Americans are using (different) natural products to boost health
While natural products continue to be the most common complementary health approach, a new survey from the National Institutes of Health shows some changes in those products’ popularity since 2007, with some products becoming more popular and some falling out of favor. (Dietary supplements other than vitamins and minerals are considered natural products.)
“While NHIS does not assess why shifts in use occur, some of the trends are in line with published research on the efficacy of natural products,” said Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., Director of NCCIH. ”For example, the use of melatonin, shown in studies to have some benefits for sleep issues, has risen dramatically. Conversely, the use of echinacea has fallen, which may reflect conflicting results from studies on whether it’s helpful for colds. This reaffirms why it is important for NIH to study these products and to provide that information to the public.”