We all want better health, but some wellness trends are ineffective, expensive, and potentially dangerous. Think twice about these seven wellness trends.

We have all seen them.  The wellness trends.  The viral Facebook post that everybody is sharing. The Pinterest pin that is always in your feed.  The next latest and greatest thing to get you bikini ready, restore your youthful glow, give you boundless energy, and generally cure all that could ever ail you.

I am here to tell you, my friends, that if it seems a bit far fetched or too good to be true – it probably is.

I spend a lot of time biting my tongue, cringing, and otherwise trying to find ways of not jumping out of my skin when I hear about certain wellness trends and their wild claims.  I am an herbalist and aromatherapist, so my job is to suggest safe and effective natural remedies for those seeking complementary and alternative therapies to modern, conventional medicine and procedures.  This does not in any way mean that I eschew modern medicine – rather, I strive to help my clients and readers make informed choices about their health goals.  But some of these so-called wellness trends are impractical, anything but healthy, and can even be dangerous.  And virtually none of these “practices” are sustainable without purchase from a company that surely has your very best interests in their hearts, of course {leans heavily on sarcasm}.

Seven Popular Wellness Trends to Think Twice About

Here are a few wellness trends that you need to ask some very important questions about before trying:

1. There’s An Essential Oil For That!
   

   
   Let me just clear the air here – I am a trained aromatherapist with a legitimate degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (dual major in herbal medicine and aromatherapy).  I respect essential oils and use them in my practice when warranted.  They are not, however, a cure all.  Moreover, in the wrong hands, they can be dangerous.  Internal use should only be done under the guidance of a trained professional (if ever), dilution ratios must be observed for external application, and thorough knowledge of side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions is a must for safe essential oil use.  Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it is safe, and one must always understand that if a substance is strong enough to help, it is strong enough to hurt.  Use caution and observe best practices when using essential oils.  For more information on essential oil safety, please see this post.

2. IV Infusion PAR-TAY!

   Wait, what is the downside to fluids and nutrients being delivered to your body? In theory – nothing.  In reality, there is so much potentially wrong with the concept and practice.  For the record, I completely embrace the practice if it is used as a short-term boost to regain wellness after illness, exertion, or traumatic experience or to offset chronic conditions.  We all need a “pick-me-up” from time to time.  But party buses filled with mommies getting their “fuze” on while sipping champagne and eating cake (I was invited to one)?  Mobile infusion units trolling the Vegas strip looking for drunk and hung-over patrons?  Centers not using medical grade IV substances?  JUST NO.  IV infusion should not be taking the place of good nutrition, adequate hydration, and most certainly shouldn’t be relied upon for recovery from alcohol abuse (how about not getting wasted in the first place, hmmm?).  IVs should only be administered by a medical professional using medical grade solutions – there has even been a death reported from the intravenous administration of a turmeric solution.  If you do choose to use IV infusion as part of a wellness plan, PLEASE seek out a qualified, medically trained provider and do so for the right reasons, under the right circumstances.

3. Shake It, Baby!

   
   Lately, it seems that packaged “super food” nutritional shake mixes are all the rage.  But, please tell me, is using pre-packaged, expensive mixes really sustainable?  Many of these mixes are extraordinarily expensive and have a fraction of the nutritional value of the corresponding fresh ingredients.  And what happens when the company changes formulas or goes out of business?  Shakes just shouldn’t replace good, old-fashioned, freshly prepared from scratch meals.

4. Wrap It Up, Girlfriend…

   
   Slim waistline, toned abs, and smooth, cellulite free thighs —  I mean, who doesn’t those words describing their body?  The simple fact of the matter is that those things are the result of a healthy diet, adequate exercise, and good genes.  Popular body “wraps” only give the appearance of those results temporarily.  Perhaps one might feel compelled to use such products before a class reunion, a trip to the beach, or such and I wouldn’t judge them for it one bit.  Just understand that the results are not permanent, and certainly do not replace a healthy lifestyle.

5. Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse…

   
   Guess, what?  Your insides aren’t dirty and your body has a natural detoxification process.  A brief fast or “juicing” diet might give your digestive system a break after heavy indulgences, and certain herbs and foods might support the liver and organs of elimination – but there really isn’t any call for these uber expensive, so-called “cleansing” products.  Here again, a healthy diet, adequate hydration, fresh air, exercise, and perhaps the thoughtful use of a few herbs is all that you really need for clean living.

6. Adaptogenic Everything

   As an herbalist, and a woman with a poorly function adrenal system due to genetic factors, I well know the virtues of adaptogenic herbs.  They have played a very important part of my wellness journey.  But these herbs are a band-aid on a bullet hole if you are not making the lifestyle changes to minimize the stressors and triggers in your life.  Think of adrenal fatigue like a leaky water trough and adaptogenic herbs like the hose and water source.  Sure the hose can keep the trough from going empty, but repairing the leak is the actual fix.  Adaptogenic herbs work best when you repair the proverbial leaks in your lifestyle so that they can “fill” us back up more effectively.

7. Crazy Advice

   Guess what – Vick’s Vapor Rub doesn’t cure cancer, and neither does Windex, baking soda, or millions of other things.  If you have a serious condition you need to consult your medical professional and leave the whack-a-doodle, unsolicited advice where you find it. Discuss any complementary or alternative treatments with a qualified CAM provider AND your medical professional.  And, please, don’t perpetuate these potentially dangerous and certainly ineffective rumors.  It greatly discredits the CAM practices that may actually provide measurable and profound benefits.

There you have it.  Seven wellness trends that need special consideration before using.  You are responsible for your own health and there simply is no replacement for a healthy lifestyle.

FDA Disclosure

I am a trained herbalist with a degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, I am not, however, a doctor. Posts in this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before using any herbs, check for appropriate dosage, drug interactions, and contraindications. Information contained herein is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prescribe. Please consult your primary care physician regarding your specific health concerns.