CROHN'S DISEASE - Alternative Medicine - A survey of 96 Crohn's disease patients showed that 60% had used alternative medicine within the past 2 years. Only one-third told their doctor about it. Herbal products were used by 12% of the patients, with al oe vera and ginseng being the most popular. Dietary manipulations were also common, with vitamin therapies used frequently. The reasons cited by most patients for using alternative medicine were the side effects and the lack of benefit with standard th erapies. Also, the patients wanted to actively participate in their own health care. The authors note a case of allergic colitis which was caused by vitamin C with rosehips. When the individual changed to synthetic ascorbic acid, the colitis disappeare d. "Crohn's Disease Patients Flock to Alternative Medicine," Jancin, Bruce, Family Practice News, March 1, 1997;25. 26916 [gas]