Alternative Medicine & CAM Resource Links; Beware of Internet Misinformation

Fact: Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in 2007 according to a government survey. It's becoming more apparent that many health-conscious people are interested in natural cures, or alternative forms of medicine not normally included in the conventional regiments, but be aware that much of this is based on anecdotal evidence without scientific backing. If you are interested in using alternative remedies please check and re-check, as well as back-checking your findings, you may come across so much misinformation that you'll likely be more confused than when you started.

Beware of Internet Misinformation:
Everyday, millions of people are using the Internet as a source for medical information and self-diagnosis in search of easy cures for their maladies. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. Too often people won't back check the dates or sources of the information they find and come up with not only misinformation, but sometimes dangerous instructions, or most often are linked to promotional materials to sell their sites products. I'm all for using natural cures and helpful natural remedies, but I'm also aware that much of the information that is being spread around the net is false and just because it's on a few websites doesn't mean it's legit. Do your homework before investing in any of these claims.

"Snake Oil" for Sale
It's good that people are becoming more involved in their own health-care and arming themselves with a plethora of helpful advice, but beware of these websites that are selling something or linking you to sites that do sell specific products as these could be 'snake oil' scams made for the sole purpose of making money. This is not to say we shouldn't believe anything we read, just that we should be cautious as well as play our parts, and take responsibility for our own health by doing all we can to stay healthy and diligent with our health practices.

Don't Jump to Conclusions; Do Your Homework
If you are searching for a specific symptom please note that there are undoubtedly many things that could cause that specific symptom, so don't jump to conclusions too fast. Be sure to check more than one source and always back check the information provided to asses whether it has any merit. As I mentioned above, be sure to do your homework, don't take for granted everything you read as fact just because it is mentioned on more than one alternative medicine website or resource. Make sure the claims are backed up with some sort of factual evidence.

Red Flag List
Also, never diagnose or treat yourself with questionable products. Always check with your health care professional before using new medical products. Use this red flag list from the FDA's Health Fraud Awareness site to be sure about the products you may wish to purchase.
Be wary of these red flags:

1. If the advertisers of the product claim that a product is a quick, effective cure-all or a diagnostic tool for a wide variety of ailments
2. If they suggest or hint at suggestions that a product can treat or cure diseases
3. If they use promotions with words such as "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "secret ingredient," and "ancient remedy"
4. If the text has impressive-sounding terms such as: "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis" for a weight loss product
5. If there are undocumented case histories by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results
6. If there is limited availability and advance payment requirements
7. If there are promises of no-risk, money-back guarantees
8. If there are promises of an "easy" fix
9. If there are claims that the product is "natural" or "non-toxic" (which doesn't necessarily mean safe)

Don't be fooled by professional-looking Web sites. Avoid Web sites that fail to list the company's name, physical address, phone number, or other contact information. For more tips for online buying, visit Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online.

Alternative Medicine & CAM Resource Links:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) http://nccam.nih.gov/
Healthy.net; http://www.healthy.net/scr/Center.aspx?CenterId=1
FDA; Health Fraud Awareness: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ProtectYourself/HealthFraud/default.htm

Related Botanical Links & More Reading
Herbs at a Glance-is a series of fact sheets that provides basic information about specific herbs or botanicals-common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. FDA/CFSAN Dietary Supplements: Overview. Information on regulation of dietary supplements in the United States.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM).
National Cancer Institute's Complimentary and Alternative Medicine's PDQ Cancer Information Summaries. Provides information to health practitioners and researchers regarding complimentary and alternative medicine cancer issues.
MedWatch. FDA drug safety information and adverse drug event reporting.
Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? Information from FDA on topically used products.
Essentials of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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List of Essential Oils for Specific Emotions
Natural Holistic Remedies for Anxiety, Stress and Depression
Can Essential Oils Help with Depression & Anxiety? Using Aromatherapy as a Mood Regulator
Natural Holistic Remedies for Shingles
How to Quickly Remedy Stings (Mosquito, Bee, Wasp or Jellyfish) Naturally with Papaya Enzyme
How to Use Essential Oils for Healthy Hair
Alternative Therapies; Life-Changing Rewards for Happier & Healthier Living
Information on Ingredients for Natural Products
Many Helpful Suggestions on Uses of Essential Oils

References:
1 Nahin, RL, Barnes PM, Stussman BJ, and Bloom B. Costs of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Frequency of Visits to CAM Practitioners: United States, 2007. National health statistics reports; no 18. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2009.
2 Office of the Actuary, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Health Expenditure Data for 2007. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalHealthExpendData/02_NationalHealthAccountsHistorical.asp#TopOfPage. Accessed June 25, 2009.
3 Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahin RL. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults and Children: United States, 2007. National health statistics reports; no 12. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2008.
Media note: For the full report and downloadable graphics visit - NCCAM; http://nccam.nih.gov/news/camstats/costs.