Just a spoonful of ginseng?

John in Georgia asks: How did we find out which natural medicines worked?

Trial and error mostly. Long before animals were used in scientifically controlled lab experiments our ancestors were forced to use other humans to discover if something was good or bad for us. The only way to find out if a particular plant had a curative effect was for the medicine man to persuade the tribe idiot into eating it. If it cured an ailment it was good. If it killed him it wasn’t so good, and duly noted to avoid that plant next time around. Over the centuries thousands of perfectly good village idiots died for the betterment of mankind.

So next time you swallow a herb like catuaba to help “raise the flagpole”, take just a second to salute all  the prior guinea pigs that paved the way to gain this vital knowledge.

Things that go bump in the night?

Ben in Idaho asks: Is it okay to squish unwanted house critters?

If you're accosted by a rabid cockroach, or an Australian Death Adder without provocation then it's perfectly acceptable to do them in, or at the very least throw a stern look of disapproval their way. Allowing them to have the run of the house can only lead to no good, especially if you sense they're just itching to get into your hair.

There are exceptions to this however as sometimes the presence of non-domesticated animals can be beneficial. For instance if a really annoying relative is overdoing their stay you can shoo a venomous spider or scorpion into their bedroom. Some animals will deter other varmints from making your house their home as well. If you're fortunate enough to have a Giant Pacific Octopus inhabit your den then you'll sleep better knowing you'll never have to call the local cockle exterminator. Plus they generally only hunt at night, so you most likely wouldn't even know it's there...except for having to occasionally clean ink stains and crustacean shells out of the carpet.