Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: To Herb or Not to Herb

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This unit allows students to research some common herbal supplements to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the herb. Students will compare the herbal supplements to pharmaceutical medicines to judge which is the better choice....
Website
Other

Natural Health and Longevity Resource Center: Home Page

For Students 9th - 10th
Good source for articles about herbs and herbal remedies, including the latest research and products on the market. This site contains a good deal of information about specific herbs, as well as many links to other herbal and alternative...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs: A Different Way to Heal?: A Survey of Inconsistency

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Explore the government regulations, marketing and sales of herbal remedies designated as "dietary supplements" by the Food and Drug Administration. Analyze the labels of various brands of Echinacea for discrepancies in dosage and usage...
Handout
US National Library of Medicine

Medline Plus: Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Information

For Students 9th - 10th
A guide to more than 9,000 prescription and over-the-counter medications provided by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) in the USP DI and Advice for the Patient.
Website
University of Wisconsin

The Why Files: Alternative Medicine

For Students 9th - 10th
Alternative medicine has been debated over for many years. This site covers several pros and cons of several of the common practices.
Handout
Other

Austin Nutritional Research: A Reference Guide for Herbs

For Students 9th - 10th
Site describes and discusses the health benefits of some commonly used herbal remedies. Provides a lengthy overview of herbal remedies and promotion of products.
Website
US Department of Agriculture

Food and Nutrition Topics a to Z

For Students 9th - 10th
More than just food and nutrition links can be found in this index of health topics. The USDA's Food and Nutrition Information Center provides access to a world of health information.
Website
PBS

Pbs Frontline: The Alternative Fix

For Students 9th - 10th
Investigate the expanding industry of alternative medicine, pondering whether this is good medicine or just good business. Analyze the role of government in regulating the industry, and explore alternative treatments and therapies...
Website
National Institutes of Health

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is the home page of a professional organization of physicians and other healthcare providers who specialize in complementary and alternative medicinal practices.