Medical vs. Medicinal — What's the Difference?

Medical primarily focuses on the field of medicine, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. It involves professionals such as doctors and nurses, who work in various healthcare settings. Medicinal, on the other hand, relates specifically to the use of drugs, herbs, or other substances for healing. This distinction points towards medicinal's emphasis on the therapeutic aspect.

Medical studies and practices are based on a broad scientific foundation, integrating various disciplines like biology, pharmacology, and genetics to understand and treat health issues. Medicinal chemistry, while, involves the design and chemical analysis of compounds with therapeutic potential, underlining a more focused approach within the broader medical field.

In the context of terminology, "medical" is often used to describe professions, institutions, or activities related to healthcare, such as medical schools or medical examinations. Medicinal is used to describe properties or uses of substances, as in medicinal plants or medicinal purposes, highlighting the material's healing qualities.

Medical interventions can include surgeries, diagnostics like MRI scans, and preventive care such as vaccinations. Medicinal treatments typically involve the administration of medications, whether synthetic drugs or natural remedies, showcasing different intervention strategies.

Medical advice is usually sought from healthcare professionals in clinical settings, focusing on a wide array of health concerns. Medicinal advice might be sought for specific remedies or treatments, often including traditional or homeopathic recommendations, indicating a narrower scope of advice.