Alternative medicine: what the data say about common herbal therapies.

Geriatrics

Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY, USA.

Published: October 1999

An increasing number of Americans are turning to complementary and alternative medicine to help manage or prevent the onset of chronic disease, improve cognitive function, boost overall general well-being, and increase longevity. Some of the more widely-used herbal preparations designed to help accomplish these objectives include St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, echinacea, garlic, and ginger. In general, the clinical trial data on these preparations is in the embryonic stages, whereas the popularity of these compounds is fueled in part by anecdotal evidence. Given the embrace by Americans--especially older persons--of these alternative remedies, knowledge of their uses and potential side effects can help the primary care physician better collaborate on a course of care that makes effective use of the best treatments, both traditional and alternative.

Download full-text PDF

Source

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

alternative medicine
8
alternative
4
medicine data
4
data common
4
common herbal
4
herbal therapies
4
therapies increasing
4
increasing number
4
number americans
4
americans turning
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!