Trudi O. Says:
Is it hard to get access to alternative healthcare options in Italy?
IL Italy Contributor Valerie Fortney-Schneider Writes:
Hi Trudi,
You won’t have any trouble finding alternative medicine in Italy.
Many Italians swear by their homeopath or acupuncturist. Erboristerie (herbal medicine shops) are practically everywhere, and the staff can put you in touch with local practitioners. You’ll also find herbal medicines and homeopathic products in major pharmacies. A para-farmacia is almost exclusively homeopathic.
Traditional remedies that have been passed down through the generations are still widely used and sold in Italy. For example, lemon juice is often used to treat colds, and garlic is a favorite remedy for high blood pressure and bronchitis. In some rural areas, stomach aches are banished with the help of a canarino—a herbal tea made from bay leaves and lemon rind… it gets its name from the canary-like color of the liquid.
If you do get sick, you’ll find all of the usual and alternative treatments easily, as well as another highly favored healing option…
Italy has dozens of healing spas. Known as terme, these mineral springs are said to have curative powers. Although, to be honest, more often than not, a visit to a spa is just an excuse for some luxurious pampering.
If you’re enrolled in the healthcare system and have a covered illness, you are entitled to one week of curative spa treatments each year. Your doctor will provide you with the prescription, indicating the proper mineral springs and spa cures.
You can find out more about the curative powers of thermal hot springs, along with a list of spas throughout Italy, from the Italian Federation of Thermal Industries and Curative Mineral Waters.