Prevention Magazine and MSNBC have rounded up nine natural cures endorsed by the government's National Institutes of Health.

Since 1999, a division of the NIH, called the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, has had congressional approval to assess the restorative powers of natural products and mind/body therapies, such as with studies on herbs, supplements, hypnosis and acupuncture.

Although alternative medicine has been the black sheep of the medical world, this division produced results that show natural substances can prevent and treat common ailments. People often choose natural remedies because they cost less than conventional medicine and can often replace prescription medicines. However, it is best to consult your doctor before starting one of these treatment regimens, even if you do so with your regular prescriptions.