10 ridiculous cures that actually work
Acupuncture isn’t useless after all (Picture: Getty)

For most of us, alternative medicine is synonymous with unproven treatments that probably won’t make you feel any better, but might leave a burning hole in your wallet.

But now, a new scientist has claimed that some alternative treatments are capable of significantly improving our health.

In a new book, Professor Edzard Ernst claims that while the likes of chiropractors, osteopaths and homeopaths are conning the public, a select few treatments can change our health for the better.

Here’s his top 10 alternative treatments, supported by substantial medical evidence.

1)High Cholesterol

Tofu: Pretty good for your cholesterol (Picture: Wikicommons)
Tofu: Pretty good for your cholesterol (Picture: Wikicommons)

Professor Ernst claims that high cholesterol can be tackled by eating soy protein, as studies have previously shown that soy can stimulate the liver in order to break down cholesterol.

He told the Mail on Sunday: ‘Millions of us are trying to lower our cholesterol, and soy is a proven way to do that. Lots of products are abundantly available, such as soy capsules, soya milk and tofu. You can make small reductions with soy, but conventional medicines such as statins are the only way to make a significant difference.’


2) Anxiety


Music might be the food of love, but it’s also pretty good for treating anxiety, apparently. Professor Ernst explained that music therapy, which can be either playing an instrument or listening to music, helps to reduce anxiety.

Studies have previously revealed that music can positively affect heart rate, and can reduce anxiety found in brain injury and cancer patients.

3) Swollen legs


If your legs look like they’re primed to explode after a long haul flight, then taking horse-chestnut pills might be the answer.

Horse Chestnut contains aescin, an inflammation-reducing chemical, and a study of 240 people previously found that horse chestnut was as effective as wearing compression stockings.

‘Horse chestnut helps to improve capillary flow and vascular tone by contracting the tiny muscles behind the veins, so they do not dilate’, Professor Ernst said.

4) Back pain


You might have previously dismissed yoga as a crackpot meditative exercise, but it’s an effective treatment for chronic or recurrent back pain, apparently.

A recent study of 313 back pain patients showed that a 12 week yoga programme proved effective in reducing pain and increasing mobility and strength.

5) Blood pressure

Here's how to lower your blood pressure (Picture: Wikicommons)
Here’s how to lower your blood pressure (Picture: Wikicommons)

Coenzyme 10 is a compound found in every body cell, but clinical studies have proved that taking supplements to boost your levels of the compound can lower blood pressure.

However, it may take 12 weeks to have an effect, and is not believed to be as effective as mainstream medicine.

6) Depression

Depression can be treated by St John's wort. (Picture: Getty Images)
Depression can be treated by St John’s wort. (Picture: Getty Images)

Previous studies have claimed that St John’s wort is effective in treating depression in adults.

The plant, which is available as tablets, capsules and tea, contains the chemicals hypericin and hyperforin, which have been proven to help regulate mood.

Professor Ernst has hailed it as a ‘very well-known remedy for depression’.

7) Enlarged prostate


Aging men often suffer from an enlarged prostate, and while it isn’t usually a serious condition, it can place pressure on your urethra, resulting in difficulties in going to the toilet.


But by taking African plum and saw palmetto supplements, you’ll be benefited by the chemicals that help to decrease prostate inflammation.

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8) Diabetes

Guar Gum can be used to tackle diabetes (Picture: Wikicommons)

Guar gum, which is a glue-like substance, comes from the seed of the guar plant and contains fibres called glucomannans and galactomannans.

Professor Ernst told the Mail on Sunday that Guar gum can help to slow down the amount of sugars absorbed by the stomach, and can be used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes, who aren’t able to produce sufficient amounts of insulin.

9) Nausea

Don't worry, acupuncture isn't really like this (Picture: Giphy)
Don’t worry, acupuncture isn’t really like this (Picture: Giphy)

The effectiveness of acupuncture has long been debated, but it’s proven in the treatment of nausea, apparently.

A study in Australia of 600 pregnant women found that 20 minutes a week of acupuncture proved effective in reducing nausea.

Professor Ernst said: ‘One of the theories is that acupuncture can help stimulate feel-good chemicals in the brain, leading to feelings of nausea subsiding.

‘Studies have shown it to be effective for morning sickness, patients undergoing chemotherapy and for post-operative nausea.’

10) Insomnia


Melatonin is a hormone responsible for regulating our sleep cycle, by activating receptors in our brain.

But it can also be used to regulate your body clock after a long haul flight, although it is only available on prescription to people over the age of 55.

Professor Ernst said: ‘Studies have shown that taking melatonin really does regulate your body clock, so it is worth trying if you have trouble sleeping.’