Volume-1 ,Issue-4, November-2025

Worldwide, alternative medicine—which includes systems like Ayurveda, homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and herbal remedies—is utilized extensively for wellness, chronic illness treatment, and health promotion. Despite their widespread use, these treatments' safety, effectiveness, and regulation are still questionable, which raises questions regarding side effects, drug combinations, and postponed traditional treatment. In addition to case stories that highlight advantages over disadvantages, this analysis critically evaluates the evidence in favor of alternative medicine, recognized hazards, and limits in scientific validation. It also looks at sociocultural and demographic aspects that affect use, public opinion, and economic ramifications, such as market expansion, out-of-pocket expenses, and insurance difficulties. The article concludes with suggestions for bettering laws and regulations, educating the public, integrating evidence-based care with conventional treatment, and setting up risk-reduction monitoring systems. This review, which emphasizes the necessity of educated use and regulatory monitoring, offers a thorough grasp of the advantages, difficulties, and economic and social effects of alternative medicine by combining current information.

Keyword: Alternative medicine, complementary therapies, safety, regulation, public preference, economic costs, global health