
I. Introduction
- First, I’d like to pose the question to our listeners and readers: Why did natural medicines, which were used for centuries, fade from mainstream Western practice?
- Could it be that a mix of business, “science”, and power shifted healthcare from plants to pills? If so, when did this happen, why did it happen, and how did this occur?
- The Rockefellers, AMA, and petrochemicals act as key players in this shift.
- Practices like herbalism, naturopathy, Chinese medicine, Bach Flower homeopathy, once standard, are now considered “alternative” medicine or even stigmatized.
II. Historical Context: Natural Medicine’s Roots
- Natural medicine (herbalism, homeopathy, etc.) was dominant pre-20th century.
- Ancient cultures (Chinese, Egyptian, Native American) used herbs for healing for millennia.
- Homeopathy, developed in 1827, gained traction for gentle, effective treatments.
- By the 1800s, nearly half of U.S. doctors practiced holistic methods (naturopathy, herbalism, chiropractic).
- Bach Flowers, introduced in the 1930s, used plant essences for emotional health but were later marginalized.
- These practices were patient-centered, focusing on prevention and natural remedies.
III. The Rockefeller-Influence and Petrochemicals
- John D. Rockefeller, oil tycoon, controlled 90% of U.S. oil refineries by 1900 via Standard Oil.
- Petrochemicals (oil byproducts) opened doors for synthetic drugs, patentable for profit.
- 1935: Vitamin C synthesized in Switzerland, showing the petrochemical potential for medicine.
- Natural remedies couldn’t be patented, posing a barrier to Rockefeller’s monopoly ambitions.
- Rockefeller saw a chance to dominate the medical industry by promoting allopathic (drug-based) medicine.
- I must state (for the record) that there is no direct evidence which shows Rockefeller explicitly targeted natural medicine for suppression, but his actions reshaped the system. (And my Spidey senses are telling me that money is king to many, I’ll leave that here.)
IV. The Flexner Report and AMA’s Role
- Rockefeller and Carnegie funded the 1910 Flexner Report, critiquing medical education.
- Abraham Flexner called natural medicine (homeopathy, naturopathy, herbalism) “unscientific quackery.”
- The American Medical Association (AMA), backed by Rockefeller funds, standardized medical schools to teach only allopathic medicine. And as a result: Most homeopathic and holistic schools closed; curriculum shifted to drugs and surgery which focus on fixing what is dis-eased, not disease prevention and keeping the body fit and vibrant.
- AMA banned homeopaths and discredited natural practitioners, some even faced jail.
V. Smear Campaigns and Public Perception
- Rockefeller’s media influence fueled campaigns labeling natural medicine as dangerous or pseudoscientific. In the 1930s, the Rockefeller family built the Rockefeller Center partly to house the American Press Association, Time Inc., and RCA’s National Broadcasting Company (NBC) (you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours)
- Terms like “alternative” and “quackery” reframed herbalism, homeopathy, and Bach Flowers as fringe.
- Allopathic medicine became the “scientific” standard, promoting “a pill for every ill.”
- Some practices, like homeopathy, faced legal challenges; FDA later classified homeopathic remedies as unapproved drugs (2022).
VI. Modern Impacts and Resurgence
- Today, allopathic medicine dominates, focusing on symptom treatment over prevention.
- Natural medicine persists but is often seen as unscientific or risky, despite historical use.
- Growing interest in holistic health shows a shift—people seek natural options for fewer side effects. (Our show was regarding Healing/Edible Herbs, and thus I give you the names of some of the important women who helped shape the resurance of herbalism; Juliette de Baïracli Levy who were mentors to Rosemary Gladstar and Susan Weed. Many thanks, Ladies.
- For example, Vicki and I were just talking how plant-base drugs like aspirin (originally from willow bark) prove natural medicine’s value. But alas, over-the-counter aspirin is a chemical copy of what Nature gives humanity freely.
- Explore herbs and holistic practices with an open mind but research their safety (that’s the Down and Dirty ‘disclaimer’… ugh! Can’t wait until all that nonsense is done with. But I digress).
- When using any medicine, natural or chemical, always consider that there may be counter-indications present. Safety is always first. Do your research. And always remember, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Vicki or myself via email at: bbsradio.com/downanddirty. If we don’t know the answer, we know where to find it and will get back to you as soon as possible.
VII. Wrap-Up
- Recapping: Rockefeller used business moves, created the AMA’s standardization of allopathic medicine, and media campaigns sidelined natural medicine.
- We Encourage you to question the “unscientific” label and learn about herbs in upcoming episodes.
Please listen to our achieved show dated July 27, 2025 for information on these medicinal and often edible herbs. Yarrow, Plantain, Chicory, Dandelion, Lemon Balm and Red Clover for ways these common, wild, FREE herbs can assist you and your family to live a healthy (and dare I say tasty) lifestyle.
Have a healthy and happy week, y’all. Until August 10th when we invite our good friend, permaculture guru, Matt Denning back to our show to dig a little deeper into Community Building, using repurposed building materials and perhaps venture back into the Garden.
Down and Dirty airs every other Sunday at 4:00pm Central Time.
Big Herbal Hugs,
Idaho Bo
