PITTSBURGH -- The troubled economy has a new side effect: consumers flocking to alternative health clinics. Dr. Darrel Misak, director lowercase of the Pittsburgh Alternative Health Inc. on Cedar Boulevard in Mount Lebanon, says his online business has doubled since November at the height of the recession.

He believes the rising cost of health care has caused some patients to search for less-expensive ways to improve their minds and bodies. Dr Misak told Channel 11's Timyka Artist, "People look and say if I take a look at my health more effectively, that'll reduce my overall costs."

A Chicago-based firm found that sales of herbal products jumped 4.3 percent to $4.8 billion the beginning of the recession in 2007.

Another study revealed that 18 percent of all Americans use alternative remedies, and roughly a quarter admit to delaying medical care because of costs.

Experts do warn that you should always let your doctor know about any supplements you are taking because some don't mix well with traditional medicines.

Also, alternative treatments and natural supplements do not require government approval.