logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine
close up of blueberriesAgingTerry Graedon - March 30, 2023 - 4 comments

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.

two seniors practice tai qi (tai chi) outdoors
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - March 15, 2023

Can You Overcome Depression with Exercise?

Multiple studies show that people with chronic conditions can overcome depression with regular physical exercise–swimming, tai qi, running or hiking.

Senior woman doing chair yoga
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - March 15, 2023

How to Help Arthritis Pain with Chair Yoga

A pilot study found that volunteers had less arthritis pain and better quality of life after eight weeks of chair yoga practice.

cabbage head
HeartburnTerry Graedon - March 13, 2023

Cabbage Juice Remedy Cured Chronic Heartburn

Drinking cabbage juice three times a day for a month is a home remedy that helped one reader overcome symptoms of heartburn.

wart on finger of left hand
Home RemediesJoe Graedon - March 13, 2023

10 Favorite Wart Remedies That Work!

We've been collecting wart remedies for 50+ years. The challenge: topical vs. systemic treatment. We offer LOTS of options including Tagamet!

a jar of pickles provides pickle juice to treat muscle cramps
Home RemediesJoe Graedon - March 12, 2023

Pickle Juice Perfect for Restless Foot

Some readers use soap under the bottom sheet, while others find a sip of pickle juice perfect for easing restless leg syndrome.

Psilocybe semilanceata, magic mushroom, cancer death anxiety
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - March 8, 2023

Psilocybin from Mushrooms Can Ease Depression

New research indicates how psilocybin from mushrooms may be as effective as the antidepressant escitalopram in alleviating depression.

Elastic acupressure Sea-Bands used for motion sickness and morning sickness
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - March 6, 2023

Can Acupressure Wrist Bands Help You Get to Sleep?

Many people find that acupressure wrist bands, correctly placed, can help them get the sleep they need without tossing and turning.

cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon offers health benefits
CinnamonJoe Graedon - March 2, 2023

Cinnamon Offers Health Benefits but Also Carries Serious Risks

Find out about the pros and cons of a spice. Cinnamon offers health benefits, but be wary of potential health risks. How can you use it wisely?

toilet paper
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - March 2, 2023

Power Pudding Is Nurses’ Secret Weapon Against Constipation

When all else fails, nurses often resort to a constipation remedy called "Power Pudding." It contains bran, applesauce and prune juice.

seborrheic keratosis
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - February 27, 2023

Could Hydrogen Peroxide Get Rid of Seborrheic Keratosis?

No home remedies are known to be effective against a seborrheic keratosis, but one reader is enthusiastic about applying Pepto-Bismol.

Stop Hiccups - Red Sign Painted on an Open Hand Raised
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - February 27, 2023

Will Your Hiccups Go Away If You Reach and Sip?

Do you have a remedy to make hiccups go away? Drinking water plays a role in many remedies, but others call for a sharp flavor to do the trick.

Miniature toilet bowl with red and white laxative pills
ConstipationJoe Graedon - February 23, 2023

How Can You Get Off the Laxative Merry-Go-Round?

Have you ever felt the need for a laxative? These medications are popular, but there are downsides to regular use.

Jar of Vicks VapoRub
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - February 20, 2023

Can Vicks VapoRub on Your Soles Calm Your Cough?

Have you ever massaged Vicks VapoRub on your soles at night to get some sleep without coughing? Many readers find this is a helpful remedy.

foot with athlete's foot on pinky toe
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - February 13, 2023

Warning–Don’t Use Bleach to Treat Athlete’s Foot

Not every home remedy we get is good or safe. Advice to use bleach on athlete's foot shouldn't be followed. But lots of people disagree. Why?

Purple milk thistles in bloom
Drug Side EffectsTerry Graedon - February 13, 2023

Will You Lower Your Cholesterol With Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle extract can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It blocks the same enzyme as statins.

woman with knee and joint pain
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - February 13, 2023

When Drugs Are Dangerous, Natural Remedies Ease Arthritis Pain

If you have ever wondered what to do to ease arthritis pain besides taking a pill, it's possible that a home remedy might just do the trick.

Doctors with patient suffering from COVID surge
CoronavirusTerry Graedon - February 9, 2023

Does Vitamin D3 Improve Survival of COVID-19 Patients?

Several studies have produced conflicting results on the potential value of vitamin D3 for survival of COVID-19 patients. Which is right?

Bottles of Red Yeast Rice on a store shelf
High CholesterolJoe Graedon - February 6, 2023

Is It Safe to Take Red Yeast Rice for High Cholesterol?

Most people taking red yeast rice to lower cholesterol do well with it. But a few experience side effects. What is the best RYR on the market?

Man with type 2 diabetes checks blood sugar on glucometer to manage diabetes
DiabetesTerry Graedon - February 6, 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 person with psoriasis on his arm who can't afford Otezla
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - February 6, 2023

What Can You Use for Psoriasis If You Can’t Afford Otezla?

One reader reports that apremilast (Otezla) works very well to control psoriasis. There are other options for people who can't afford Otezla.

latte in a cup with foam art
Heart AttackTerry Graedon - February 2, 2023

Is Coffee Really Bad for You?

Studies show that coffee drinkers are less likely to get heart failure or die of heart disease. Unfiltered coffee, though, is bad for you.

bergamot citrus fruits, cut and whole, strong distinctive smell
High CholesterolTerry Graedon - January 30, 2023

Can You Lower Your Cholesterol with Bergamot?

Some research suggests that an extract of the citrus fruit bergamot can lower cholesterol much as red yeast rice does. Is it right for you?

dried prunes, dried plums
Home RemediesJoe Graedon - January 30, 2023

Eating Prunes Can Reduce Inflammation and Improve Bone Health

Researchers find that eating prunes (4-6 a day) could be good for your bones! Prunes have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in a syringe ready for injection with vials in the background; Vitamin B12 injections
DiabetesJoe Graedon - January 23, 2023

How Dangerous Are High Vitamin B12 Levels?

Many people are low in vitamin B12. Symptoms can include fatigue and forgetfulness. What could be behind high vitamin B12 levels?

woman has hands on her abdomen for symptoms of IBS
Home RemediesTerry Graedon - January 23, 2023

What Supplements Could Help Ease IBS Symptoms?

Readers looking for supplements to ease IBS symptoms have found probiotics and enteric-coated peppermint oil can help.

vitamin D supplements as Vitamin D3 gel capsules
Home RemediesJoe Graedon - January 19, 2023

Why Don’t Vitamin D Supplements Work as Expected?

Vitamin D supplements are extremely popular. Millions swallow little golden pills daily. But why are clinical trials producing such disappointing results?

Traditional Marseille soap also called Savon de Marseille put up for sale at the market
Alternative HealthJoe Graedon - January 19, 2023

Can Soap Chips in Your Socks Ease Leg Cramps?

A reader who loves long hikes reports that putting soap chips in her socks prevents leg cramps. We have a possible explanation.

Cup of black coffee and two squares of dark chocolate on a tray
DiabetesTerry Graedon - January 16, 2023

What Are the Health Benefits of Coffee and Chocolate?

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

bowl of turmeric spice with anti-inflammatory activity
Alzheimer’s DiseaseJoe Graedon - January 16, 2023

Black Pepper Boosts Turmeric’s Benefits

Getting turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin into the bloodstream may require special formulations to maximize turmeric's benefits.

Swollen joint in left foot; man seeks to ease joint pain
GoutJoe Graedon - January 16, 2023

Why Don’t Doctors Prescribe Vitamin C for a Gout Attack?

A diet that has little seafood, red meat, soft drinks or beer and lots of cherries and celery seed may reduce the risk of a gout attack.

Senior couple growing stressed plants in their organic garden. Eating vegetables helps them age more slowly.
Alzheimer’s DiseaseTerry Graedon - January 12, 2023

Healthful Diets Help People Live Longer, Healthier Lives

Researchers studying more than 119,000 people for decades found that those following any of several healthful diets live longer and better.

Ripe elderberries, also known as Sambucus berries, growing on a shrub; source of elderberry extract
Alternative HealthTerry Graedon - January 9, 2023

Have You Tried Elderberry to Ease Your Cold Symptoms?

Elderberry rob. a homemade concentrate of berries and spices, is used as a type of hot toddy to ease cold symptoms. Have you tried it?