logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine
heating a metal spoon in a hot cup of green tea and applying it to the skin can ease itchy bug bitesAlternative HealthJoe Graedon - June 5, 2023 - 58 comments

Hot Water for Itchy Bug Bites

A brief application of hot water or a metal spoon heated in coffee or tea can ease itchy bug bites quickly.

hand holds high dose vitamin D capsule between thumb and forefinger
AnxietyTerry Graedon - May 25, 2023

Vitamin D Supplements for Babies May Boost Kids’ Mental Health

A follow-up study after several years found that high-dose vitamin D supplements during infancy improved kids' mental health.

doctor taking blood pressure reading
High Blood Pressure (hypertension)Joe Graedon - May 25, 2023

Picking a Diet That Lowers Blood Pressure

To choose a diet that lowers blood pressure, look to a very low carb diet with less than 35 g carbohydrate daily.

Pile of pills and multivitamins
Acid RefluxTerry Graedon - May 25, 2023

Should You Be Taking Vitamin Supplements?

Many medications can interfere with good nutrition. If you are taking pills for certain conditions, perhaps you should be taking vitamin supplements.

pitcher of grapefruit juice
Home RemediesTerry Graedon - May 21, 2023

Grapefruit Lowers Blood Pressure

Animal and human research suggests that grapefruit may have an impact on blood pressure. It can interact with many drugs, however.

a bottle of niacin used to get your cholesterol down
Cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)Terry Graedon - May 21, 2023

Natural Ways to Get Your Cholesterol Down

Can you get your cholesterol down with natural products? Niacin, red yeast rice, turmeric and psyllium may help control lipids.

fish oil capsules
Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib, arrhythmia)Joe Graedon - May 15, 2023

Is Fish Oil Linked to Heart Rhythm Changes?

How risky is fish oil or purified EPA in Vascepa when it comes to heart rhythm changes called atrial fibrillation? Learn about absolute risk!

castor beans in a bowl and castor oil in a glass beaker
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - May 15, 2023

Does Castor Oil Get Rid of Warts and Scars?

Castor oil is a versatile topical remedy, used to treat warts, scars, bruises and sore muscles. Scientists have found antiviral activity.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) In Blossom is source of chasteberry
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - May 15, 2023

Is Chasteberry a Natural Way to Ease Hot Flashes?

Chasteberry has traditionally been recommended for premenstrual syndrome, but some women find it very helpful against hot flashes.

curcumin from turmeric in capsules in plastic cup
Home RemediesTerry Graedon - May 10, 2023

Curcumin from Turmeric Helps People Manage Their Weight

A large meta-analysis concludes that curcumin from turmeric can help heavy people reduce their body mass index and waist circumference.

Several bottles of supplements with hand touching Saccharomyces boulardii
Clostridium difficile Infection (C. diff)Terry Graedon - May 10, 2023

Probiotic Can Help Prevent C. Diff Due to Antibiotics

A nontoxic bacterial cocktail or a probiotic called Saccharomyces boulardii may help you avoid diarrhea from C. diff due to antibiotics.

vitamin D3 pills to correct low vitamin D levels
CancerTerry Graedon - May 8, 2023

Study of Vitamin D Supplements Results in Disappointment

A study of vitamin D supplements demonstrated that these pills do not protect people from heart disease or cancer.

The old wives knew plants like thyme and oregano make important compounds; here,Thymus citriodorus (Lemon thyme or Citrus thyme) in the garden
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - May 4, 2023

Show 1340: Were the Old Wives Right?

The best way to find out if the old wives were right about a home remedy might be to give it a try. Do you have a favorite?

older man shaving his face
BleedingJoe Graedon - May 1, 2023

Styptic Pencil: How Does It Work and Is It Safe?

What do you do when you cut yourself? Decades ago men used a styptic pencil to stop bleeding after shaving. What else can stop bleeding?

man with burning mouth syndrome breathing fire
Burning TongueTerry Graedon - May 1, 2023

Nutritional Support for Burning Mouth Syndrome

Although Burning Mouth Syndrome is mysterious, supplements of certain essential vitamins and minerals may help ease the pain.

Andrographis paniculata growing
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - May 1, 2023

Will Chinese Herb Andrographis Ease Misery of Flu?

Evidence supports taking the herb Andrographis paniculata to relieve cold and flu symptoms. It helps more than placebo.

woman covering her mouth because she is suffering bad heartburn
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - May 1, 2023

Getting Off Omeprazole

Stopping omeprazole (Prilosec) is really hard! Many people find that when they try to stop, they may experience painful rebound hyperacidity.

an assortment of gelatin based gummy bears
Home RemediesTerry Graedon - April 27, 2023

Are Gummies a Good Way to Take Supplements?

Two small studies found that melatonin and multivitamins sold as gummies often do not meet specifications.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum)
Drug Side EffectsTerry Graedon - April 24, 2023

St. John’s Wort Can Lift Mood, But May Damage Eyes

One side effect of St. John's wort, photosensitivity, can damage eyes. People may wish to consider other ways to manage depression.

grape juice with pectin, certo and grape juice
ArthritisTerry Graedon - April 24, 2023

Pectin and Grape Juice to Ease Sore Joints

Some people use home remedies such as pectin and grape juice instead of pain relievers to ease sore joints. Readers offer their own variations on the remedy.

nasty nails that have been bitten down to the quick
Home RemediesJoe Graedon - April 24, 2023

Breaking the Nail-Biting Habit

People who would like to drop their nail-biting habit may want to consider taking N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Is there any scientific support?

Grilled lean white meat chicken breast with green and red peppers.
DiabetesTerry Graedon - April 20, 2023

Best Diet for People with Diabetes Is Low in Carbs

Randomized controlled trials show that people following a meal plan low in carbs were better able to lose weight and control blood sugar.

Ceylon cinnamon sticks
DiabetesTerry Graedon - April 17, 2023

Can You Lower Blood Sugar with Cinnamon?

Both Ceylon and cassia cinnamon can help lower blood sugar, but Ceylon cinnamon is safer because it does not have coumarin.

will colorful fresh beets benefit eyesight?
High Blood Pressure (hypertension)Terry Graedon - April 10, 2023

How Can You Use Beets for Better Blood Pressure?

Scientists have shown that you can consume beets for better blood pressure. Does it matter if they are cooked or juiced?

a glass of elderberry juice and elderberries
Home RemediesTerry Graedon - April 10, 2023

Can Elderberry Juice Really Fight Flu Virus?

Elderberry juice can keep influenza virus from infecting cells and also keep the flu virus from replicating.

cacao beans, cocoa powder, cocoa beverage
PodcastsTerry Graedon - April 6, 2023

Show 1307: Cocoa Compounds and the COSMOS Trial (Archive)

A rigorously conducted, multi-year experiment with cocoa compounds vs placebo showed that they may reduce cardiovascular mortality.

digital pedometer measures step count
AgingTerry Graedon - April 6, 2023

Will Boosting Your Step Count Save Your Life?

A study of American adults shows that people who manage a step count of at least 8,000 a day have a lower chance of dying in the next decade.

supplements spilling from bottle, extra zinc for the common cold
ColdsTerry Graedon - April 3, 2023

Zinc for the Common Cold

Scientific studies show the benefits of zinc for the common cold are modest but real. They don't yet show the best dose.

close up of blueberries
AgingTerry Graedon - March 30, 2023

Do Blueberries Help Older People with Memory?

Numerous studies show that anthocyanins in blueberries help lower systolic blood pressure and improve cognitive performance of impaired individuals.

view of soles of feet clad in socks to cover Vicks on feet
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - March 27, 2023

Vicks on the Feet Calms Night Cough: Not a Placebo!

Many health professionals insist that home remedies are placebos. What if there were an explanation for Vicks on the feet to calm a cough?

cup and saucer, coffee beans and French press for preparing unfiltered coffee
Heart AttackTerry Graedon - March 27, 2023

Is It Unhealthy to Drink Unfiltered Coffee?

Unfiltered coffee prepared by boiling or French press methods can raise cholesterol. Filtered coffee has numerous health benefits.

yellow mustard squeezing out of a bottle
Acid RefluxTerry Graedon - March 27, 2023

Do You Swallow a Spoonful of Mustard for Heartburn?

Strange but true: Taking a spoonful of mustard can often alleviate heartburn symptoms. This remedy also appears to be effective for muscle cramps.

Woman holding her hand to her left breast, suffering from under breast rash and under-breast itching
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - March 27, 2023

What Are the Best Remedies for Under-Breast Rash?

Yeast or fungus in warm skin folds can trigger a painful under-breast rash. Women offer a range of remedies to cope with this problem.