A chemical element found naturally in foods like garlic and onions, sulfur shows promise in the treatment of arthritis. For instance, studies indicate that taking supplements that contain methylsulfonylmethane (or MSM, a form of sulfur) may offer relief of osteoarthritis of the knee. Found to fight inflammation, MSM may help lessen osteoarthritis-related pain .

There's also some evidence that soaking in sulfur-rich waters may benefit people with osteoarthritis. In a 2007 study from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, investigators determined that balneotherapy (a therapeutic form of bathing that often involves sulfur-rich waters) may tame pain and improve quality of life in osteoarthritis patients.

For more help in treating arthritis, consider taking supplements that contain avocado/soybean unsaponifiables or glucosamine. In addition, practicing yoga, taking up tai chi, and/or undergoing acupuncture may help alleviate arthritis pain and enhance functioning. Read the article: Sulfur - What You Need to Know.

A substance found naturally in a number of foods and widely available in supplement form, rutin is said to treat varicose veins and protect against major health issues like heart disease and stroke. Many proponents claim that rutin can help enhance health by strengthening the blood vessels.

To date, very few clinical trials have tested the potential health benefits of rutin. However, there's some evidence that rutin may fight chronic venous insufficiency (a condition in which the veins do not efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart) and, in turn, help treat varicose veins. In addition, preliminary research indicates that rutin shows promise in the relief of arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

An antioxidant known as quercetin is sometimes said to be responsible for rutin's health effects. To boost your quercetin intake in the everyday, try loading up on quercetin-rich foods like black tea, citrus, red onions, and apples. Read the article: Rutin - What You Need to Know.

A type of tropical plant long used in herbal medicine, ivy gourd is often touted as a natural remedy for diabetes. Many proponents suggest that ivy gourd can help treat diabetes by protecting against spikes in blood sugar (also known as "glucose").

So far, there's very little scientific support for the claim that ivy gourd can help manage diabetes. Still, a number of small studies (including a 2008 report published in Diabetes Care) indicate that ivy gourd may help regulate glucose levels in diabetes patients.

Several other natural substances and alternative therapies may help enhance health in people with diabetes. For instance, some research shows that sipping tea, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels, and practicing yoga may be beneficial for diabetes patients. Before using any form of alternative medicine to manage diabetes, talk to your doctor to make sure the treatment is safe for you. Read the article: Ivy Gourd - What You Need to Know.

With spring in full swing, many allergy sufferers are seeking relief from the runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and sniffling that typically accompany hay fever. One lesser-known remedy sometimes recommended for allergy relief is galphimia, an herb native to Mexico and Central America. Although research on galphimia is limited, several small studies suggest that galphimia may help reduce allergy-related itching and watering of the eyes.

For more science-backed allergy remedies, consider herbs like butterbur and nettles. There also some evidence that increasing your intake of quercetin (an antioxidant found naturally in black tea, apples, and red onions) can help keep seasonal allergy symptoms in check. In addition, an alternative technique known as nasal irrigation may help clear up allergy-related congestion and help you breathe more easily. Read the article: Galphimia - What You Need to Know.