Natural cures
Despite recent controversy, many of us are tempted to try alternative remedies. We found out which treatments find most favour in the medical world

Your GP may be the last person you'd expect to suggest natural remedies, but things are changing. Aside from recent headlines over the value and effectiveness of some complementary therapies, a growing number of doctors now agree that, for certain conditions, taking the natural approach can work just as well as, if not better than, traditional drug treatments. 'There's a lot of evidence to back up complementary therapies - for homeopatic remedies alone there are more than 200 controlled trials that show they are effective,' says Dr Tim Robinson, a GP for 16 years and a homeopath for 10. In using homeopathy with patients in his Dorset surgery, he found that nearly eight out of 10 reported improvements in conditions where conventional treatments had failed, or simply didn't exist. 'I'm finding that a growing number of patients would prefer to try a natural treatment rather than take durgs,' says Dr Robinson. 'Just remember to consult your GP and be sure of the diagnosis before you treat yourself.'

Dr Tim Robinson gives homeopathic treatment advice on the following common health conditions.

Heartburn and indigestion

Try homeopathic remedies Nux vomica 6c, Carbo veg 6c or Ipecac 6c. 'Every condition has different features that help you decide which homeopathic remedy to use,' says Dr Robinson. 'For example, Nux vomica is good if there is fullness in the top of the stomach and burning behind the sternum, Carbo veg is good for patients with a lot of belching, and Ipecac helps those who have nausea with their indigestion.' The general advice for homeopathic remedies suggests you start by taking them four times daily at regular intervals. If symptoms worsen, or don't improve within three days, see your GP.

Insomnia

Try homeopathic remedies Coffea 6c or Nux vomica 6c.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Try homeopathic remedies Lycopodium 6c or Aloes 6c.

Headaches

Try homeopathic rededies Belladonna 6c, Gelsemium 6c or Bryonia 6c.

Thrush

Apply calendula cream up to four times daily to relieve inflamation. Try homeopathic remedy Helonias 6c

Cyctitis

Try homeopathic remedy Cantharis 6c

Cough and sore throat

Try the remedies Bryonia 6c, Drosera 6c or Ipecac 6c for a cough, Belladonna 6c or Hep sulph 6c for a sore throat.