Can we heal our body naturally?

Can we actually heal tumors and other bodily diseases through natural remedies vs. medications and surgeries? For example, can we exexercise, practice meditation/mindfulness, use essential oils, eat superfoods and drink lots of water, tea and other healthy, natural ingredients?

Answer: 

Natural remedies are appealing for the treatment of disease, and for many centuries, people relied solely on natural concoctions to combat their ailments. But as attractive and "healthy" as treatments made from nature sound, most natural remedies are relatively ineffective, and some may even be unsafe.

In fact, in the United States, most herbal and vitamin products available over-the-counter in stores do not actually meet the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) basic safety standards for drugs or foods. These products are classified as dietary supplements, a category that does not require manufacturers to seek FDA approval before selling their products. Manufacturers also do not need to submit evidence of health claims about their products to the FDA, which means that it is up to consumers to seek out evidence-based information. Being informed is important especially because some herbal supplements can cause serious side effects in susceptible persons. These risks are not always clearly indicated on product labels.

Natural remedies further cause confusion because many natural extracts and naturally occurring compounds have been used in or have inspired the development of approved and effective drugs. Many plant extracts, for example, have been found to possess anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies, often in doses far greater than would be safe to use directly in people. After numerous experiments and trials, in cells, animals, and people, scientists have developed some of these products into anticancer drugs. These drugs, while effective in many patients and possessing acceptable safety profiles—the result of rigorous testing in preclinical and clinical trials—still carry significant risks. But, knowing what those risks are, doctors can take steps to minimize side effects and improve treatment experiences for patients.

Getting enough exercise, eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption generally are considered preventative measures for disease. So, while having a role in contributing to an overall healthy lifestyle, these factors are not actual forms of treatment for most diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases.