Scientist Warns Against Alternative Medicines

There is no evidence that alternative medicines, including some promoted on the Internet, are effective in treating anthrax or other biological agents, a leading government scientist said.

Certain natural treatments could interfere with proven antibiotics, and there is little reason to believe they hold promise in responding to bioterrorist attacks, said Dr. Stephen E. Straus, director of the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine.

The public should have “an unwavering trust in the currently approved drugs and vaccines,” he told the House Government Reform Committee. He warned against “unproven remedies.”