Savvy Alternative Medicine Database

The Library has added a new resource - an evidenced based practice alternative and complementary therapies database called Natural Standard.

Therapies are sorted into several different databases, and can be searched individually or as one:

• herbs and supplements, such as american pawpaw, marijuna, red yeast rice, etc.
• alternative modalities, such as leech therapy, art therapy, and Qi gong, etc.
• conditions, such as acne, lice, multiple sclerosis, etc.

In each of these the scientific evidence is rated for use of that therapy in treating a particular condition. For instance the term YOGA was searched. Two example of the effectiveness of yoga included: for someone with anxiety there is good scientific evidence (B) to show that yoga was of benefit; and for someone with tinnitus (ringing of the ears) there is evidence that shows that there may be no benefit (D) from practicing yoga.

The grading system for evidence is:

• A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
• B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
• C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
• D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
• F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

For each alternative therapy there is information about:

• background of the alternative
• theory behind the use of the alternative
• scientific evidence that supportrs/ does not support the alternative
• traditional/theoretical uses
• safety of the alternative practice
• when the information was last updated information
• list of references

This looks like an well researched and thorough resource to help you look for information about alternative therapies. If you need help navigating it, please email me. janene.batten@yale.edu