There are a number of resources that can be used to determine the safety and effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These resources can be broadly divided into two categories: primary and secondary sources.

Primary sources

Primary sources are the original research studies that have been conducted on CAM therapies. These studies can be found in peer-reviewed medical journals, which are journals that have been subjected to a rigorous review process to ensure the quality of the research.

Some of the most well-respected peer-reviewed medical journals that publish research on CAM include:

• JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)
• The Lancet
• The New England Journal of Medicine
• Annals of Internal Medicine
• PLoS One

In addition to peer-reviewed medical journals, there are a number of other sources of primary research on CAM. These include:

• ClinicalTrials.gov: A registry of clinical trials that are currently ongoing or have been completed.
• The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): A government agency that funds and conducts research on CAM.
• The Cochrane Collaboration: An international organization that produces high-quality evidence-based reviews of CAM therapies.

Secondary sources

Secondary sources are resources that summarize and interpret the findings of primary research. These resources can be helpful for getting a quick overview of the research on a particular CAM therapy.

Some of the most well-respected secondary sources on CAM include:

• The National Institute of Health (NIH): A government agency that provides information on CAM therapies on its website.
• The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): A professional organization of family physicians that has a website with information on CAM.
• The Mayo Clinic: A non-profit medical organization that provides information on CAM on its website.

How to evaluate the quality of information on CAM

When evaluating the quality of information on CAM, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The source of the information: Is the information from a reputable source, such as a peer-reviewed medical journal or a government agency?
• The author of the information: Is the author a qualified expert on CAM?
• The date of the information: Is the information up-to-date?
• The tone of the information: Is the information objective and unbiased?
• The evidence cited: Does the information cite evidence from primary research?

By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM therapies.