The People's Perspective on Medicine
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
Nutritional Support for Burning Mouth Syndrome
Although Burning Mouth Syndrome is mysterious, supplements of certain essential vitamins and minerals may help ease the pain.
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.
Getting Off Omeprazole
Stopping omeprazole (Prilosec) is really hard! Many people find that when they try to stop, they may experience painful rebound hyperacidity.
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 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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
Can Elderberry Juice Really Fight Flu Virus?
Elderberry juice can keep influenza virus from infecting cells and also keep the flu virus from replicating.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.