In an effort to save money as health care cost continue to rise, more families and senior citizens are turning to herbal treatments and nutritional supplements.

New Jersey resident Kristen Kemp told the Associated Press she’s been giving her children tea with honey to treat their sore throats and various Chinese herbs for stomachaches.

"Just going to the doctor will cost me $20 per kid and I have three kids. I’m trying to save money. Just in case something bad happens to our jobs, I want more money in the bank," said Kemp.

The sentiment was echoed by 61-year-old Cathy Birleffi who said she and her husband, who suffers from high blood pressure and seizures, were dealing with a $1,300 monthly premium bill for medicine, according to the article. Since then the couple has turned to nutritional supplements to cut down on costs.

Recently, it was reported approximately 80 percent of Americans have used nutritional supplements and natural products for health benefits in the past year, according to HealthNewsDigest.com. While some said it was to save money, others pointed to the lack of side effects sometimes experienced through prescription drugs.