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Psilocybe semilanceata, magic mushroom, cancer death anxiety
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - September 4, 2023

Psilocybin from Mushrooms Can Ease Depression

New research reveals how one dose of psilocybin may produce weeks of improvement. Healers have long known about psilocybin from mushrooms.

a glass of tonic water with a slice of lemon
EditorialJoe Graedon - September 4, 2023

What to Do When Quinine in Tonic Water Doesn’t Ease Leg Cramps

What is it about quinine in tonic water that eases leg cramps? Can we explain this benefit? We think the bitter taste stimulates TRP channels!

golden raisins and gin
ArthritisJoe Graedon - August 28, 2023

Golden Raisins in Gin: Placebo or Powerful Arthritis Remedy?

People with arthritis are caught in a terrible bind. OTC and prescription drugs have some serious side effects. What about golden raisins in gin?

Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - August 28, 2023

Natural Approaches to Overcome Vaginal Dryness

Many women find that lack of lubrication associated with menopause complicates sexual enjoyment. How can they overcome vaginal dryness?

teapot with two small cups
Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)Terry Graedon - August 21, 2023

Oolong Tea Healed Eczema

More than 20 years ago, Japanese scientists found drinking a few cups of oolong tea every day can help control hard-to-heal eczema.

Taking a blood sugar reading with a lancet, diabetes risk
DiabetesTerry Graedon - August 17, 2023

Diet and Exercise Can Help You Manage Diabetes

Many people can manage diabetes that appears later in life through careful attention to what they eat and their physical activity.

a mosquito on somone's skin
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - August 7, 2023

Sailors Use Skin So Soft Bath Oil as Easy, Pleasant Mosquito Repellent

DEET outperforms Skin So Soft bath oil in scientific studies. Nonetheless, many readers prefer the bath oil and find it reduces bites.

toes with unsightly nail fungus
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - August 7, 2023

What Can You Do to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is unsightly, and the available medications for it are costly. That's why people love home remedies for nail fungus

x ray of a broken hip with steel pins
FractureTerry Graedon - August 3, 2023

If You Are a Vegan or Vegetarian, Are Your Bones Weaker?

People who stick to a vegan or vegetarian diet appear more likely to suffer a broken hip over the next decade. Dairy can reduce the risk.

woman holding a large jar of pickles
Cramps (hands, legs)Terry Graedon - July 31, 2023

Pickle Juice to the Rescue

Some readers sip pickle juice to treat muscle cramps. It sounds strange, but research supports it as helpful.

Cup of black coffee and two squares of dark chocolate on a tray
DiabetesTerry Graedon - July 31, 2023

What Are the Health Benefits of Coffee and Chocolate?

Learn about the health benefits of coffee and chocolate as well as tea. You don't have to feel guilty about your beverage!

pouring olive oil onto spoon over a slice of bread
Heart AttackJoe Graedon - July 27, 2023

Amazing Benefits from Half a Tablespoon of Olive Oil

The evidence keeps accumulating that as little as half a tablespoon of olive oil a day can have huge health benefits. Are you getting enough?

Box of golden raisins next to bottle of gin
ArthritisJoe Graedon - July 23, 2023

How to Make Gin-Soaked Raisins for Joint Pain

Step-by-step instructions for preparing and using gin-soaked raisins, a longtime reader-favorite home remedy for arthritis and joint pain.

senior man high-intensity interval training on stationary bike in health club for his workout
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - July 20, 2023

Could Exercise Save Your Brain?

Randomized controlled trials answer the question: Could exercise save your brain? with yes. Following a DASH diet as well may help even more.

a large pile of vitamin pills, calcium supplements
Home RemediesTerry Graedon - July 17, 2023

What Is the Story on Calcium Supplements?

Studies suggest that calcium supplements don't prevent osteoporosis and broken bones, and may even have troubling side effects.

Mature 50s Asian man suffering heartburn or stomachache, pressing on stomach with painful expression, sitting on sofa at home, medicines on table
Acid RefluxTerry Graedon - July 17, 2023

How to Manage Your Heartburn Without Drugs

Numerous home remedies can help you manage your heartburn. Which one will work best for you? You'll need to try them to find out.

aloe vera gel
DiabetesTerry Graedon - July 17, 2023

Aloe Vera Gel Lowered Fasting Blood Sugar

Aloe vera gel capsules and other natural products can help control blood sugar and may help people with type 2 diabetes.

cold cherry juice in a glass and pitcher on wooden table with ripe berries in wicker basket
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - July 10, 2023

Skeptic Objects to Home Remedies

Sometimes we hear from a skeptic who hates home remedies because they are not supported by scientific data.

bowl of coffee ice cream
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - July 9, 2023

How to Stop a Migraine by Eating Ice Cream

Eating ice cream or drinking ice water quickly as soon as headache symptoms start can be a good way to stop your migraine headache.

glass of milk and chocolate chip cookies
Home RemediesJoe Graedon - July 9, 2023

Sugar and Milk Can Trigger Acne

Did you know that milk can trigger acne? Science now suggests that other foods, especially those high in sugar, may also promote acne.

Sad Woman Suffering From Insomnia
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - July 3, 2023

Can Acupressure Arm Bands Help with Sleep Problems?

Some people have found that wearing acupressure wrist bands at bedtime helps them overcome sleep problems without medication.

cooking with olive oil
High Blood Pressure (hypertension)Terry Graedon - July 3, 2023

Do You Take Olive Oil for Your Blood Pressure?

Could extra virgin olive oil rich in plant phenols be a key to the benefits of the Mediterranean diet? Perhaps we should all take olive oil.

Andrographis paniculata growing for the herbal industry
PodcastsTerry Graedon - June 29, 2023

Show 1346: The Roots of the Herbal Industry

The herbal industry has become a big business with a global reach. What should consumers know about the botanical medicines they use?

benefits and risks of aspirin tablets on blue paper
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - June 26, 2023

Fascinating Strategies to Get Rid of Warts

Readers offer a range of remedies to get rid of warts, from banana peel to cayenne pepper on the wart. One swears by vitamin A supplements.

treatment with salicylic acid to banish plantar warts on the soles of two feet
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - June 26, 2023

How Can You Keep Plantar Warts from Recurring?

Many remedies can help you get rid of warts on the soles of your feet. Which ones can prevent those plantar warts from recurring? Listerine?

grape juice with pectin, certo and grape juice
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - June 26, 2023

What Is the Alternative to Grape Juice and Pectin?

Some people need an alternative to grape juice and pectin for joint pain, because grape juice is high in sugar. There are many options.

young woman suddenly feels dizzy
DepressionJoe Graedon - June 22, 2023

How Long Will Dizziness Last After Stopping Lexapro (Escitalopram)?

A reader experiences bouts of vertigo a month after stopping Lexapro. When will this withdrawal symptom disappear? What about duloxetine?

rows of yellow mustard on a store shelf
ArthritisJoe Graedon - June 19, 2023

Why Home Remedies Deserve Respect

Scientists love data! That is why they embrace drugs. Do home remedies deserve equal respect? There is surprising evidence that many work!

Honey and Chocolate Chip Cookies on table
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - June 19, 2023

Will Honey and Chocolate Ease Your Cough?

Honey and chocolate are unorthodox cough remedies, but there is evidence they can be helpful to calm an unpleasant cough.

close up of a honey bee on a yellow flower
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - June 12, 2023

Do You Have a Favorite Remedy for Bee Sting?

If you need a remedy for bee sting, read on. Readers offer testimonials on plantain leaf poultice, cut onion or meat tenderizer on the sting.

a glass of tonic water with a slice of lemon
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - June 12, 2023

How Can You Find Quinine for Leg Cramps?

You will not find pills with quinine for leg cramps. But you may be able to use tonic water or pickle juice to get rid of the cramp.

coconut cookies for Crohn's
DiarrheaTerry Graedon - June 12, 2023

Will Coconut Macaroons Overcome Bad Diarrhea?

Eating two coconut macaroons a day along with a cup of ginger tea solved the problem of serious diarrhea following gallbladder surgery.