£200m boom as demand for 'natural' cures soars
20 Apr 08
Source: The Guardian
Research shows leap in sales of alternative medicines led by women over 35.
Sales of herbal and homeopathic remedies in chemists, health stores and supermarkets have doubled in a decade and are now estimated to be worth £200m.
Sales are predicted to reach £265m in the next four years. Growth has been particularly rapid in the past five years, according to the British Lifestyles report by researchers Mintel.
Herbal medicines, which contain extracts from plants and minerals, account for the fastest growth. Scientific tests have shown there is evidence that some could have a beneficial effect.
