When you’re going through a health crisis, sometimes your prescription medications aren’t enough to meet your needs. While you should always check with your doctor before making a serious change to your routine, especially when you’re taking medication, consider trying one of these forms of alternative medicine.

Medical Marijuana

Marijuana’s use in the United States is still heavily regulated, with some states banning it completely, others allowing its use only for medical purposes, and still more letting people use it medically and recreationally. Taking medical marijuana helps many patients handle chronic pain, ease anxiety, and prevent insomnia. If you suffer from these symptoms, consider visiting a Chicago marijuana dispensary to figure out if taking cannabidiol can help you.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient tradition that originated in China. It involves sticking small needles into a patient’s skin to stimulate the immune system and other natural healing processes. The needles are so small that they don’t hurt, but the process does take a while. Use acupuncture to help with depression, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and chronic pain.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal remedies are some of the least-regulated forms of alternative medicine, so you should use caution when taking them. They include teas, root powders, and pastes, most of which you consume. Some kinds of teas are effective at treating allergies, colds, fatigue, premenstrual syndrome, and insomnia. Generally, though, their effects have not been proven, so you may not receive the benefit associated with a certain substance. When in doubt, ask your doctor about an herbal remedy before using it.

Although alternative medicine is largely unregulated, unlike prescription medical treatments, many people find it crucial to their wellbeing. If you’re curious about using medical marijuana, acupuncture, or herbal medicine to alleviate your symptoms, talk to your doctor about how you can add them into your self-care routine.