The People's Perspective on Medicine
Will the Gin and Raisin Remedy Help Hip and Knee Pain?
We have been writing about the gin and raisin remedy for decades. It amazes us how much relief some people get from their knee and hip pain.
What Are the Health Benefits of Cocoa Flavanols?
Our underwriter, CocoaVia, offers a 15% discount with the coupon PEOPLES15. Take advantage of it today.
Do Walnuts Really Interfere with Synthroid Effectiveness?
The manufacturer warns patients that eating walnuts with their medicine could interfere with Synthroid effectiveness.
How to Lower Blood Pressure by Sipping Hibiscus Tea
Sipping hibiscus tea a few times a day can help get blood pressure under control. Studies show hibiscus may act like an ACE inhibitor.
Can You Lower Your Blood Pressure with Food?
To lower your blood pressure with food, emphasize vegetables and skip the sweets. Following a DASH diet and eating plenty of garlic (or taking a supplement) can help.
Study Shows No Need to Shun Coffee to Keep Heart Rhythm Regular
Doctors often tell patients to avoid caffeinated coffee to keep their heart rhythm regular. Studies suggest there's no need to worry.
Sweet Dreams with Tart Cherry Juice at Bedtime
A reader reports that drinking tart cherry juice at bedtime leads to sound sleep. Research studies support the benefits of cherries for sleep.
Cold Yellow Mustard Relieves Burn
The pain of a household burn can be eased by applying cold yellow mustard after the immediate first aid of cold water.
How Often Do You Get Up to Pee at Night?
Some readers find that eating raisins before bedtime means they don't have to get up to pee as often, or possibly not at all.
People with Heart Failure Suffer on Low Sodium Diet
Studies suggest that heart failure patients following a low sodium diet are more likely to die or be hospitalized than those on regular fare.
Will a Plant-Based Diet Lower the Likelihood of Prostate Cancer?
Studies demonstrate that men who eat more plants and less meat or dairy have a reduced likelihood of prostate cancer.
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.
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.
Avocados Help Control Cholesterol
Eating avocados instead of cheese, butter or other high-fat foods may help reduce cholesterol and improve your lipid profile.
Juice-Vinegar-Pectin Mixture Eased Joint Pain
Drugs to ease joint pain come with a long list of serious side effects. Remedies from the kitchen like a juice-vinegar combo may help.
Will Nopal Cactus Control Blood Sugar?
Nopal cactus has a long-standing reputation for lowering blood sugar. Scientific studies confirm that it can be helpful.
Which Coffee Compounds Protect the Brain?
A combination of two coffee compounds act synergistically to protect the brain in mice. Human coffee drinkers also benefit.
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?
How Hot Peppers Can Improve Your Health and Extend Your Life
Do you like spicy food? If so, you may be adding years to your life! Learn about the health benefits and anti-cancer activity of hot peppers.
Can You Fight Depression by Eating the Mediterranean Way?
When depressed college kids tried eating the Mediterranean way, they began feeling better. Less junk food meant lower scores on a depression scale.
Will Spices Help Protect Your Memory?
Certain herbs, such as basil, lemon balm, rosemary and sage, as well as some spices like cinnamon, ginger and turmeric, may help protect your memory.
Is It Safe to Drink Cinnamon Tea Every Day?
Cinnamon tea with lemon is a tasty substitute for coffee or tea in the morning. Taking it as tea protects the liver from possible harm.
Can You Help Nerve Pain with a Diet Rich in ALA?
Might you control neuropathy by consuming a diet rich in ALA (alpha lipoic acid)? One reader reports better success with diet than supplements.
Will You Live Longer If You Sip Green Tea?
A large study in China monitored people's tea-drinking habits and their health. Those who sip green tea several times a week seem to live longer.
Pickle Juice to the Rescue
Some readers sip pickle juice to treat muscle cramps. It sounds strange, but research supports it as helpful.
Show 1298: The Health Benefits of Tart Cherries
This week we interview two scientists who describe the benefits of tart cherries for mental alertness and physical stamina.
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.
Why Grandma Was Right About Vegetables
People who consume the most vegetables, apples, tea and cocoa tend to have lower blood pressure and less atherosclerosis.
Extract from Wild Blueberries May Help Wounds Heal
A preliminary study shows that a phenol-rich extract of wild blueberries could help speed wound healing. More research is needed to confirm.
Will Drinking Dragon Fruit Juice Improve your Health?
Does dragon fruit juice have health benefits? One study shows it improves blood vessel flexibility, but we need more research.
Can You Use Oil of Oregano With Confidence?
A reader wonders whether oil of oregano is contaminated with heavy metals as the dried herb often is. We too would like to know.