March 14, 2006: Catherine A. Hammett-Stabler, PhD

The WHO estimates that that the use of traditional and alternative medicines is widespread, with up 90% of some populations relying on these therapies for primary and preventive health care. This presentation will provide an overview of traditional medicine (TM) and complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), as well as examples of applications from various regions. This session will also examine some of the most commonly used herbals in terms of efficacy, toxicity, drug interactions, and laboratory test interferences.