Conditions + Treatments

When you flush your toilet, do you ever wonder where the waste water goes? What about why it goes there? Where it goes is a water treatment plant. Why it goes there is to keep us all safe from the harmful bacteria that can live in the waste we produce. Here’s how.

Having good skin is a major component of overall health and high self-esteem, so taking care of skin by avoiding skin irritants is important. The symptoms and causes of skin irritation are many, and knowing the ways to take care of skin helps to circumvent potential problems.

Menstrual cramps (or “dysmenorrhea,” if you want to get technical) are no fun. This cramping occurs when the uterus contracts to shed the blood lining it. All women having a period experience the contractions, but only about 50 percent of women experience accompanying discomfort or pain. No matter whether you suffer from a persistent, dull throbbing in your pelvis for a few days during your period, or go through gut-wrenching agony, these sensations are something most women would rather do without. Happily, you don’t have to stoically bear any discomfort nor take drugs for pain relief. There are home remedies that can help ease the pain of menstrual cramps. Not every treatment will work for every woman; you’ll have to determine which helps you the most.

Who knew giving a massage could be so fun? Some people laugh at the idea of giving babies massages. In fact, they are wonderful for parents and babies alike. It enhances bodily function, increases parental bonding, and decreases stress levels. Yes, babies do have stress. In fact, colicky babies have a lot of stress and anxiety. Massage is wonderful for them, especially. Knowing how to perform baby massage doesn’t take a masseuse or a rocket scientist. It simply takes love and time.

Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys either gradually or suddenly lose their ability to function, affecting filtration of waste and causing an almost toxicity of the blood. Diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease are the main culprits of this condition. But no matter what has caused the kidneys to fail, there are a number of symptoms that can indicate their loss in function.

An ingrown toenail occurs when a toenail digs into the surrounding skin causing pain, inflammation and swelling. It’s a common occurrence but can be very painful for the individual dealing with it. The usual cause is a toenail that is cut too short and curved at the corners, or shoes that are too tight. Instead of growing out straight, the toenail curves inward cutting into the skin. Fortunately, ingrown toenails can be easily treated and prevented.

Thrush is a fungal infection that occurs in the mouth. Most commonly found in newborns and infants, it affects the gums, tongue, cheeks, lips, and the roof of the mouth. The fungus is caused by Candida Albicans, a fungus that occurs naturally in the mouth in small amounts, but sometimes it multiplies beyond normal ranges. Newborns may acquire thrush during the birth process, but older people may develop thrush as they age and natural resistance lowers. Learning to identify symptoms of thrush helps to curtail development and spread. Good oral hygiene is one method of reducing risks. If not treated, children often develop additional conditions that include dehydration, fever and lethargy.

Dry skin disorders are when an individual, simply put, has a condition that involves excess dryness of the skin. Dry skin disorders consist of excessively dry skin, as well as cracked and scaled skin types. There are a lot of different varieties of dry skin disorders and their causes and origins all vary as well. People suffering from dry skin disorders should consult dermatologists for medication or other treatment types to manage dry skin problems.

Your skin is the largest immunological organ in your body—the first line of defense against disease-causing microorganisms and toxins. It is continually exposed to the sun’s rays, and prolonged exposure can speed up the aging process. Other factors that hasten the skin’s aging process include toxins, pollution and stress. By employing the natural remedies below, you can help safely and effectively reduce the skin’s aging process.

Anger is a normal, human emotion. It can be intense. Everyone gets angry and has a right to his/her own anger. Some people stuff their anger deep inside which can cause mental health or physical problems. Some people let their anger escalate out of control which can lead to abusive and/or legal situations. The trick is to manage anger effectively. In order to do this, it is necessary to find a way to document anger problems. One way to do this is top keep an anger diary. The following article discusses the steps to keeping an anger diary.

Diarrhea is a condition that everybody suffers from at some point. Factors that may cause diarrhea are viral or bacterial infections, digestive disorders, overeating, caffeine, food allergies, certain prescription medications, food poisoning or exposure to contaminated water. If you have diarrhea, some common symptoms you may experience are abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and a loose, watery stool. While there are over-the-counter products that may provide relief, you can also opt to make use of some alternative remedies to ease and stop your diarrhea symptoms.

Garlic has antibacterial properties and boosts the immune system. Elecampane is a natural expectorant and cough suppressant. Add honey and Echinacea to the mix and they present a powerful front against coughs and colds. The following recipe is simple to make even when sick. The whiskey acts as a sleep aid and a preservative so it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for at least 4 weeks.

A mole is a collection of pigment cells called melanocytes that are present in the skin. Moles are very common. In some rare cases, moles are due to a serious condition or disease like cancer or malignant melanoma. Moles typically develop in childhood, although they can appear at other stages of life. Some moles may disappear as you age, whereas others are permanent changes to the skin. Moles can develop on any part of the body and come in all shapes and sizes. There are products on the market today that can assist in removing unwanted moles without having to visit a doctor.

Bleeding during early pregnancy is a very common occurrence and while it doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong, it could indicate serious problems. Below are some possible causes of bleeding during early pregnancy.

A feeling of numbness is almost always caused by poor circulation of blood to that particular area in the body. When blood flow to the feet is cut off the symptoms range from a tingly feeling or your foot falling asleep. However, these common symptoms can be treated safely at home.

Nail fungus can be an unsightly, embarrassing problem that often takes months to cure. Although there are several prescription antifungal products available, home and herbal remedies may be effective in treating nail fungus as well.

Ear infections are typically the reason why parents seek medical treatment for their child. However, you can treat your child’s ear infection at home before you call the doctor. In fact, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most ear infection will clear up own its own without antibiotics. Home cures also treat the ear infection symptoms, such as pain.

Scalp fungus is a very bothersome condition. It usually causes intense itching and irritation, tightness on your scalp, dandruff and even red patches and crusting. However, the good news is that it is not very difficult to get rid of it. If you apply some simple treatment steps, you can conquer it in less than two months.

A dry, hacking cough can result from a variety of ailments with symptoms manifesting as chronic hacking spasms, a tickle in the throat, tightness of the chest, and a lack of mucus or phlegm. An array of homeopathic and traditional methods are available for treating and soothing the inflammation and discomfort associated with an unproductive chronic cough.

Raw garlic benefits include positive effects on heart health, lowered blood pressure, reduced clotting of the blood, increased resistance to colds and flu, congestion relieving effects and lowered cholesterol. Constituents of garlic that contribute to these benefits are destroyed in the cooking process, and eating garlic raw is the best way to gain the most benefits from this versatile herb.

In 1995, 23,000 cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported in the United States. People who are already sick with AIDS or hepatitis are more susceptible to TB.

It may be tough to resist an invitation to a party that promises lots of booze and fun. It may be equally hard to say “no” to drowning your sorrows in alcohol. Although you may enjoy the intoxication and relief that alcohol brings, the after-effects are much less pleasurable. Drinking too much can lead to a hangover, which can be especially bothersome if you have work or an important event the next day. It may seem like nothing can cure the pounding headache resulting from your hangover; however, by following these steps you can reduce the effects of your hard partying quickly.

Oral thrush causes white, bleeding lesions to appear in the mouth. The condition is caused by a fungus known as Candida albicans. Oral thrush most commonly affects babies and the elderly.

Scarring on the body occurs when there is injury or trauma to the skin. The body then heals the wound by forming new collagen over the wound. Since this collagen is newer and generally not of the high quality of existing collagen, it appears different and can have a variety of different shapes and sizes, depending on the severity, depth and length of the wound. A scar is an important part of healing. A white scar forms when there is a deep cut or wound that basically destroys the pigment cells in the surface skin. During the healing process, excess collagen forms and fills the wound, preventing new pigment cells from reaching the surface of the skin. This loss of pigmentation is called hypopigmentation and a white scar is the result.

To tickle is to activate touch receptors in the skin that cause uncontrollable laughter and movement. Robert R. Provine writes in "American Psychology Society," that tickling babies teaches them about social relationships. Laughter has many positive health effects, but tickling also can be a form of torture. The feet are especially sensitive to tickling, and you can use many methods to tickle them.

Tanning beds give off concentrated UV rays, which are stronger than outdoor sun rays. However, sunburns from tanning beds may not be apparent until hours later when redness begins to appear. You should leave a tanning bed immediately if you notice red areas appearing on your skin. If you do get sunburned from using a tanning bed, there are several treatment options available to help you feel better. This options will lessen the pain and reduce the redness.

Toenail fungus can be caused by many different conditions, from a smashed nail that lets bacteria into the nail bed to athlete’s foot conditions. There are over-the-counter medications as well as prescriptions to treat toenail fungus, but many people prefer home remedies such as bleach soaks, lemon juice and the like. An effective home remedy for toenail fungus has been found in normal household vinegar.

You don’t need to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. That itching sensation between your toes is going to drive you insane if you don’t find a way to get rid of it. There are many over the counter medications that claim to get rid of the itch from athlete’s foot. Many of these over the counter medications cause more harm then good while they try to get rid of the athlete’s foot itch. There are alternatives to the over the counter medications if you know where to look and what to do. Follow these easy steps to get rid of athlete’s foot itch and get on with your day.

Scars are the result of the skin healing wounds. When there is an injury to skin from acne, burns, bites or cuts, scar tissue forms over the wound to protect the area. There are many types of scars depending on the source of the injury and other factors such as genetics. Some people are more prone to scarring than others. There are raised scars, depressed scars and stretch marks. Because of the variety of scars, there are several ways to erase or reduce these scars.

Dark under-eye circles are the result of weakened skin capillaries around the eyes. Unfortunately, weakened capillaries can be an inherited trait. Allergies, and the subsequent eye rubbing, sleep deprivation and excessive sun exposure can also contribute to these dark circles. But a costly trip to the dermatologist is not necessary: Dark circles can be lightened dramatically using natural, budget-friendly home remedies.

You’re fairly certain that all human beings have a brain. You’re just not sure what a human brain is supposed to look like outside of its protective covering, the skull. You know that the human brain is a gray-colored, wrinkled mass that kind of makes us move around and think. But surely that tidbit is surely not enough information to help you help your child to create a brain model. What to do?

Head lice are an embarrassing problem, but very common among families with school-age children. There are natural herbal home remedies that will work to get rid of a head lice infestation that you can use in the privacy of your own home. The first step in making sure to stop an infestation is to look for the signs and symptoms in your children.

Most females endure a period each month from the age of about 12 until menopause. Periods are a minor nuisance for some woman or a major problem for others. Some women may have irregular periods and may suffer from PMS or PMDS. Others may have debilitating cramps. Unfortunately, many of the these symptoms are just a fact of life, but some medications may help to alleviate symptoms so that the period is more tolerable each month.

Head lice are parasites that can live in your hair and drink the blood from your scalp. Lice infestation is a common dermatological problem and usually affects school children because of their close contact and tendency to share items such as combs and brushes. Head lice eggs are called nits and normally attach themselves near the scalp. If left untreated, lice eggs can hatch and damage your hair, causing hair loss over time. By employing all the methods below, you can eliminate the eggs of head lice.

Pink eye causes the eye to flare up, water, and become red or pink in color. There are many different kinds of pink eye, which can be caused by anything from a virus, which makes it highly contagious, to a Vitamin A deficiency. You can treat a mild case of pink eye fairly easily and completely naturally. If you have a bad case, though, it may be best to consult your eye doctor.

Excessively sweaty hands are more than just a hassle, and can be indicative of an underlying medical condition. While anxiety used to be interpreted as a main reason for sweaty palms, it is just one such reason among many. Almost 3 percent of Americans suffer from excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis. Some treatment options include extra-strength antiperspirants, oral medications, electrical therapy and surgery. Unfortunately, there are no cheap solutions for sweaty palms; if caused by anxiety, relaxation techniques may help, but if it is a symptom of hyperhydrosis, you will need a doctor to oversee your treatment.

As most parents know, small children are prone to getting ear infections. An ear infection typically starts in the sinuses, either with allergies or a cold. Then bacteria get into the inner ear through the Eustachian tubes and causes infection. The swelling due to the infection is what leads to painful earaches. Although antibiotics are the most common way to cure an ear infection, there are other methods that do help to soothe the ache and fight off the infection as well.

Cutting your own curly hair is fairly easy–and unlike straight hair, uneven cuts are more difficult to notice. Find a style you like by looking through magazines or using the provided links as guides. Having a picture handy will be a useful reference as you cut your hair. Whether your curly hair is long or short, you can use your curls as a guide to create your own style.

Coughing is the body’s natural way to keep your throat and airways clear of mucus and irritating particles. A dry cough contains no phlegm and could be a result of the cold, flu, allergies, pollutants or acid reflux. Home remedies for dry cough include using natural foods and herbs.

It is possible to change your eyeglass frames without changing lenses under certain circumstances. Your prescription lenses are individually designed to sit in your frame and in a certain place in front of your eyes. An eye care professional can help you determine if the new frame you choose will work with your existing lenses.

Penetrating deep into sore muscles, moist heat is the best way to sooth many types of pain. It alleviates joint stiffness, muscle spasms, tight muscles and arthritis pain with soothing heat that helps you feel better. There are several ways to apply moist heat, but the most convenient is using a moist heat pack. Moist heat packs are filled with moisture-absorbing grain that draws moisture from the air and recirculates it deep into sore muscles. Though you can purchase moist heat packs from health stores, they are easy to make at home for a low cost.

Chronic high blood pressure is also known as hypertension and is at times a fatal condition. When your blood pressure is too high due to a medical concern, high levels of stress, or other reasons, you may be prescribed a medication that can help. However, these medications don’t always work for everyone and may not work as quickly as you’d like. There are a few relatively easy steps you can take to quickly reduce your blood pressure naturally.

All the cells in your body need oxygen to function correctly. Your brain for example uses approximately 25 percent of your total oxygen intake. When your body is deprived of oxygen, a condition called hypoxia sets in causing unwanted circulatory problems, respiratory problems and fatigue. Lack of oxygen can also cause psychological problems like short-term memory loss and poor judgment. However, increasing the oxygen in your blood can help your body remove harmful toxins and make you more energetic and alert.

Apple cider vinegar has been used in cooking for years and has also been an effective health remedy for a variety of ailments like acne. However, it also has a role in treating urinary tract infections. If your symptoms are minor or you wish to take a natural approach, apple vinegar might be the right treatment option for you. Please note, though, that it should not take the place of doctor-prescribed medication, and if symptoms persist, see a doctor rather than relying on at-home treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an irritating and frustrating skin problem. It causes a fungal skin infection in between toes and on the foot. Fungus grows in damp and warm places especially in the area between the toes. The skin can get scales, cracks and peels of the skin. It may also start as a sore on the foot especially the bottom of the foot and lastly the large blisters filled with fluid can occur under the skin on the foot. Athlete’s foot causes itchiness and a burning sensation. However, there are solutions to address the ailment. Read on to learn how to cure athlete’s foot naturally.

Medicare and Medicaid are two government programs that are a great help to senior citizens, disabled people or anyone suffering financially that needs dental work. However, while these programs will pay your dental bills if you qualify, they also make it a little more difficult to find a dentist. Since only certain dentists accept Medicare and Medicaid as payment, you’re going to need to know where to look to find the right dentist for you.

An ingrown hair is an unsightly and sometimes painful bump occurring after hair removal. These bumps can affect any part of the body where hair has been removed due to shaving, waxing or plucking. Women who wax or shave the pubic area are at risk of developing ingrown hairs on the labia. A painful bump on such a sensitive area of the body can be uncomfortable, but an ingrown hair is a minor skin problem and usually does not require any medical treatment.

High blood pressure can be slowly life-threatening. People with chronic high blood pressure are at higher risk than others for heart problems. Avoiding smoking, excessive drinking and stress can lower your blood pressure for the long term. You can also lower your blood pressure in a matter of minutes.

One in every three adults has high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure can cause a host of complications, including damage to your arteries, heart failure, ruptured blood vessels in your brain, aneurysms and memory trouble. Various changes in your lifestyle can help you reduce high blood pressure over time. Some methods allow you to lower your blood pressure more quickly than others. These include adding certain foods to your diet, exercising and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine.

High blood pressure is a serious medical problem that leads to potentially fatal conditions such as blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Anyone can have high blood pressure, but it is especially common in people suffering from Type II diabetes. Fortunately, modern research found a natural cure for this life-threatening condition in cinnamon.