Health is the primary concern of 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 alter the trend.
Contrary to a common misconception, the French do not rush (anymore) to their doctor at the slightest health concern. Some 44% — the majority of whom are women — first turn to naturopathy, the medical approach that uses only natural methods.
This enthusiasm has surged over the past three years, to the point of beginning to overshadow sales of conventional chemical medicines. How can this new attraction to natural health be explained? The economic factor does not play a role — most of these medicines are not reimbursed; the reasons revolve around seeking a better quality of life and the absence of side effects.
The therapeutic promises of nature
The era of systematically resorting to prescription antibiotics increasingly seems to be over. The French, both made wary by the multiple scandals involving the big pharmaceutical industry and far more attentive to their daily well-being, largely turn to natural medicine for treatment.
Between phytotherapy (treatment with plants) and aromatherapy (essential oils), there is something for every taste and every budget. These gentle therapies particularly appeal to women, 62% of whom consider themselves directly affected by everyday stress.
As an alternative to taking solid or liquid natural remedies, dietary supplements are experiencing strong growth, consumed as small convenient capsules but sometimes of questionable effectiveness. In Europe, France is among the countries most attracted to complementary medicine, along with Italy and Germany.
A growing naturopathy market
The consequence of this strong attraction to alternative medicine has been felt only recently, with a noticeable shift in the health market. According to a study conducted for Les Échos, more than half of French pharmacies (59%) have observed a clear drop in sales of conventional medicines, in favor of natural alternatives.
Now, nearly one-third (30%) of medicines dispensed in pharmacies fall under alternative medicine. The phenomenon is expected to grow further in the coming years, driven by a broader trend in favor of therapeutic well-being.
While the Sanofi laboratory still dominates this rapidly expanding market, fierce competition is emerging with the rise of the Arkopharma, Puressentiel and Pierre Fabre laboratories, all specializing in alternative medicine. At the same time, parapharmacies, organic stores and specialized websites are also developing at high speed .
