Alternative Medicine

Ginger is a spice whose health benefits have been recognized for centuries, especially for reducing gastrointestinal distress. Recent studies have documented that ginger contains compounds that have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.... Full Answer

An ocean of ink has been spilled extolling echinacea as an "immune stimulant," usually in terms of its purported ability to prevent or limit the severity of colds. In 2007, the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases published a review of more than... Full Answer

When people get sick with the common cold, they will reach for any and all medicine to get rid of it – from cold and flu medicine to cough drops. Zinc lozenges help to get rid of colds quickly and efficiently. Studies have shown that zinc... Full Answer

Garlic is a commonly used food and folk remedy for preventing and treating colds. However, there is still insufficient clinical trial evidence regarding the effects of garlic in prevention or treatment. A single trial suggested that garlic may... Full Answer

Milk thistle contains a complex of antioxidant flavonoids, collectively known as silymarin, which have shown evidence of specific protective effects on liver cells exposed to a variety of poisons. Such poisons have included dry-cleaning fluids,... Full Answer

Brewer’s yeast, sometimes also called nutritional yeast, can be found in the bulk aisle of health food stores. Have 1-2 tablespoons on your food each day; sprinkle it on cereal and popcorn or blend into smoothies. Full Answer

Skip the artificial butter and try sprinkling brewer’s yeast (sometimes called nutritional yeast) on your popcorn. While you may be familiar with other types of yeast for making your bread rise, brewer’s yeast (which, yes, is also used to... Full Answer

If stress is an issue, lemon balm might be worth your while. In this video, Dr. Oz Show guest and internist Keri Peterson, MD, explains why lemon balm is not too different from some anxiety medications. Full Answer

Lemon balm can be a helpful supplement for people bothered by anxiety, but it's important to know how much and how often to take it. In this video, Dr. Oz Show guest and internist Keri Peterson, MD, explains the safe way to use it. Full Answer

Plant sterols are compounds found naturally in everyday foods like fruits, vegetables, oils, nuts, and seed. They have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol. Because plant sterols share this similar structure with cholesterol, the human... Full Answer