What works, what doesn't

My bias is to "natural" remedies.

I put natural in quotes because lots of natural things are bad for you. A rattlesnake is natural: I wouldn't recommend a close association with one. Cyanide is natural, and if swallow a spoonful, you won't be with us long.

So when I say natural, here are some things I look for.

First, I look for ones that do the job. Natural is swell, but if it's not taking care of your problem, it's no good.

Second, I look for ones that have minimal side effects. One of the problems with most medicines (the ones you get from a prescription) is that the side effects can be brutal. The cures I suggest are ones that might not work for you (almost nothing is universal) but there's almost no downside.

Third, I look for things that are pretty easily accessible. If it's only sold in a roadside shop in Tibet, there's not much point in talking about it.