Skeptics Stack Exchange
Skeptics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [alternative-medicine]

Use this tag for claims regarding cures and health practices which fall outside the boundaries of scientifically validated medicine.

Any healing practice, method, compound or procedure which falls outside the bounds of scientifically validated medicine either because it has not demonstrated significant, safe, repeatable results consistently under proper observing conditions, or has not yet had the opportunity to undergo such testing. Can also relate to the study, evaluation, and interpretation of data collected on such processes. Related term: Complementary Medicine.

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Can GAPS diet cure autism, schizophrenia and dyslexia?

I have read a lot of claims regarding GAP syndrome and GAPS diet with the most surprising of them being that the proposed diet can even cure disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. For example in this link, Dr Campbell states: ...The toxicity,…
Dhakhan
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Can Monistat improve hair growth?

I was surprised to read in a Long Hair Care forum that people who spray diluted Monistat (the yeast-infection treatment!) onto their scalp significantly increases and accelerates hair growth. I can't imagine what the mechanism is. Is there any…
CMM
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Can bee stings be treated with onions?

Someone told me that when you have a bee sting you should cut an onion in half and apply it to the sting for 30min - or even better make onion puree and apply it. This sounds a bit like folk-medicine (not saying that this means it's not true). Is…
ChrisWue
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Do Arnica homeopathic tablets reduce bruising?

My wife recently gave birth and the taking of arnica homeopathic tablets seems to be widely recommended to help with bruising. We've seen it suggested online, several midwives have told her to take them, and even a doctor has mentioned it. Is there…
Andrew Wilkinson
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Does toothpaste get rid of cold sores?

My girlfriend has told me that the varieties of toothpaste that are actually paste and have some granularity to them (as opposed to gel varieties) get rid of cold sores if applied early in the sore's appearance and regularly afterward. I've tried…
blaineh
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Can humans "feel" the earth's magnetic field?

Someone told me that human cells can somehow feel the earth's magnetic field. The same guy thought that centrioles are probably involved. Is it true? If not, would it be true for stronger magnetic fields? It seems that this claim is quite widespread…
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Do Acupressure Wristbands help with nausea?

I recently became aware of Travel Wristbands. TRAVELBAND provides effective control of motion sickness, travel sickness, morning sickness and all forms of nausea. I can't find any serious studies that show that they work, or that they don't, or…
fredley
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Can boneset cure dengue fever?

From livestrong: Homeopathic Remedy Boneset is also available as a homeopathic remedy under its Latin name, Eupatorium perfoliatum. In his book "Materia Medica and Repertory," homeopath, Dr. William Boericke notes it is indicated for the flu when…
user7920
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Does the QNET Amezcua Bio Disc work?

Is the Bio Disc medically effective? The product description says Bio Disc is able to redefine and harmonise the energy of water, greatly maximising its positive affect on the human body Their website says [...] numerous independent…
Nikhil
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Does push-ups on finger tips affect eyesight negatively?

Some time ago I've been told that push-ups on your fingers (instead on fists) can affect eye-sight. The explanation was not clear (something about a lot of nerves in fingertips and pressure on them). According to some teachers of Chinese systems,…
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What are the plausible ways in which acupuncture might work for minor pains?

Possible Duplicate: Is there any evidence for acupuncture being an effective treatment? I sometimes have back pain and some numbness / pain in one leg. They're nothing to worry about and I usually just ignore them. However, a well-meaning…
Andy
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Does catnip treat headache and coughs and insomnia?

In this article - http://www.cat-world.com.au/all-about-catnip, it was mentioned that catnip can be used to treat headache, cough and insomnia. It is also useful for settling an upset stomach. It has also been used to treat headaches, scarlet…
Larry Morries
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Does milk thistle prevent liver damage in alcoholics?

There are some people who take milk thistle to offset or repair the liver damage caused by chronic alcoholism. Example here Milk thistle and silymarin are commonly used in the United States and Europe to treat liver disease caused by chronic…
Sam I Am
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Are there any viable shortcuts to stop smoking?

A variety of treatments are purportedly available to aid in quitting smoking. What are effective, scientifically proven ways to quit smoking? In particular, is any treatment significantly better than placebo? Examples of smoking cessation aids…
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Does Kumkumadi Lepana cure acne?

Is there peer reviewed evidence that looked at whether the Kumkumadi Lepana is an effective treatment for acne? Imis Kumkumadi Lepana Cream is widely used for removing black heads and pimples, and for having soft skin. Imis Kumkumadi Lepana…
Christian
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