Going herbal to get healthy

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Americans spend $34 billion dollars a year on alternative therapies.

Alternative therapies include everything from herbal supplements to yoga. These are things that are no paid for by health insurance.

Jonathan Evans of the Herbarium in Chicopee told 22News that he's not surprised.

"It's just a lot cheaper to try and stay healthy than it is to try and fix yourself once you're sick," he said.

The sales of alternative therapies have jumped more than 25 percent in the last decade.

Christine Newcomb of Holyoke told 22News that she thinks it's because people are looking for a quick fix.

"Instead of looking at your lifestyle and maybe changing your diet and exercise, they look for a pill or something to make them feel better," she said.

Jessica Plotniak of South Hadley told 22News that she thinks people do it because it's trendy.

"You see celebrities doing it so you figure they look good so it must be helping," she said.

Still, Jenna Laisella of West Springfield said she takes acai berry everyday.

"It gives you energy throughout the day to do what you got to do," she said.

But, some herbal supplements can have negative interactions if combined with certain medications. So check with a doctor and an herbal expert before starting a new supplement program.