How to Help the Skeptics in Your Life Try Natural Remedies

Have you ever felt excited about what you are learning about the crunchy world, but feel like you are the only one?

Or have you shared something about a natural remedy that has helped you with your friends and family, just to have them roll their eyes at you?

It may not be that they are against what has helped you, but that they are skeptical. Skepticism is normal, good even, and it is not a means for your friends or family members to hide some secret malice towards you. There may even be a hint of concern or fear that you may be getting in way over your head with the changes you are making. These reactions are common and in no way personal. They come from a lack of understanding on their part.

The goal of this blog is to provide you with ideas on how to bridge that gap with compassion rather than confrontation. This is the best way to keep the door of curiosity open, so they are more willing to try natural remedies for themselves. This process takes time. We cannot expect those in our circle to become our crunchy bff overnight.

Understand Why They are Skeptical

There could be a number of reasons why our love of all things crunchy is brought into question. It could be as simple as “the science” being outdated, or that they need a reductionist view of how the herb works, because just knowing that it does isn’t enough.

For many of us, the opinions of mainstream authorities are all we’ve ever known, which can make the crunchy lifestyle intimidating, scary, or radical. Many of us likely dove in with both feet when the options opened up for us. For others, however, just the thought of making tea to support immunity is too much.

Maybe they had a bad experience with something natural. Perhaps they tried a new iron supplement and had bad cramping and constipation. Maybe they felt judged or looked down on because they needed to ask a question about something they didn’t understand.

Whatever the reason, it’s important that we listen to what they are saying. We may not be able to pick out their answer until we ask more direct questions, such as “What worries you about trying something natural?”

Empathy First

Regardless of what their answer might be, whipping out a binder of data and testimonials to prove your point is not the way to win them over. Many of us have tried this, and it ended in an argument that turned the other person away from the crunchy world even more.

So, how do we share our newfound excitement and passion without leaving the other person feeling pressured?

First, we need to understand where they are. Being willing to listen without interruption or interjecting our opinions is the first step in keeping the door open for the skeptics around us. If they share an experience that didn’t go so well, validate them. Say something along the lines of, “Oh, that makes sense why you would be hesitant to try xyz.”

If at some point during the conversation, they seem open to learning that there are more options, using personal experience, or the experiences of those close to us, will carry more weight and authority than quoting the 20 or so studies we found on how adaptogens work.

Our stories don’t need to be elaborate or long-winded. Simple is usually the best. We could say something along the lines of, “I used this herb and it helped my cramps be less intense.” Or “I have a friend who used aloe and it helped her sunburn.”

Choosing a more natural way of living is not an all-or-nothing move. It may feel that way at times, but we’re all human and each of us has a level of confidence in what we are and are not willing to do on our own. This is especially true for the skeptics in our lives. They may be asking questions, but they aren’t asking to be pushed into the deep end.

Helping them understand that they aren’t out of options, or that there are other options to try before doing something we may view as extreme, is where our power lies. The ultimate choice is still up to them.

Start Small (and Specific)

Another thing to keep in mind is that the bigger the change in lifestyle habits, the more resistance there will be. Unless something major has happened, small changes will have the greatest results over time. Just as it only takes one negative experience to turn someone off from trying something again, it may only take one positive experience to open up someone’s mind to how many more options are available to them.

So, what can we do to get this one opportunity to keep their mind open? We meet them where they are at.

If the skeptic is already using a product in their daily routine, like putting on lotion after a shower, suggest a cleaner substitute. A simple exchange, like trading the store brand lotion for our Whipped Body Butter, that doesn’t throw their routine off, could be the way to go.

If they are looking for options to reach a very specific result, lean on your experiences and the experiences of those around you. For example, if they struggle to sleep because they feel a near-constant need to shift their legs, the suggestion that magnesium lotion might help them sleep better may be a good opening. If they are looking for a way to increase their electrolytes without all the processed sugar, the herbal electrolyte powder might be the way to go.

When we can suggest something that is well-suited to their biggest complaint, this will leave the greatest impact because it is where they will feel and see the quickest results. Be aware that some of our suggestions may be spot on, but the effect may not be as obvious to the skeptic as it is to others. Sometimes the individual needs to stop using the suggested product for them to see that it was making a difference.

So, don’t get discouraged! Continue to meet them where they are at, with the gentle reminder that if one thing doesn’t work, something else might.

Talk About What You Do

On another note, there may be skeptics in our lives who have a lot of questions, but don’t know what questions to ask. So, when they are around during any part of our wellness routine, it’s a great time to talk about it. Explain what the product or herb is and why we use it. For example, adding the Super Foods and Greens Powders to our morning smoothie for added nutrition, or making a cup of Cocoa Calm mid-afternoon to reduce how dramatic the afternoon slump can be.

Whether you are making it or using it, a topical such as Calendula Rose Body Oil, ask if they would like to try some. They may say yes the first time, or they may refuse until the offer has been extended many times. The more “normal” a part of natural healing seems, the easier and less intimidating it is for the skeptic to eventually say yes.

So, next time we have a conversation with one of the skeptics in our lives, it would serve us well to remember that our ultimate goal is to spark curiosity, not full-blown conversion. Will they ever get to that point? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, it’s okay.

What matters most is that we keep the door open with patience, empathy, and small, tangible examples of how natural living can fit into everyday life. Sometimes that’s as simple as swapping their usual deodorant for Earthley’s Mineral Deodorant, trying the different “flavors” of Natural Lip Balm, or simplifying their bath routine with the 3 in 1 Soap.

Little moments like these are approachable, relatable, and easy to say “yes” to. That’s where curiosity begins to grow. Over time, these small steps can help even the most hesitant skeptics see that natural wellness isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about giving the body gentle, supportive tools to thrive, one natural choice at a time.

Disclaimer - This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services and its statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider regarding a specific medical condition.