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Purpose of review Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM), formerly known as alternative medicine, is now part of the mainstream management for patients with a host of medical issues. This current opinion focuses on the use of CIM, more specifically, the use of nutritional and herbal therapies and homeopathic medications for patients with allergic symptoms. Recent findings The literature review revealed that naturally occurring substances when compared with placebo more often than not resulted in significant improvement of the allergic rhinitis symptoms. Summary Despite encouraging results, additional studies with greater rigor are needed.

The widespread interest in and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients in the United States has been established by multiple surveys. One-third of the U.S. population uses some form of CAM, and an estimated 23 billion dollars is spent annually on these therapies. Because of prevalent usage of CAM among patients, it is important that physicians have some knowledge of this subject. With this purpose in mind, this report reviews the current research on CAM as it relates to common disorders of the head and neck: rhinitis, sinusitis, tinnitus, vertigo, and head and neck oncology.

This article discusses the use of an integrative approach in the evaluation and management of the voice. The article begins with a look at the larynx and antioxidant therapy, followed by methods to relieve the pain associated with myofacial trigger points, and the herbs and supplements that can be used by vocalists to replace conventional medications in allergies and reflux. The article concludes with a reminder of the reasons why many vocalists turn to complementary and integrative treatments.