Taste-altering fruit, dandruff-reducing yoghurt and… kombucha mixed with hemp? These are just some of the surprising homespun remedies the participants of Medicine or Myth? are finding success with for treating serious health conditions. Each is hoping that their special remedy will be granted a clinical trial to scientifically prove their efficacy.
Miracle fruit for dysgeusia
Chris Beckwith and the “Miracle fruit” which can alleviate dysgeusia. Source: SBS
The berry, originally from West Africa, has the potential to alleviate a common side effect of chemotherapy, dysgeusia, which causes a distortion in the sense of taste, making food unpalatable.
Chris, 59, says that if the remedy goes to trial, “it will be incredibly satisfying knowing that every berry has the potential of helping people.”
Hemp kombucha for type 2 diabetes
John Leith demonstrates how to make homemade hemp kombucha. Source: SBS
The Sydney businessman, 47, collapsed on the Underground in 2015 while visiting London on a conference when the diagnosis was made. But the medication he was prescribed had an adverse effect, so he set about finding a natural alternative.
“I would have to put my hand on heart and say the hemp kombucha changed my life and got me back on my feet,” says John.
A Chinese doctor suggested John try hemp kombucha and after drinking it for a surprisingly short time, he discovered that his diabetes had been reversed.
His case has highlighted what could be an effective, easy to make and affordable remedy for type 2 diabetes. It has the potential to lower fasting blood sugar levels and even resolve symptoms altogether.
Hair mask for dandruff
Carylie Clegg says her homemade dandruff remedy has changed her life. Source: SBS
The mother of two’s concoction, with a key ingredient of yoghurt – has been so successful she hasn’t had to use expensive anti-dandruff shampoo and can now comfortably wear a black jacket.
Chinese herbal mix for period pain/endometriosis
Joanna Yan and grandfather Dr Yan present their Chinese herbal remedy. Source: SBS
If proven effective, the remedy could give hope to the 700,000 Australian women who suffer endometriosis, a condition currently without a cure in Western medicine.
Deodorant cream for body odour
Michelle Shellshear in her kitchen making her deodorant cream. Source: SBS
Desperate to alleviate the problem after finding no success with available products, Michelle decided to experiment with her own natural remedy coming up with a cream – with a main ingredient of coconut oil – that has cured her body odour and greatly boosted her self-confidence.
Fermented foods for gut health
Kim Clerke with her homemade superfood, kefir. Source: SBS
“Fermentation is basically microbes releasing energy from food,” explains Kim. Microbes, meaning bacteria. Kim made herself the guinea pig, trialling homemade fermented and probiotic foods like kimchi, kefir and coconut yoghurt.
Probiotics strengthen the gut microbiome to help prevent the unpleasant symptoms Kim had long experienced, and she says her remedy made her feel instantly better.
Shampoo for hair loss
Adama Kamara and her shampoo that she says cures baldness. Source: SBS
Ancient Chinese herbal tea for whooping cough relief
Andrew Yeo presents his remedy to ease whooping cough. Source: SBS
Andrew’s grandmother gave him a herbal tea comprised of ingredients like apple, figs and rock sugar, which soothed his cough immediately. Every ingredient has a purpose, he says – the apple for energy, the rock sugar to soothe the tickle in the throat, for example.
His remedy could offer a natural treatment for whooping cough in children, with the side effects of cough medicine for them outweighing the benefits.
Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and does not recommend or endorse any particular treatment. It is not intended to replace the advice provided by your own doctor or medical or health professional.
Watch Medicine or Myth? Mondays at 8:30 pm on SBS. Missed the first episode? Stream it at SBS On Demand:
