Answer: The primary problem with medicinal herbal products is the lack of regulation. These products do not fall under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufacturers of herbal preparations are not required to show safety or efficacy before marketing. The products are not regulated for quality, with respect to dosage, potency, or [...]

Answer: Yes. It is estimated that 11% to 30% of parents explore CAM for their children. Although herbal medicine generally is considered safe in adults, little information is available regarding its use in children. There are numerous reports in the literature on the toxic effects of herbal medicines in children.

Answer: Some aspects of CAM are a bit costly. Many insurance companies (including some managed care organizations) provide discounts, however, on certain CAM therapies. Many patients do not seem to mind the cost. In 1997, consumers/patients spent an estimated $27 billion out-of-pocket for CAM.

Answer: Acupuncture Aromatherapy Ayurveda Biofeedback Chiropractic Craniosacral therapy Herbalism Homeopathy Hypnotherapy Massage Naturopathy Reflexology Relaxation therapy Yoga

Answer: According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CAM covers a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies (e.g., acupuncture, herbal therapy, homeopathy) that mainstream allopathic medicine does not commonly use, accept, study, or understand.