From acupuncture to yoga, echinacea to St. John's wort, meditation to healing touch, Mayo Clinic provides answers to the most pressing questions people have about the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine and when it's appropriate to use natural remedies in place of or in conjunction with traditional medicine. Mayo Clinic Alternative Medicine also provides helpful tips on how to treat common ailments and incorporate alternative treatments into the readers' and their families' lives.

Many common health problems can be treated with simple remedies you can do at home. Even if the steps you take don't cure the problem, they can relieve symptoms and allow you to go about your daily life, or at least help you until you're able to see a doctor.

In situations involving your health or the health of your family, the same questions typically arise: What actions can I take that are immediate, safe and effective? When should I contact my doctor? What symptoms signal an emergency? Mayo Clinic Book of HomeRemedies clearly defines these questions with regard to your health concerns, and guides you to choose the appropriate and most effective response.