NCCAM

Turmeric—an herb commonly used in curry powders, mustards, and cheeses—may protect bones against osteoporosis, according to a recent laboratory study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that can lead to an increased risk of fractures. The condition is common in postmenopausal women. This study, which used an

Echinacea is an herb that has traditionally been used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and other infections. According to the 2007 NHIS, echinacea was the most commonly used natural nonvitamin/nonmineral supplement among children, and the third most commonly used supplement among adults. These products vary widely, using different echinacea species, plant parts, and preparations.

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb cats claw—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Cats claw grows wild in many countries of Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest. The use of this woody vine dates back to the Inca civilization. What Cat’s Claw Is Used

Recently, I was very disappointed to read an inaccurate news story that appeared in a respected consumer health publication (Prevention Magazine) and was picked up by the major news outlet MSNBC. The article stated that NCCAM and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) had endorsed "9 Natural Cures You Can Trust." This is not the

A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) showed a positive outcome for tai chi in the management of the troubling symptoms of fibromyalgia—a condition with which many patients struggle and for which conventional medicine has little to offer. That is why this study is so provocative—can a CAM modality really affect

As many as one in five Americans have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many people with IBS turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help relieve their symptoms. This fact sheet provides basic information on IBS and “what the science says” about CAM practices that many people with IBS use. If you are

The placebo effect is a beneficial health outcome resulting from a person’s anticipation that an intervention—pill, procedure, or injection, for example—will help them. A clinician’s style in interacting with patients also may bring about a positive response that is independent of any specific treatment. According to a recent study published in the journal PLoS One,

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb chamomile—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Two types of chamomile are used for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in