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Objectives: To investigate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to explore their beliefs about CAM.

Design and participants: Cross‐sectional study of 173 patients with moderate to severe COPD, and indepth interviews with a purposive sample of 28 patients.

Setting: Ambulatory care.

Main outcome measures: Use of CAM; beliefs about the value of CAM.

Results: 71 patients (41%) claimed to be using some form of CAM. Most commonly used were multivitamins and minerals, and garlic was the most commonly used herbal preparation. Patients reported that advertisements and people with prior experience of using CAM were their major sources of information. Extent of knowledge about CAM, degree of faith in CAM and personal attitudes influenced decisions to try CAM. Patients used CAM to promote general wellbeing, to counteract …