My sister has a chronic illness. Her medical expenses are heavy enough, but my mother still spends money on talismans and snake oils. How do I persuade her to stop?

While your mum probably has the best intentions, it might be worthwhile for her to think about how your sister is feeling, being ploughed with all the talismans/miracle cures while enduring her current illness. It's not easy to feel sick, and being presented with countless options on what could potentially cure her. It would be even worse if some random healers were brought in.

I would not encourage spending any money on such things, not because it is a waste of money, but it could potentially be dangerous.

Once your mum recognizes that, she would probably turn around.

The focus should be on practical ways to treat your sister, and seeing how best to ensure she gets the care she needs. Health is the most important, at the end of the day.

Sometimes you need to "cure" the heart of the loved ones... When my dad was diagnosed with cancer many years back, a new neighbour enthusiastically intro a miracle drink read mlm. I know what's that all about yet I still allow my mum to listen to her and take the sample to "try"...