People around the world have relied on their own natural remedies for all kinds of everyday ailments. We take a look at some alternative remedies from every corner of the globe, from the berries they take in Tibet for a healthy heart to traditional Native American medicine.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

When the locals have a stomachache in Tahiti, they reach for a pineapple, which are abundant on the French Polynesian island. Eating a fresh slice or two soothes many gastrointestinal problems, as it contains bromelain - a substance that enhances the effects of digestive enzymes.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

The orange berries of the sea buckthorn bush grow in the Himalayas, where generations have turned to them for medicinal and nutritional uses. They're rich in vitamin C, and high in omega-7 fats, which promote healthy mucous membranes. Full of antioxidants, they're also good for the heart.

Try it: Weleda Sea Buckthorn Elixir, £7.60 for 200ml, www.weleda.co.uk.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

In Pakistan, barley is eaten in the belief that it helps prevent heart disease. This belief has some scientific substance - American scientists found a 15% reduction in blood cholesterol in people who ate barley flour. You could try adding pearl barley to soups.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

For decades, dried blueberry soup has been used by Swedish doctors to treat diarrhoea. Swedes also export a powder made from blackcurrant skins called Pecarin. Both berries contain anthocyanosides, which destroy E.coli.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

The Chinese use white mulberry to make a jam, reputed to improve circulation and lower blood pressure, preventing heart attacks. It can be grown in the UK from seed and its fruit is edible.

Try it: White mulberry plants, £15 from Burncoose Nurseries (www.burncoose.co.uk; 01209 860316 for mail order).

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

The Swiss drink fermented whey (watery liquid that separates from solid curds in cheese making) to improve digestion and treat candida. They also apply it to fungal infections, such as athlete's foot.

Try it: Molkosan Vitality, £10.99 for 275g (call 01294 277344 or visit www.avogel.co.uk.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Therapeutic use of green clay (Illite) is commonplace across the Channel. Used orally, it is said to eliminate toxins and fight fatigue. Externally, it eases aching muscles and joints.

Try it: Scent By Nature Fine Powdered Green Clay, £6.95 for 250g (www.scent-by-nature.co.uk; 0845 430 8730).

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Yerba Buena, a species of mint, is one of the oldest household remedies known for toothache. Filipinos apply a little juice from its crushed leaves to the tooth.

Try it: Rennie Spearmint tablets, £3.99 for 72 (available nationwide).

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Lavender is native to the mountains of northern Spain. Like the lavender grown here, its oil soothes bites and, if applied to the temples, it eases headaches and aids sleep.

Try it: Boots Botanics Lavender Aromatherapy Pure Essential Oil, £6.79 for 20ml, www.boots.com.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Redbush tea has been used by the native Khoisan and South African settlers for centuries, to ease the effects of the sun. A cup of red bush replaces body fluids vital to muscular function and cardiac stability, which are lost in perspiration.

Try it: Tetley Redbush, £1.49 for 40 bags (available nationwide).

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Russian folk healers advise drinking half a glass of raw beetroot juice to combat symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness. Dizziness can also be linked to an irregular heartbeat, so speak to your GP.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Maoris have long praised the healing ability of honey made from flower essences of the Manuka tree. Manuka honey is eaten to control the stomach bug Helicobacter pylori and used on wounds to fight infections.

Try it: Comvita Manuka Honey, £4.99 for 250g, from supermarkets

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Austrian doctors prescribe mud baths for rheumatism and arthritis. The mud, from Austria, Germany and Hungary, contains around 300 herbs, plants, grasses and flowers.

Try it: Balaton Spa Bath Liquid, £17.99 for 750ml (www.balaton-spa.co.uk; 0845 257 7257).

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

The Indian winter cherry (ashwagandha) has a long tradition in ayurvedic medicine, where it's used for stamina, insomnia and anaemia. It rejuvenates the body, improves vitality and aids recovery.

Try it: Vedic Medical Hall Ashwagandha, £9.99 for 60 capsules, from the NutriCentre (www.nutricentre.com; 0800 587 2290).

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Leaves and seeds of the balloon vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) are found everywhere in Sri Lanka, where it's prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. A UK trial found that cardiospermum gel may be more effective than steroids in treating eczema.

Try it: Cardiospermum Gel, £14.99 for 100ml (0871 871 9975; www.skinshop.co.uk)

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Greeks have long chewed mastic gum in the form of resin from the Pistacia lentiscus tree as a medicine for stomach ailments. Recently, researchers found it reduces bacterial plaque in the stomach by 41.5 per cent.

Try it: Mastic Gum, £6.99 (call 0871 871 9975 or visit www.skinshop.co.uk.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

To combat a cough, Italians make this syrup: boil two cups of water, add two sliced lemons, 2tbsp of fresh mint and two tbsp each of honey and sugar. When the ingredients are syrup-like, add a dash of brandy and sip.

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work

Oregon grape root has been extensively used in traditional Native American medicine. It's highly effective in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis, which include itching and redness.

Try it: Oregon Intensive Serum, £12.99 for 30ml (www.skinshop.co.uk; 0871 871 9975).

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Your complete guide to alternative health remedies that work