Final answer:
The correct word to fill in the blank in the student's question is 'exacerbate,' which means to worsen a condition. While some home remedies may seem helpful, they can sometimes make the symptoms or the condition worse.
Step-by-step explanation:
Though some "home remedies" appear to alleviate the symptoms of a disease, they may, in fact, exacerbate the condition. The correct answer among the options provided is 'a) exacerbate'. The term 'exacerbate' means to make a situation or condition worse. On the other hand, 'ameliorate' means to make something better or more tolerable. 'Alleviate' also refers to making something less severe or bearable, while 'remedy' is a means of curing or ensuring relief from a disease or condition.
It is important to be cautious with home remedies and to understand that while they may offer temporary relief, they might not always address the underlying causes of a disease and could potentially worsen the symptoms or the condition itself.