Alert: Are You Using Any Of These Absolutely Useless Alternative Remedies?

This is one of those controversial topics that is at the root of many heated debates. You have those who swear by alternative remedies and those that are strongly against them. The issue is often not that none of these remedies are useful, it is simply a matter of some people insisting they can be used to replace regular medicines. And of course these days there is a natural remedy for just about any ailment or illness. As a supplement, many alternative or natural remedies are useful, but the important thing to remember is the word "supplement". In the majority of cases, they are not the cure they claim to be.

There are so many different alternative treatments available that to talk about each one would result in a thick book, so for the purposes of this article, the most commonly recommended remedies will be looked at.

Black Salve

This is a paste commonly made from bloodroot, and is one of the more dangerous natural remedies being marketed. Black Salve is said to "cure" skin cancer, but this is absolutely not true. What it does do is destroy the skin, turning it black, and causing it to peel off — resulting in a nasty-looking scar. Scientific research has shown there are no benefits from using black salve, and it certainly does not cure skin cancer or other skin lesions. In fact, the US Drug and Food Administration has listed this salve as a fake cure for cancer, and they have enforced legal action against those that market Cansema, the other name for Black Salve.

St Johns Wort

Recommended as a natural treatment for depression, St Johns wort is sold the world over. A lot of people are against pharmaceutical treatment for depression as they believe the chemicals are harmful, so more and more people are turning to St Johns wort. Because there is such a high rate of depression, including more than 10 million sufferers each year in the US, researchers decided to study the differences between antidepressants and St Johns wort. By studying 200 people who were given either the St Johns wort or a placebo, it was shown that there was absolutely no difference in depression symptoms using either.

Gingko

Can gingko ward off Alzheimer's Disease? Despite the claims used in marketing tactics, research showed that it has no effect on memory and onset of dementia, and does not work to keep Alzheimers away.

READ Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer Treatment

Milk Thistle

A popular home remedy, milk thistle is said to help the liver, particularly in those with cirrhosis or hepatitis. A study was undertaken in 2011 to determine whether or not milk thistle was of any benefit for liver disease, and unfortunately the results showed that it had no effect at all. The level of damage to the liver was the same in those who were taking milk thistle and those on the placebo.

Four Of The Most Popular Alternative Remedies

Echinacea

This is possibly the most popular herbal treatment, particularly in the US. Most people use it to "treat" colds, and it is a major income earner for those who market it. However, in 2003 a study was done by the University of Washington involving 400 children with colds. For a period of 10 days, they were given either echinacea or a placebo. Not only did the study show that there was no benefit of using echinacea to treat a cold, it also found that the children who were given the echinacea were more likely to develp a rash.

Colloidal Silver

This product has been touted for years as a "cure-all", particularly for skin disorders and wounds. Collodial silver is marketed as products that come in many forms including those that can be taken by mouth, a spray for applying to the skin, or an injection. It has been claimed that colloidal silver can cure shingles, herpes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, bacterial and viral infections, eye disorders and inflammation of the prostate. Unfortunately, studies have shown that this product does absolutely none of it. In fact, colloidal silver could even be harmful, as it can build up in the tissues of the body over a period of time. It can even change your coloration to a bluish-gray! Excessive doses may lead to kidney damage and seizures.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate combined with glucosamine is often suggested by manufacturers as being helpful for relieving joint pain. It is claimed to work effectively for those who suffer from osteoarthritis, and some say it is even useful for those with gout. In 2006 a study was undertaken by the University of Utah to find out whether or not these claims were true. Involving more than 1,500 people with osteoarthritis of the knee, subgroups were created and each was given a different treatment. The five subgroups were given either chondroitin by itself, glucosamine by itself, a combination of the two, a placebo or Celebrex, a pharmaceutical treatment. Interestingly, the only group that showed any success was those who were given Celebrex.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is marketed as a treatment for prostate disorders. Despite there being a number of medicinal treatments available, more and more men are turning to saw palmetto as a natural remedy. A major study was started in 2006 involving 225 men with moderate to severe symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and one group was given saw palmetto and the other were given a placebo. These treatments were carried on for one year, with the dosage being given twice daily. At the end of the study, the results showed that there were no dfferences between the two groups in the size of the prostate, the flow rate of the urine, or quality of life.

READ Echinacea Fails To Fight The Common Cold, New Study Says

In Conclusion

There is a place in day to day life for some alternative remedies, provided you understand what they do and how to use them. It is important to consider them as a "supplement" rather than a cure, and you should research any product thoroughly before you use it. Some natural remedies also interact with certain medications, so you should discuss this with your doctor before taking anything. Be careful not to get caught up in the hype around some of these remedies. As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.