Americans take an astonishing number of medications—an average of 26.5 million pills per hour. Medications do ease symptoms, but they do little to correct the root cause of most illnesses.

I have found that most patients do significantly better when they use natural therapies that restore physical as well as emotional balance. Of course, always check with your doctor before trying any new remedy.

 

PROBLEM: High blood pressure.

REMEDY: L-arginine.

L-arginine is an amino acid found in meats, grains, fish and other foods. When you take higher, supplemental doses, it increases blood levels of nitric oxide, which dilates arteries and reduces blood pressure. Studies have shown that patients who take L-arginine can reduce their blood pressure by 20 points or more. Also, L-arginine appears to reduce atherosclerosis, buildups in the arteries that lead to most heart attacks.

How to use it: Take 1,000 milligrams (mg) twice a day. Use a time-release form—it will stay active in the body throughout the day.

Caution: L’arginine can interact with some medications, including high blood pressure medications and nitroglycerin.

 

PROBLEM: High cholesterol.

REMEDY: Sustained-release niacin.

Cholesterol-lowering statin medications, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor), are very effective at reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and reducing the risk for heart disease. But they’re rife with side effects, including memory loss and muscle pain.

Better: Sustained-release niacin. Available over-the-counter, it is less likely to cause flushing than immediate-release niacin. It lowers LDL by about 20 points—the same as some statin doses. It also increases levels of HDL (the protective form of cholesterol), which is just as important for preventing a heart attack.

How to use it: Take 500 mg of sustained-release niacin with each meal—don’t exceed 2,000 mg daily.

Caution: Patients should get their liver enzymes tested before taking niacin to establish a baseline liver function and again after about six months. Liver complications are rare, and if the tests are normal, you need to repeat the test only once a year. Never stop taking a statin without your doctor’s OK.

 

PROBLEM: Poor memory.

REMEDY: Lecithin granules.

Lecithin is the common name for a group of related chemical compounds known as phosphatidylcholine. It’s converted in the body into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in many brain functions, including memory. One study found that participants who took two tablespoons of lecithin daily for five weeks had fewer memory lapses and performed better on memory tests than those who took a placebo.

How to use it: Take two heaping tablespoons of the granules twice daily. I put it in water, but it can be mixed in food, juice or milk. There are no side effects associated with this dose.

 

PROBLEM: Stomach discomfort, muscle aches, poor immunity.

REMEDY: Castor oil application.

Castor oil (a vegetable oil from the castor bean) is an effective remedy for abdominal discomfort—including bloating, constipation and cramps. It’s equally effective for joint and muscle pain. You also can use it to improve the immune system.

How to use it: Saturate a large gauze pad with castor oil. Place the pad directly over the area that hurts—on your abdomen, over your knee, etc. Cover it with a few layers of plastic food wrap, and then leave it in place overnight for about eight hours or you can apply a heating pad during the day for one hour.

To strengthen your immune system when you are feeling sick, take a castor oil bath. Fill the tub with warm water, add about one-half cup of castor oil and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Then pour about one cup of inexpensive shampoo into the water to dissolve the oil. Slosh well, and rinse off before getting out.

Studies have shown that a castor oil bath increases lymph flow and boosts levels of T-cells, a type of white blood cell needed to resist infection.

 

PROBLEM: Colds and flu.

REMEDY: Vitamin D-3.

The “sunshine vitamin” is critical for immunity. The majority of Americans don’t get enough vitamin D, largely because they don’t get enough exposure to the sun. I recommend taking a vitamin D-3 supplement because it will strengthen your immune system without the risk of getting too much sun.

How to use it: Take 50,000 units of vitamin D-3 once a week. There are no risks or side effects at this dose. A weekly supplement can reduce the incidence of colds and flu by at least 80%.

Also, combine vitamin D-3 with a supplement that contains 100 micrograms of vitamin K-2. The nutrients work together to improve immunity.

Caution: Do not take K-2 supplements if you are taking an anticoagulant such as warfarin.

 

PROBLEM: Low energy, low libido.

REMEDY: Magnesium lotion spray.

Many foods contain magnesium, but levels of dietary magnesium have dropped because the mineral has been largely depleted from soil. In the US, magnesium deficiencies are common. This mineral is involved in about 350 enzymatic reactions, so even a slight deficiency can cause various health problems, including weakness and low energy.

How to use it: Use a skin lotion spray that contains 25% magnesium. Apply 10 sprays twice a day to any part of your skin (except your face). It’s readily absorbed through the skin—and it’s easier for the body to utilize than oral supplements. Most patients will achieve optimal intracellular levels of magnesium within six weeks.

Bonus: Supplementing with magnesium increases levels of DHEA by about 60%. DHEA is a precursor hormone used by the body to manufacture testosterone and estrogen. Increases in these hormones can improve libido as well as energy in men and women.