The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20150629081513/https://nccih.nih.gov/health/decisions

Skip to main content

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health

Follow NCCIH Read our disclaimer about external links Read our disclaimer about external links

Be an Informed Consumer

Decisions about your health care are important—including decisions about whether or not to use complementary health products and practices. Take charge of your health by being an informed consumer. Find out and consider what scientific studies have been done on the safety and effectiveness of the product or practice that interests you. Discuss the information with your health care provider before making a decision. These fact sheets and resources can help you think about the issues to consider and questions to ask.

Featured:

Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name?

Complementary, alternative, and integrative health definitions as well as NCCIH’s mission and role in this area of research.

Issues to Consider

Consumer Tips

Safety Information

Safe Use of Complementary Health Products and Practices
Don't Be Fooled By Health Fraud Scams (FDA;
11/09/11
)
6 Tip-offs to Rip-offs: Don't Fall for Health Fraud Scams (FDA)

Choosing a Practitioner

About Dietary and Herbal Supplements

Understanding Health News

Learn how to read news stories about complementary health approaches so that you can make better decisions.