Skeptics Stack Exchange
Skeptics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [natural-remedies]

Use this tag for "natural" solutions to common problems such as healthcare conditions, but also everyday nuisances and problems. See also "folk remedies" or "home remedies".

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Is catnip ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET?

Linked from this Travel.SE answer, I saw a surprising claim in Science Daily from 2001: Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling…
user56reinstatemonica8
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Does the ripeness of a banana have any effect on causing constipation?

In this Parenting SE question there seem to be two opposite claims made: A +7 answer claims that banana ripeness has no effect on constipation (I'm leaving aside the second, obvious claim that drinking enough liquids does). But it has zero…
user5341
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Does laughter prolong life?

This popular claim comes in different shapes, like: a minute of laughter adds 5 minutes of life: source laughter is the best medicine (maybe) source Finding studies that confirm causation wasn't easy. I did stumble across this one which…
RomanSt
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Does ivy leaf extract help treat coughs?

I was prescribed ivy leaf extract for my (quite heavy) cough. More info about ivy leaf extract. Does it work, or is it just a placebo?
Stefano Borini
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Does sleeping an average of 11 hours or more raise one's risk of brain-related disorders?

I am familiar with the effects of sleep deprivation and some of the harmful effects of oversleeping. However, I have also heard more than once that sleeping more than 10 hours on average, even for a non-sedentary person, can lower overall brain…
EuropaDust
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Is cancer linked to having an acidic body?

There a lot of differing views reports on pH levels and cancer. Some say that cancer only grows in acidic bodies. Some say that an alkaline body can prevent or cure cancer. Many others disagree calling it a "myth". What this question is: Is there a…
Coomie
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Is "blue scorpion venom" a legitimate treatment for cancer?

I came across this article just recently, in which it states that no data had been collected about the effectiveness of blue scorpion venom as a treatment for cancer. However, this article was written in 2003. Has any definitive research been…
LanceLafontaine
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Does garlic enhance immune system?

There's a widely held belief that garlic enhances immune system. I'll reuse the same links as my earlier "onion" question, but the purported mechanisms seem different, even if they are folded in the same…
user5341
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Do copper jewellery stains indicate illness?

People wearing copper jewellery quite often have black/green/dark blue stains on wrists and fingers. Articles like Copper Jewelry & Green Skin say that these stains are related to a person's metabolism, and appear because of stress, unhealthy diet,…
Egle
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Does Xylitol Need be Ingested to Reduce Tooth Decay?

In her book, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye, Ellie Phillips DDS recommends wiping a baby's teeth with xylitol enriched baby wipes to reduce tooth decay: For added protection and to ensure your baby's mouth is healthy before teeth begin to erupt, wipe…
S.O.S
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Does inserting soap into the rectum relieve constipation?

There is an old wive's tale (mostly among parents with constipated babies) that you can temporarily relieve constipation by inserting a small piece of soap into the sufferer's rectum to prompt a bowel movement. Here is an excerpt of the instructions…
NotMyName
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Is it possible to get high smoking banana peel?

I know this sounds ridicoulous but some people are claiming that you can get high smoking banana peel Is it true? And if it is how does it work?
Liam
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Do vinegar or salt prevent the cloth colors from bleeding?

Here are the claims: Vinegar helps “set” colors and prevents build-up of detergent residue, which contributes to color fading. [...] Pour ½ cup of salt in the wash cycle to prevent the dyes in colored fabrics from bleeding. 4 Natural Ways to Keep…
Aquarius_Girl
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Does rubbing a dock leaf on a sting from a stinging nettle help to reduce pain?

I was always told this as a kid, and have been told it again recently. I'm skeptical, do they actually have any medicinal properties?
MSpeed
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Does sweating help to cure the flu

Many people advise you to put some warm clothes on, get under the blankets and sweat a lot to help cure flu/fever. On one hand there is a lot of opinion on the Internet saying that it does not work, on the other I heard this advice from medical…
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