Article: Supplement buyer-beware: herbal products touted to help insomnia or lower cholesterol don't always work.(SUPPLEMENT WATCH)(Clinical report)

Herbal supplements are touted as "safe" and "natural" remedies to treat insomnia, colds, irritable bowel syndrome, lower cholesterol, and alleviate hot flashes. However, recent research shows they may not be so benign--and may not always work. Here's the latest information to help you find the most effective supplements.

Sleep supplements

According to a recent survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), 4.5 percent of people with insomnia, equivalent to 1.6 million U.S. adults, are using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies such as valerian to treat insomnia. Almost half say the remedies work.

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