Alternative therapies, supplements can cause side effects

"Complementary" therapies are those used alongside conventional medicine. Recent research has disproved the usefulness of many of these therapies, but found others to be helpful.

Complementary therapies shown to be safe and effective:

* Acupuncture relieved pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea

* Mindfulness meditation reduced stress and pain

* Tai chi improved balance in patients with Parkinson's disease

* Clinical hypnosis reduced post-menopausal hot flashes

Complementary approaches proved not to be effective:

* St. John's wort supplements did not relieve depression.

* Gingko biloba did not slow mental decline, improve memory or reduce blood pressure.

* Echinacea did not prevent or treat colds.

Complementary approaches proved not to be safe:

* Ephedra was found to be associated with heart attacks and death.

* Certain supplements that claim to help patients lose weight, build muscle and improve their sexual performance have been found to be contaminated and unsafe.

Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.