Answer:
An extract of Ginkgo biloba (Egb) was used in a 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group multicenter study to assess efficacy and safety in the treatment of Alzheimer disease and multiinfarct dementia. It was concluded that Egb was capable of stabilizing and improving cognitive performance and social functioning of these patients.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of [...]

Answer:
Yes. The NIH created the Office of Alternative Medicine in 1992 with a $2 million budget. This was upgraded to the NCCAM in 1998. In fiscal year 2000, the NCCAM awarded $68 million to CAM researchers. The NIH is committed to investigating the utility of these therapies and exploring the integration of CAM and traditional [...]

Answer:
The NIH Consensus Panel on Acupuncture cited clear evidence that acupuncture can treat effectively postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, hyperemesis gravidarum, and pain from dental procedures. This committee also concluded that acupuncture may be a useful adjunctive therapy for addictions, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma.
Reference:

NIH [...]

Answer:
According to Chinese philosophy, Qi is the life force. The basis of acupuncture lies in the assumption that Qi courses through channels in the body known as meridians. The acupuncture points represent gates where the channels come closest to the surface. Acupuncture is the practice of influencing the flow of Qi by stimulating these points. [...]

Answer:
For patients with chronic low back pain, the answer is yes to both. In a randomized trial of 262 patients, massage was superior to acupuncture and self-care/education at 10 weeks. At 52 weeks, massage remained superior to acupuncture and was the least expensive of the three in total costs of medical care.
Reference:  Klepser TB, Klepser [...]

Answer:
We have relatively little information about interactions of traditional herbal medicine with prescription drugs. It is estimated that 15 million adults in the United States are at risk for such interactions, including altered bioavailability and efficacy of the prescribed medication. Documented herb-drug interactions, which might be useful to the emergency physician, are listed in the [...]

Answer:
Borage, calamus, chaparral, comfrey, germander, licorice, life root, and sassafras. Kava (Piper methysticum) is currently under investigation by the FDA. There are approximately 25 case reports of hepatic toxicity associated with the use of products containing kava extract in Germany and Switzerland. These products have widespread use in the United States.
Reference: Boullata JI, Nace AM: [...]