Peddling crap they don't know about.

One of the problems of "alternative" medicine is that these quacks pretend to be health experts when -- in reality -- they know very little about what they are peddling.

Consumer Reports did an excellent article on the dangers of supplements, including real stories of victims.

Here is an excerpt from the article about Beverly Hames, age 59, of Beaverton, Ore:

PROBLEM Hames went to an acupuncturist in 1992 seeking a "safe, natural" treatment for an aching back. She got a selection of Chinese herbal products, at least five of which were later found to contain aristolochic acid. By mid-1994, she had symptoms of kidney failure, and in 1996 she underwent a kidney transplant. She must take anti-rejection drugs for life. The herbs’ distributor said his Chinese suppliers had substituted Aristolochia for another herb without his knowledge.

The distributor -- by its own confession -- was selling products but didn't know what they contained! Somebody should go to jail.

Check out the whole story at:
Dangerous supplements: Still at large

And don't miss this one:
Twelve supplements you should avoid