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. 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.