Complementary and alternative medicine use in the Amish.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in the Amish.

von Gruenigen V E; Showalter A L; Gil K M; Frasure H E; Hopkins M P; Jenison E L

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

2001

2001-12

OBJECTIVE: To examine the rate of utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Amish women, a population that traditionally uses non-mainstream medicine. METHODS & RESULTS: Sixty-six Amish women completed a survey concerning their use of CAM. Thirty-six percent of the Amish women used at least one form of CAM, primarily reporting a use of diet and nutrition programs, herbal therapies, and chiropractic medicine. In addition, ten pregnant Amish women reported using echinacea, St. John's Wort, red clover, garlic and ginseng. CONCLUSION: This survey highlights the need to address potential adverse effects of herbal therapies in young women who are a member of a group that may use non-mainstream medicine.

*Christianity; Adult; Complementary Therapies/*statistics & numerical data; Female; Humans; Ohio; Phytotherapy/statistics & numerical data; Plant Preparations/therapeutic use; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications/therapy

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