Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine covers everything one needs to know about alternative medicine:  from the benefits of acupuncture and yoga to the use of echinacea and St. John's wort.  Other useful facts include:

Calcium and magnesium may help reduce high blood pressureOat bran, when eaten regularly as part of a healthy diet, may reduce blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetesOmega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and certain nuts and plants, may be a mood stabilizer for people with bipolar depression and other psychiatric disorders

Acai berry, artichoke, avocado, cayenne, cinnamon and ginger are all simple, cost-effective ingredients that may aid in the prevention of many common diseases and medical conditions.  Who knew that peppermint can treat certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and even heartburn?

SOURCE Time Inc. Home Entertainment