Snake Oil and other Potions

For as long as recorded history, humans have looked to the natural world for medicines and other cures. Plants, molds, and animal products were often found to be rich sources of useful medical items.
Today, most new medicines are synthesized in laboratories, however, some new, and some old, natural remedies are now the hottest selling category of over the counter medications. This thread is dedicated to the discussion of these, and their effects, good or bad.

I'll start with a few that I've taken for various ailments. Please note, I am not a doctor, and I'm not recommending any of these things, just relating my experience and that of others I know.

Capcaisin. Capcaisin is what makes hot peppers hot. Dissolved in cream form, it can be topically applied to help relieve aches and pains. My experience says this stuff works when used regularly, however, don't get it on your privates or mucas membranes.

St. John's Wort. Supposedly a mood elevator. Truly snake oil, doesn't work.

Ginkgo Biloba. Marketed as a booster for concentration and short term memory. The jury, and mine, is still out. Honestly, I hope it works, because what used to be my photographic short term memory has been totally destroyed by the constant interruption of modern society.

Fish Oil/Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Sold as a cardiovascular supplement. Oddly, while reading up on arthritis, fish oil was mentioned as a source of relief. I took it on that alone, and was shocked when a subsequent cholesterol reading dropped like a rock - both LDL and triglycerides. It also seems to have improved circulation in my lower legs. Conclusion: You should probably take this stuff unless you eat salmon five or more times a week.

Glucosamine/Chrondroitin. Most of you probably know about this. In fact, just about anybody over 40 has tried it for joint pain relief, and just about everyone I've ever talked to about it has reported positive results. So, it seems to work, as long as you aren't allergic to shellfish.

Zanfel. Zanfel isn't really a medicine so much as a remedy. It is tiny beads of plastic in a powerful soap intended to relieve the symptoms of poison oak/ivy. I keep it around, but the one time I did use it it only kinda sorta worked. For the price, you might want to stick with the old fels naptha method.

Lactaid. I can eat four-cheese pizza and wash it down with a half a gallon of milk and not get a massive case of the farts when I take this stuff.

Zicam/Cold-eze/Zinc. Nobody really knows why these are effective against the common cold but they are, especially the nasally introduced versions.

Feel free to add your favorites and experiences. I look forward to what everyone has to report.