Red Flags in Traditional Healing Practice
Warning signs to look for in any healer, herbalist or product, such as cure-all claims, pressure to stop medicines, hidden ingredients and secrecy, described without disrespect to real traditions.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Red flags about claims
- One remedy treats many unrelated illnesses. MedlinePlus says no one product can treat or cure many different illnesses. [1] The FDA advises being suspicious of products that claim to cure a wide range of diseases. [2]
- Miracle, secret or quick-fix language. MedlinePlus lists phrases such as "Ancient remedy," "Miracle cure," "Natural cure," "Quick fix" and "Secret ingredient" as red flags. [1] See claim check: ancient secret cures.
- Testimonials in place of evidence. Success stories are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence. [2]
- "All natural" as proof of safety. The FDA notes that such terms do not necessarily equate to safety. [2] NCCIH makes the same point: "natural" does not always mean a safer or better option. [3]
- Cancer or other serious-illness cures. Bogus cancer treatments may cause harm by delaying or interfering with proven, beneficial treatments. [4] Always discuss cancer treatment options with your licensed health care provider. [4]
Red flags about behavior
- Pressure to stop or skip your medicines. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine without first talking to your doctor. [5] This matters most for conditions such as HIV, cancer, diabetes and mental health problems. See African herbs and HIV or AIDS claims.
- Discouraging a second opinion, or hostility to your doctor. A practitioner who will not work with your conventional providers is a concern. NCCIH advises finding out whether the practitioner is willing to do so. [6]
- Refusing to say what is in a product. Supplements have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs or other compounds. [7] The FDA has found products promoted as "all-natural" cures that contained hidden, dangerously high doses of prescription drug ingredients. [2]
- Pressure, urgency or secrecy about money. Pressure for a quick decision is a warning sign in treatment abroad, too. [8]
- Credentials you cannot verify. Being licensed or certified does not always guarantee someone is qualified, [9] but a claimed license that does not appear on the official register is a red flag. See how to check a traditional practitioner.
Red flags about products
- No way to learn the maker, ingredients or lot. A manufacturer does not have to prove the safety and effectiveness of a dietary supplement before it is available to the public in the US. [7]
- Heavy-metal risk in some traditional preparations. Some Ayurvedic preparations may contain lead, mercury or arsenic in toxic amounts. [10] Read heavy metals in traditional medicines and adulteration and undeclared drugs.
- Products that say they are free of side effects. Medicine of any kind has risks. Herbs can interact with medicines. [11]
Things that are not red flags
- A healer who keeps ceremonies, sacred plants or teachings private. That is often a mark of respect for restricted knowledge. See what is public and what is restricted.
- A healer who explains health in a traditional framework such as humors or energy. The question is whether they are honest about what has and has not been tested, and whether they respect your medical care.
- Lack of a government license in a tradition where standing comes from the community. [12]
If something goes wrong
Stop the product and get medical advice if you have a reaction. Tell your doctor what you took. In the US, the FDA accepts voluntary adverse event reports; see reporting a problem with a traditional product or practitioner.Frequently asked questions
How can I tell a scam from a real healer?
Look at claims and behavior, not at culture or appearance. Cure-all claims, secrecy about ingredients, pressure to stop medicines and unverifiable credentials are warning signs for anyone. [1][2]
Is it a red flag if a healer will not reveal ceremonies?
No. Some practices are restricted by communities. A healer who respects your doctor and tells you what is in a product can still keep ceremonial knowledge private.
Are "ancient remedy" and "natural cure" always scams?
Not necessarily, but MedlinePlus lists them among phrases to treat as red flags. [1] A history of use does not prove a remedy is safe or effective. WHO says rigorous validation is crucial even for products used for a long time. [13]
What if a healer says to stop my medication?
Do not stop a prescribed medicine without first talking to the doctor who prescribed it. [5]
What if I already bought a questionable product?
Do not take it until a pharmacist or clinician has reviewed it, especially if you take other medicines. [11] Keep the packaging, and see how to report a problem in reporting a problem with a traditional product or practitioner.
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Respect first, caution second
If you have severe symptoms or think you or someone else has been poisoned, get medical help at once. In the US, call 911, or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (poison help by country).