Health is the primary concern for the French: this is what emerges from the study “Empower your Health!” conducted for Prisma Média Solutions in 2019. And the current health crisis is unlikely to change this trend.
Contrary to a certain preconceived notion, the French do not rush to their doctor at the slightest health issue. Instead, 44% of them – most of whom are women – first turn to naturopathy, or the medical approach using only natural means.
This enthusiasm has been skyrocketing over the last three years, to the point of starting to overshadow sales of conventional chemical medications. How can this new attraction to natural health be explained? The economic factor doesn’t play a role — most of these medications are not reimbursed. The reasons revolve around the pursuit of a better quality of life and the absence of side effects.
The therapeutic promises of nature
The era of systematically resorting to prescription antibiotics seems increasingly over. The French, made wary by the numerous scandals related to the large pharmaceutical industry and much more sensitive to their daily well-being, widely turn to natural medicine for treatment.
Between phytotherapy (plant-based care) and aromatherapy (essential oils), there is something for every taste and budget. These alternative medicines particularly appeal to women, 62% of whom consider themselves directly affected by the effects of daily stress.
As an alternative to taking solid or liquid natural medications, dietary supplements are experiencing very strong growth, consumed as handy small capsules, though sometimes with questionable effectiveness. In Europe, France is among the countries most attracted to alternative medicines, along with Italy and Germany.
A burgeoning naturopathy market
The consequence of this strong attraction to alternative medicine has been felt recently, with a noticeable shift in the health market. According to a study conducted for Les Échos, over half of French pharmacies (59%) have seen a clear decline in the sale of conventional medications, in favor of natural alternatives.
Now, nearly a third (30%) of medications dispensed in pharmacies fall under alternative medicine. This phenomenon is expected to grow even larger in the coming years, with the ongoing trend towards therapeutic well-being.
While the Sanofi laboratory is still dominant in this rapidly expanding market, competition promises to be fierce with the rise of laboratories such as Arkopharma, Puressentiel, and Pierre Fabre, all specializing in alternative medicines. At the same time, parapharmacies, organic stores, and specialized websites are also rapidly developing.
