Conditions + Treatments

High blood pressure kills hundreds of thousands of people every year. It is particularly deadly for those with other underlying health conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes. Ideally, blood pressure readings should be lower than 140/90, or a top of 140 at the systolic level, which measures peak arterial pressure, and a maximum of 90 at the diastolic level, a measure of minimal arterial pressure. Numerous prescription medications can lower blood pressure, but like all such drugs they may have unwelcome side effects. But there are natural measures you can employ that will lower your blood pressure as well.

Hair loss can be a major blow to a woman’s self-esteem, because modern society doesn’t accept the idea of bald women as readily as it accepts bald men. Hair growth vitamins can help restore a woman’s self-esteem by combating thinning hair and hair loss that result from vitamin deficiencies. Hair growth vitamins may also help to combat more subtle causes of hair loss in women such as stress.

Earwax is a naturally occurring substance in your ears. It is a sticky liquid that is secreted by the cerumen glands. Although it can be an embarrassing problem, it is actually good to keep some earwax in your ears. It is the body’s natural defense against insects, dirt, bacteria and other unwanted elements, in that it keeps them from getting too deeply into your ears. But too much earwax can cause problems ranging from hearing loss to severe ear pain. For this reason, it is important to cleanse the ear canal occasionally. It is best to have a doctor clean your ears, but if you do not have the time or money to seek professional help with it, there are other alternatives.

Spider veins (a small version of vericose veins) are thin blood vessels that can be seen through the skin. They can be red or blue, and they may even cause a throbbing or burning pain. When spider veins appear on your nose, they can very noticeably affect your appearance. There are, however, several procedures that can help you get rid of spider veins on your nose. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these methods are successful in 80 percent to 90 percent of cases.

Thrush in your mouth is also called oral thrush and is caused by a fungus called Candida. It can occur in people of any age. Symptoms of thrush in your mouth include pain, itchiness and bleeding, and thrush can spread into your throat and tonsils. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, treatments for oral thrush include antifungal medications and ointments.

Lead poisoning can pose serious problems in both children and adults, but children younger than 6 are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead, which may cause problems with physical and mental development. Lead poisoning occurs over time as lead builds up during repeated exposures. Lead can be found in lead-based paint and in dust present in old buildings. Also, lead may contaminate water, air and soil. In addition, some toys and cosmetics contain lead. According to the Mayo Clinic, the use of lead in toys and paint was banned in the U.S. in 1978 but the paint may still be present in older homes and toys from overseas may have lead in them. Symptoms of lead poisoning usually do not become obvious until lead levels in the body are already dangerously high. Lead poisoning can be detected with a blood test.

Tinnitus is an affliction marked by ringing or hissing noises in the ears. While there are a variety of causes for tinnitus, such as allergies, dizzy spells, head injuries or high blood pressure, there are also a variety of ways to treat it. If you’ve got that annoying ringing in your ear, learn how to treat it naturally and give yourself some peace.

Detox teas have become increasingly popular as health enthusiasts have turned to them to treat issues such as digestion problems, constipation and to aid weight loss. Many people recognize that some forms of tea can have positive health benefits and they are also considered a relatively mild way to counteract common concerns. Detox teas are an affordable and mild treatment option that should be considered, but it’s important to know what to expect.

Sage is an all-natural herb that can be easily grown in your garden or purchased at your local health food store. It has been said that sage tea has many medicinal benefits; this is a perk for those who shy away from traditional medicinal treatments. To make this tea yourself, add a teaspoon of sage into a cup of boiling water, and then allow it to steep over a covered cup for a period of 15 to 30 minutes, depending on desired strength. These health benefits may not work for everyone.

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, account for nearly 10 percent of all doctor visits made by women. Pregnant women are at an especially high risk for developing a UTI due to increased bladder volume, decreased bladder tone and dilation of the urethra caused by pregnancy hormones. Treatments of UTIs are generally easy and painless.

Mites exist naturally on both dogs and humans. Although usually not a threat, these microscopic creatures can become a problem for their hosts if they become too numerous. Mange is among the problems that can be caused by mites. There are many types of mites, and some can pose more of a health threat than others.

What should you do when you decide that you would like to start an exercise program? For many, the first logical step is to join a gym. This can be a little tricky because picking a place to train is not something that you should do frivolously. There are many things to consider before joining one. First and foremost, you should consider location and convenience. Will you be working out in the morning or in the evening? Will you be there on weekends? Is the facility close enough to your home or job that you can get there quickly and easily? Once you have approximated where your gym needs to be, then the true process begins. Here is a step-by-step rundown of things to consider when choosing a gym.

Your emotions have an immeasurable impact on your daily life. Understanding your feelings can help you avoid bad days and conflict, as well as improve your overall mental health. It is much easier to manage your emotions when you make a point of understanding them, and emotional management is critical for handling tough situations and getting the most out of your day. You can connect with your feelings in several ways, depending on what works best for you.

Borax is sodium borate and is a compound of boron. It is a mineral that dissolves easily in water and is often used in detergent and cosmetics. Sulfur is also a naturally occurring mineral, often found near hot springs and volcanoes. Sulfur has been used medicinally for thousands of years and was one of few known ways to combat infection before antibiotics were developed. When combined, borax and sulfur can create a medicinal skin treatment for many skin conditions such as acne or scabies.

Apheresis involves removing blood impurities by removing the blood from the body, separating and discarding harmful substances from the blood and returning the good blood to the body. Unlike dialysis, which employs a similar method, apheresis takes longer because the extraction process takes place through the veins instead of a central line through the body. There are six types of apheresis used depending on the type of treatment needed. The duration of the procedure varies based on the amount of blood extracted. For example, a 4-liter extraction takes about two-and-a-half hours.

Massage chairs give you the chance to unwind and let go of stress. Anyone with back problems may also see relief from symptoms. The chairs are sold for at-home use. If you have any health issues, consult your doctor before using any massage device.

Kidneys clean the blood of excess fluid, minerals and wastes. But when they fail, harmful wastes build up, the body may retain excess fluid and not produce enough red blood cells. Kidney failure requires extensive treatment as the body begins to suffer an inability to properly dispose of toxins.

Many women experience stress urinary incontinence some time during their lives. You may have noticed urine leakage when you sneeze, cough or even laugh. It can be very embarassing and limit your activities and lifestyle. A treatment option for urinary incontinence is doing kegel exercises. They help to strengthen the floor of your pelvis.

Bed wetting and frequent urination are usually symptoms of an underlying health issue rather than problems themselves. A doctor can help diagnose the reason a person experiences them and offer treatment solutions.

Helicobacter pylori bacteria is found in 50 percent of people worldwide, most of whom show no symptoms. It infects the stomach and small intestine and can cause ulcers and cancer. The incidence of H. pylori infection appears to be higher in patients who have rosacea, a common skin condition.

Tube feeding is the medical solution to getting nutrition into people who can’t swallow or otherwise get nutrition by mouth. In people with acute conditions, the feeding tube can be temporary. In those with chronic disability, the tube can be a lifelong alternative to eating.

Fleas are problematic for many pet owners. They can infest your animal, your home and, at times, even yourself. Flea bites cause skin irritation and allergies in both humans and animals. Natural flea repellents like mint oil are effective in treating fleas.

Tramadol is a type of generic prescription medication known as an opioid analgesic. Physicians and oncologists prescribe tramadol to relieve moderate to severe pain caused by many different illnesses and diseases, including pain that stems from cancer.

Cat allergies–and allergies to other animals–occur when your body’s immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins in the animal’s dander, saliva and urine as harmful invaders. Symptoms of cat allergies can range from sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose to more problematic symptoms, such wheezing and shortness of breath. Because the minuscule cat allergens are light and airborne, they can stick to any surface in your home, making environmental control extremely important.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome, or CVS, is an illness characterized by recurring periods of severe nausea and vomiting that can last for several days. It was initially recognized in children but it can affect anyone of any age.

Both people and plants naturally produce the organic molecule squalene. But store-bought squalene is usually derived from shark liver oil, amaranth seeds, olives, or wheat germ. In the body, squalene helps create vitamin D , cholesterol and hormones. The varied uses of squalene make it a valuable substance.

Fiberglass mats are constructed by the mixing and locking of crushed glass fibers. The normal weight of a fiberglass mat is approximately 1.5 oz. per square foot. Fiberglass mats are not woven material so they can easily fit into disfigured areas. Due to their absorbent nature they can saturate a huge amount of resin. Matting is performed in roving or used as a gel-coat in places where layers of waterproofing are required. Fiberglass mats are mostly used with polyester, dissolving the binder in itself. During construction it is made sure that the required thickness is obtained. The fiberglass cloth has a lower density then the fiberglass mat. There are several uses of fiberglass mats including automotive industry, boats, marines, bath tubs and showers and even for waterproofing different materials.

Retin-A is a topical acne and anti-aging treatment derived from vitamin A. It is beneficial for a number of skin conditions. It is available only by prescription. Topical vitamin A products such as this one have been on the market since the 1970s and are among the most popular treatments.

The vascular system provides oxygen and nutrients necessary for tissue health and growth. Formation of new blood vessels is controlled by a series of chemical signals. Unlike normal healthy tissues, cancer cells produce their own signals to initiate blood vessel production. By overriding the normal limits, cancer cells create an unlimited supply of nutrients that allows the tumor to grow uncontrollably.

While the spleen does not actually produce blood, it does have important functions related to blood.

Castor oil is a colorless, tasteless oil derived from the castor bean. Although it may be best known for its medical uses, it also has a variety of industrial uses.

Mineral oil is commonly used in the preparation of skin-care products and in lotion. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless and inexpensive. It is a common ingredient for makeup removers, baby products, lotions and moisturizers. Skin-care experts are divided on the use of mineral oil for skin care. There are some who argue that mineral oil clogs pores and is therefore harmful, while others argue that cosmetic-grade mineral oil is noncomedogenic.

Viruses are infection-causing agents that multiply within cells. While this is the general definition for any virus, in the case of stealth viruses, the ability of the cell to recognize the antigen, or the healing agent, is lost. This results in progressive degeneration of the cells. As of 2009, the Center for Complex Infectioius Diseases (CCID) reports that some doctors believe stealth virus may be present in the cells of all potentially self-destroying diseases.

Many plants from the rain forest have medicinal value. There are more than 5,000 plants used for medicinal purposes. Shamans, healers and the people who have inhabited the land for centuries use these plants. Modern doctors have begun to learn about the benefits of the medicinal plants of the rain forest.

The symptoms of a sinus infection can be painful and daunting. If you are looking for a natural way to help decrease the length and severity of symptoms, look into increasing your vitamin intake through foods and supplements.

Bladder stones can quietly exist for long periods, then suddenly make themselves known with some dramatic, disturbing symptoms. Although they are highly painful, bladder stones are easily treated and do not leave any lasting damage in the bladder. These formations may be caused and prevented by diet and lifestyle.

The feeling of happiness and well-being eludes many people. Perhaps it is because their lives lack meaning and a connection to the world around them. It may also be due to hormonal changes, a chemical imbalance or a lack of exercise. A lack luster life causes a tired feeling and general dissatisfaction with life. Whatever the reason, there are things that you can do to lift your spirits and to alleviate exhaustion and boredom.

A cough can be a frustrating ailment that can affect your daily activity and nightly rest. Thankfully, treating a cough doesn’t necessarily mean a trip to the doctor. Learn a bit about remedies you can try that will heal your troublesome cough without the hassle of a visit to the doctor.

Being on antibiotics can take the fun out of partying, particularly if alcohol is involved. According to ABC Health and Wellbeing, there is an unpleasant connection between antibiotics and alcohol; however, this only occurs with a handful of antibiotics.

Incontinence is a condition where a person permanently or temporarily loses control over urinating. It could cause a person to urinate at odd times and may lead to embarrassment, frustration and shame. Talking about incontinence can be difficult, so it should be done with some planning.

Prostatitis is a condition that affects the prostate gland in men and causes groin pain and urination difficulties. The prostate is located below the bladder and produces components of semen, a liquid that transports sperm.

Belladonna is a naturally occurring mixture, according to Drugs.com. Belladonna is used to treat gastrointestinal spasms, colitis, spastic bladder, renal and biliary colic, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. However, there are side effects that users should be aware of.

High blood pressure can be very dangerous and is one of the silent killers in the world. Amazingly, cayenne pepper is considered to be a healthy avenue for aiding in several health-related issues. It is a product from the capsicum herb, an annual that has stems that branch out and leaves that are oval shaped. White and green flowers that are shaped like bells bloom in the spring and summer. The hollow fruit then follow that are different colors as they ripe. It is made up of capsaicnoids, saponins, pyrazines and Vitamin C.

Cottonseed oil is an unsaturated lipid chemically extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant. As a crude oil, it is dark and cloudy brown; when refined, it is a yellowish, high-grade edible oil. Although there are some negative health effects associated with cottonseed, it is once again gaining popularity as a cooking oil.

Feline osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and inflammation in a cat’s joints. It’s uncommon in cats, but when it does strike it’s often in older cats. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis it is important to know what your treatment options are.

When harmful bacteria enter the bladder walls and the body is unable to fight them off, you will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is important to treat a UTI as soon as possible because it may become painful, and there is a risk that it will spread. Women are at a greater risk to have a UTI but there are several ways to treat and prevent it.

Most moles are not considered dangerous. Moles, otherwise know as nevus, are irregularly shaped spots or bumps on the skin. Facial moles have no distinguishing characteristics, other than that they are on the face. Moles vary in color, shape and size, ranging from brown to black, and raised to smooth. Moles sometimes appear at birth and are called birthmarks, while others form later in life. On rare occasions, moles become melanomas, characterized by changes in appearance and irregular shape. If a mole on your face or body has changed, contact your physician. You can use herbal preparations as an alternative treatment for facial moles.

Dialysis is used to treat people with kidney failure. According to the Mayo Clinic, hundreds of thousands of people use dialysis to keep healthy when dealing with permanent kidney failure. The procedure uses a machine to do the work of a healthy kidney: filter out waste and salt from the blood.

Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing are symptoms of asthma, a chronic disease that causes constriction and inflammation of the airways. It is the most widespread chronic disease in the United States, and the number of cases has increased dramatically over the last 30 years. The cause is not known, but environmental pollution is considered to be a major one, according to EverydayHealth.com. For an infant it is especially difficult, because their air passages are very small, so it is important to have homemade remedies for infantile asthma near by, so relief can come quickly.

According to uptodate.com, over one million burn injuries are reported each year in the U.S. Common causes of skin burns range from chemicals, flames, hot objects and sun overexposure. There are four ways to categorize skin burns.