1. Sloppy solution for pesky pimples and that raking rheumatoid arthritis

Similar to the famous “Fountain of Youth” in sunny Florida – just take away most of the crystal clear water, promise of immortality and add a bit of mud – is the “Lagoon of Miracles” in Chilca, Peru. Natives swear to its ability to cure anything and everything from acne to rheumatism. In order to get the beneficial effects of the lagoon’s seemingly magical waters, one must immerse him or herself in thick, greenish-black mud. Yummy.

2. Dry sand and dry heat to fight sexual dry spells and joint pain

If you’re ever in Egypt and happen to experience that little nuisance known as impotency – maybe it was the jet lag, the fact that your mother-in-law accompanied on your honeymoon or some capricious camel on the ride from the rental car shop – try burying yourself in sand up to your neck. No, I’m not kidding. The people in the Siwa Oasis region of Egypt believe that being buried in the sand during the hottest time of the year (oops, forgot to mention that tidbit earlier) is a therapeutic treatment for sexual impotence and even joint pain. I guess that’s one way to get you hot.

3. Fish to help you breathe better

Affecting 8 to 10 percent of the U.S. population, according to the Allergy and Asthma Association of Southern California, asthma is obviously a big deal, and not surprisingly so are many other respiratory problems. In Hyderabad, India, the locals have solved this problem in one interesting way, and that’s forcing live fish down people’s throats. Wow. Sending a squirming fish into a person’s throat to cure asthma. Never would have guessed it. Seems so easy now….

4. Chinese cure for coughing

Some people in China have been known to eat live tree frogs to cure abdominal pain and chronic coughing. Makes you wonder why we only eat the legs over here in the States. Silly us.

5. Dolphins to make your child smarter

Making a second appearance on this list are the Peruvians. This time, instead of mud, it’s dolphins. Many people here believe that the high-frequency sounds a dolphin emits can be used to make unborn babies smarter by helping develop neuron abilities. So if you’re pregnant and in Lima, go check out a dolphin show and see if you can get backstage to have the dolphin stick its nose to your pregnant belly. You may just bear a baby Einstein.

6. Our winner – the healing powers of cow urine

Villagers in Cambodia frequently collect cow urine because of its “healing powers.” This belief in the supernatural healing powers of such animals as cows, snakes and turtles is very common for the country, and has been practiced for centuries. Pass the urine, please.

Most of these miraculous medical alternatives are relatively cheap. Why, again, are we considering a universal healthcare plan when solutions for many of our everyday healthcare needs are as close as the farm, your nearest Sea World adventure park and the desert of Death Valley?

1. Chamomile- Chamomile relieves stomach issues, fights infection and calms nerves.
2. Aloe Vera- Aloe Vera extract can be ingested to help digestive system issues and also helps boost the immune system. Aloe can also be used topically to help sooth dry skin and help heal cuts and sores.
3. Garlic- Garlic might produce a famously pungent odor that can make you stink, but it also helps reduce cholesterol and the risk of developing blood clots.
4. Feverfew- Feverfew is a good for preventing the severity and occurrence of migraines. If you can get your hands on fresh feverfew it’s better than dried feverfew. Dried feverfew is used in capsule and tablet form and fresh feverfew is used to make feverfew tea.
5. Comfrey- Comfrey is not to be used for internal use. It promotes new cell growth and helps heal wounds. If you get ahold of some of he leaves of he plant, press them into the wound.
6. Dandelion- Dandelion is best used as an anti-inflammatory.
7. Raspberry Leaf- Raspberry leaf is a great herb for pregnancy. It not only helps prevent morning sickness, but decreases the chances of a miscarriage.
8. Alfalfa Seeds- Alfalfa seeds are well-known as blood cleansers, but they are also great stimulating appretite.
9. Bosweillia- Bosweillia is an Indian herb and an excellent pain reliever. It works to open blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
10. Astragalus- Astragalus is an ancient Chinese remedy used to treat night sweats and diarrhea.
11. Camellia Sinensis- Camellia sinensis is a the common tea plant from which green tea derives. Green tea is a great antioxidant and works to improve cardiovascular health.
12. Artichoke Leaves- Artichoke leaf extract reduces cholesterol levels and chances for developing cardiovascular diseases.
13. Fenugreek- Fenugreek leaves, when mashed, work as an acne treatment.
14. Squill- Squill is an Indian herb used to treat corns. A roasted bulb bandaged over the corn each night will drastically reduce the pain and severity of the corn.
15. Turmeric- Turmeric root is used to rid dry cough.
16. Goldenseal- Goldenseal is used to detoxify. It’s most effective when taken with echinacea.
17. Echinacea- Echinacea is an immune system booster. It also fights against bacteria and viruses.
18. Oil of oregano- Oil of oregano helps with cold sores.
19. Long pepper- Long pepper is one of the most effective remedies for the flu. If taken at the onset of a disease, it can help decrease the risk of influenza spreading to the lungs or larynx.
20. Bael Fruit- Bael fruit is used as a laxative. It cleans out the intestines causing accumulated fecal matter to exit quickly and thoroughly.
21. Wormwood- Wormwood is used to rid the body of intestinal worms. It’s an herb either used as a powder or an oil .
22. Marigold- Marigold flowers are used to treat stomach issues, menstrual cramps and conjunctivitis. It also works as an anti-inflammatory supplement.
23. Ginkgo Biloba- Ginkgo biloba is used to help with respiratory issues like asthma. It’s also been shown to stimulate the brain and increase sexual energy.
24. Saw Palmetto- Saw palmetto is a small tree that can improve prostate health. It has also been shown to shrink enlarged prostates and relieve urinary problems.
25. Bitter Orange Extract- Bitter orange extract has been used for years as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti fungal medication. It’s recently begun to be used in weight loss supplements because it increases the body’s ability to burn calories.
26. Tea Tree Oil- Tea tree oil is known to promote skin health. It also has great anti fungal and antibacterial attributes.

For more information on any of these, check out the following Web sites:
www.home-remedies-for-you.com
www.nutralegacy.com
www.naturalherbsguide.com