>>> for years you've heard about the benefits of alternative health treatments like herbal remedies . now one of the top medical institutions in this country is turning to them. we'll talk to dr. oz about that in a moment. but first, more on the cleveland clinic 's approach.

>> a yoga class is not something you'd expect at one of the top hospitals in the country. but at the cleveland clinic eastern and western medicine are practiced alongside each other at the center for integrated medicine. the latest edition? that's right. herbal medicine .

>> there are more ways of healing than just our conventional medicine .

>> herbal treatments have been used in china and other eastern countries for centuries, with much success. and now western doctors are embracing more of those practices here.

>> it doesn't have to be an either/or. we're seeing i think the best results often when we can combine both philosophies.

>> reporter: the cleveland clinic is among the first hospital to dispense herbal remedies alongside traditional medicine , but it may not be the last. nearly 40% of americans now use health care approaches developed outside of main stream medicine. while there is little scientific research on using herbs as medicine in the u.s. doctors here at the cleveland clinic believe chinese herbs can be very effective when properly monitored and administered.

>> i think there is a misconception it is something natural, it's safe. that is not always the case. they really need to be under the guidance of, you know, an integrated physician who has experience and training in this field.

>> here to walk us through some of the most popular herbal remedies , dr. oz. good to see you.

>> good morning.

>> 5,000 years people have been using herbal remedies in eastern cultures. are you surprised it's taken so long to make main stream medicine here?

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Can herbs help? Dr. Oz explains Eastern medicine