Complement Ther Med. 2001 Dec; 9(4): 232-3.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in the Amish.

von Gruenigen VE, Showalter AL, Gil KM, Frasure HE, Hopkins MP, Jenison EL.

Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akron General Medical Center, 44302, USA. vvongr@aol.com

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.