Complementary and alternative medicine use in the Amish.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the rate of utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Amish women, a population that traditionally uses non-mainstream medicine.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akron General Medical Center, 44302, USA. vvongr@aol.com
V E
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von Gruenigen
A L
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Showalter
K M
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Gil
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Frasure
M P
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Hopkins
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Jenison
D000328:Adult; D002835:Christianity; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009820:Ohio; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy
D028321:Plant Preparations