Is it ethical for medical practitioners to prescribe alternative and complementary treatments that may lack an evidence base?

Is it ethical for medical practitioners to prescribe alternative and complementary treatments that may lack an evidence base?

“…It is concerning that the supporters of the use of CAM in general practice appear to be willing to make recommendations for treatment in the absence of quality empirical evidence. Both Pirotta and Kotsirilos make the often‐used argument that absence of evidence is not evidence of ineffectiveness 1 , 3 . Pirotta suggests that we can turn to tradition 1 and Kotsirilos implies that consumer demand indicates effectiveness 3 .…”

“…Both Pirotta and Kotsirilos make the often‐used argument that absence of evidence is not evidence of ineffectiveness 1 , 3 . Pirotta suggests that we can turn to tradition 1 and Kotsirilos implies that consumer demand indicates effectiveness 3 . It should be acknowledged that both tradition and popularity are unreliable forms of evidence.…”

“…Even when there is evidence for efficacy, care must be taken in avoiding overreaching conclusions. For example, Kotsirilos interprets the relevant Cochrane review 4 as supporting the use of cranberry for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in young women 3 . That therapeutic recommendation is unjustified.…”