Conditions + Treatments

Contrary to popular belief, not all women have 28-day cycles with ovulation on day 14. Understanding when you are fertile and when you are ovulating can significantly improve or reduce chances of conception. You can use an online calculator to guess which days are most fertile for you, but there are other ways to be more accurate. Women are generally fertile a few days preceding ovulation. According to Taking Charge of Your Fertility, sperm can stay alive for up to five days in a woman’s body if she has fertile cervical mucus.

A sore throat can be a real nuisance. Making homemade sore throat tea can provide relief. This article provides step-by-step instructions for making sore throat tea.

Using alcohol or other drugs to the point where they cause harm is drug abuse. Drug use becomes abuse when the drug causes the user to suffer negative physical or psychological effects, lose control of himself, alienate people or place himself and others in danger. Drug abusers feel they cannot get by without getting drunk or high. They may even become physically addicted, so that their bodies come to depend on the drug. Avoiding drug abuse in the first place is much easier and safer than dealing with it once it starts.

The male role in infertility lies in the fact that they provide half of the genetic material required for successful fertilization. According to the East/West Acupuncture & Wellness Center, the better the quality and quantity of sperm, the better the chance of successful fertilization. Using herbs to increase sperm count, together with traditional Chinese medicine techniques such as acupuncture can be successful in resolving infertility problems. According to the “Diagnosis of Sterility and its TCM Treatment” by Jin Weixin, when low sperm density was treated by herbs, in 151 TCM cases, there was an effective rate of 95.4 percent.

Phlegm is the congestion you feel when you have a cold or when your allergies or sinuses are acting up. This mucus builds up in your air passages, including your lungs, nose and throat. Alleviating this congestion will help you breathe easier and feel better. There are several home remedies that have shown to be effective in breaking up and relieving you of the phlegm.

While many people accept that a decrease in female sex drive is a natural byproduct of aging, others are not quite as willing to suffer in silence. Loss of libido can leave you feeling depressed with a general sense of malaise, which is hardly an ideal frame of mind from which to tackle life. Fortunately, there are exercises that can help. Performing a daily routine of Kegel exercises can reacquaint you with the wonders of a strong libido.

After the birth of a baby, many women may be surprised at the intensity of perineal pain. Even if a woman receives no stitches during birth, she may feel tender and sore. Common herbal and medical remedies exist to help ease this discomfort.

Dandruff is a problem for many people. It is not caused by shampooing too much. In fact, it is caused by micro-organisms which are pityrosporum-ovale that live on the skin. It is a natural process of the body to release dead skin. For the most part, these organisms don’t cause a problem, however, for some people they do especially when too much oil builds up on the scalp. There is no real way to cure dandruff, but there are ways to minimize, control, or prevent it from recurring every day.

Childbirth is a beautiful and exciting thing, but can also be long, painful, and exhausting. Right after your baby is born, you have a burst of adrenaline and excitement when you hear your baby cry. You are so focused on looking at and admiring your baby that you may feel like you are on top of the world. Once the epidural wears off and things start slowing down, your feeling of being on top of the world is replaced with tiredness and some pain. Here are some ideas for ways to recover after childbirth.

If someone you know has quit smoking, you may wish to show your support with a small gift. New nonsmokers have many needs, so getting your gift might be as simple as a trip to the drugstore or supermarket, or it could be something a little more complicated and creative.

Vitamin K cream is a topical ointment used on skin conditions that need healing by strengthening blood vessel walls and lowering the chances of new injuries. When bruises appear, Vitamin K cream helps the body to reabsorb the blood. It diminishes the development of spider veins, broken capillaries and varicose veins. The cream is applied after moistening the skin with warm water and serves as a natural way to distribute Vitamin K to areas of the body.

Soapsuds enemas are among the most widely used enemas for a variety of conditions including constipation, fecal impaction and cleansing the colon and rectum before medical diagnostic procedures. Some soaps are safer to use than others. Soaps can also be used with other additives in an enema solution to cleanse the colon and provide better cleansing and relief from uncomfortable digestive symptoms.

Soapsuds enemas can be used to relieve constipation and cleanse the colon before medical testing or sexual activity involving the anus and rectum. Keeping a soap solution ready and on hand at all times provides you with immediate relief without having to hustle to assemble the enema solution.

Several factors can bring on exhaustion, which is characterized by extreme tiredness or fatigue. Everyone experiences tiredness from time to time. But with exhaustion, fatigue can interfere with your ability to think clearly. There are different ways to combat exhaustion. The key is identifying the cause of exhaustion and taking steps to remedy the problem.

Iontophoresis refers to the use of electrical current on the surface of the skin. Iontophoresis is used for a variety of skin treatments, but is primarily used to treat excessive sweating. The process is painless, though some individuals may find the tingling sensation caused by iontophoresis to be uncomfortable.

Iontophoresis is a treatment that uses an electric current to transmit a charge, and sometimes medications, underneath the skin’s surface. This treatment is used to increase blood flow and deliver pain medications to an injury and also can control the excessive sweating disorder called hyperhidrosis. Administration methods for iontophoresis treatment vary according to the exact nature of the problem.

Chiropractors are highly-skilled doctors that aim to relieve pain, pressure and restricted movement of the spine. It is a profession that is far more than making cracks and pops in the patient’s spinal region. There are several varied techniques a chiropractor can use to help relieve their patient’s symptoms.

Inflammation of the pharynx (area between mouth and voice box) is what causes a painful throat. Sore throats can be caused by many different conditions. They range from infection (viral and bacterial) to allergic (sinus drainage). Sore throat pain can be constant, or experienced only when swallowing. Sore throats commonly occur during winter months, and they affect children more often than adults. Most cases of throat pain heal quickly and without complication.

Sore throats are caused by many things such as bacteria infections like strep, viruses such as colds, allergies and pollutants that we breathe in on a daily basis. Symptoms of a sore throat include redness and soreness; sometimes the throat becomes swollen with white pus pockets. Most sore throats aren’t severe and can be treated at home. If the symptoms worsen and treatment at home isn’t working, then a check-up with a physician is necessary.

Doctors refer to it as tinea pedis, but most people refer to this irritating foot infection by its common name–athlete’s foot. Although fungal skin infections in the tinea family, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch, are closely akin they do not all respond the same to specific medications. That is why it is important to make a proper diagnosis. Althlete’s foot sometimes requires a sample specimen to be examined under a microscope. Samples are obtained by a medical professional taking a scraping of the infected area from the patient.

If you have bladder control issues either due to incontinence, nerve damage, infections, obesity or a loss of muscle control, behavioral techniques can help you regain control of your bladder muscles. If you have incontinence, you can leak urine when you laugh or sneeze or when you engage in strenuous activities. If you leak urine on a daily basis, speaking with a physician on how to control your bladder will help reduce the frequency of incontinence. Learning how to perform Kegel exercises can also help you learn how to hold your bladder.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which spots and areas on the skin darken. The brown spots and patches can manifest anywhere on the body, but commonly occur on the legs. There are a few treatment options to remove hyperpigmentation.

Reflexology is a tradition of healing that utilizes reflex points on the hands and feet to treat corresponding parts of the body. As a holistic system, reflexology sessions address the entire body, with emphasis then placed on specific areas of interest.

A UTI (urinary tract infection) is a very common bacterial infection and many people get a UTI at some point in their life. This type of infection can affect any part of the urinary system including the bladder, urethra, kidneys or ureters. UTIs can be very unpleasant and people who have them usually experience pain and burning when urinating, frequent urination and have bad smelling, cloudy or bloody urine. A UTI is both treatable and curable with the proper treatment and medical attention. There are a few things that you can do in order to effectively treat a UTI.

A person who enables the alcoholic thinks she is helping the person. She is aware the alcoholic has problems and is trying to smooth the path and make things easier for the addict. In essence, all she is really doing is enabling the alcoholic to continue on his path of self-destruction and to become even more dependent on the alcohol. There are ways to recognize if you are an enabler and steps that you can take to stop this behavior.

For years, ginger has been recognized for its medicinal properties. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the herb has been used in Asian medicine to treat many stomach and digestive ailments such as nausea, diarrhea and stomach aches. Nausea, which is a symptom of acid reflux, is one of the symptoms ginger treats to relieve acid reflux.

According to dentist.net, dry mouth is a condition that is especially common when you wake up, because the three main salivary glands in the mouth slow down or stop production while you are sleeping. Nervousness and stress also affect the salivary glands. There are several ways you can treat morning breath.

Dry mouth is a condition that makes you feel like you do not have enough saliva. Excessive dry mouth can lead to serious problems and should be treated. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, symptoms include a dry feeling inside the mouth, difficulty chewing, tasting or talking, a dry tongue or throat, cracked lips, mouth sores and a burning feeling inside the mouth. It happens when the salivary glands are not producing enough saliva, which, in turn, can cause problems with tooth decay, food digestion and swallowing, as well as mouth infections. Dry mouth is often caused by medication side effects, diseases such as HIV/AIDs, diabetes and Parkinson’s, cancer treatments and nerve damage, according to the Institute.

Approximately 12 percent of Americans suffer from fungal infections of either their finger or toenails, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Doctors commonly reply on medications to treat fungal infections affecting toenails.

When nausea and vomiting occur, it is an indication that you may be suffering from any of a number of physical conditions, such as morning sickness, gastrointestinal disorders, food poisoning, migraines, infection, motion sickness, kidney problems or more serious medical issues. Nausea symptoms involve a “queasiness” in the stomach and abdominal cramps, often followed by the need to vomit. If you come down with a sudden case of nausea and vomiting, there are alternative remedies that may be able to help you.

Ovulation calendars are very helpful for helping women achieve pregnancy. They are also wonderful for women who are trying to avoid pregnancy without medication by watching their body’s natural cycle. Ovulation calendars help women identify their fertile periods during the month. They also pinpoint problems with the cycle if they exist, and assist doctors by providing detailed data. Ovulation calendars are also easy to make, but it’s important to make sure they contain the necessary information.

Choosing the right chemical peel is critical because harsh ingredients used on the face can cause significant burns or damage to the skin. Before selecting a chemical peel make sure you understand your skin allergies, have seen a dermatologist or have thoroughly investigated the side effects of at home self treatments available. Overall, a successful chemical peel can leave you with beautiful skin and feeling like a celebrity.

Jaundice in newborns is common. It occurs to almost every baby in the first few days of life. Jaundice is not a disease. It refers to the color of the skin or white parts of the eyes called the sclera. Babies of all races develop jaundice though it is harder to see it in darker skinned infants. The best way to check the color is in bright sunlight or under fluorescent lighting. Unless you have seen many, many jaundiced babies, it is not that easy to spot. If someone comments that your baby has “a beautiful skin color” it is wise to ask if he is jaundiced. Mild jaundice is not harmful.

Apnea refers to the temporary cessation of breathing. Sleep apnea means that you temporarily stop breathing in your sleep. It can be a dangerous condition and has many different causes, such as being overweight, smoking, genetic predisposition, and even alcohol consumption before bed. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure and other medical conditions. There are many ways to treat your apnea, including some home remedies that may work for you.

Rosacea is a chronic dermatological disorder that usually affects facial skin, causing persistent flushing, redness and bumpiness. Ocular rosacea appears around the eyes; symptoms include watery or bloodshot eyes, burning, stinging and itching. If you suspect you have rosacea, see your doctor. Although there is no definitive cure, symptoms can be controlled, and even reversed, with proper treatment. Moisturizer can be very beneficial in cases of ocular rosacea—it provides a soothing protective film, increases the water content of the skin, restores the skin barrier, and maintains skin integrity—but it has to be free of ingredients that can be irritating. Armed with some information, you can make the right choice.

Hyperpigmentation on the face is when patches of skin become darker than the normal skin around it. The condition is common, is usually harmless and can occur for a variety of reasons.

Cigarette smoke contains hundreds of chemicals known to be toxic, including carbon monoxide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The noxious gas emanates from the burning of carbon-based substances and can lead to a number of health ailments over time.

Whether used as a cooking oil, a topical ointment or a mouthwash, sesame oil is very beneficial to human health. Although topical applications can control lice infestations, yeast infections and other maladies, internal consumption can regulate key health factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and even hepatitis.

People have been using lotions for their skin since ancient times. Skin lotion is used primarily to moisturize and protect the skin, making it more comfortable and younger looking. Some lotions contain other ingredients like anti-aging elixirs and/or sunscreens to protect the skin from UV rays. The effectiveness of skin lotions depends on how you use them.

Smoking is illegal in many public buildings and even in some outdoor venues in many states. Although people are aware of this, some folks can’t resist lighting up. If you discover a smoking violation in your school, workplace or favorite restaurant, there are several simple ways to deal with the situation and save your lungs from secondhand smoke. Some states, cities and counties have no smoking restrictions, while others forbid smoking only in certain establishments. Always check local laws before reporting violations.

The saphenous veins are the two major veins that run up the legs. These are superficial veins, meaning that they are close to the surface of the skin, above the muscle layer, and just below the surface skin tissue, classifying them as subcutaneous veins.

Stretch marks aren’t just a nuisance for pregnant women. They occur whenever anyone gains weight quickly, causing skin to stretch beyond its normal capacity. A stretch mark essentially is a scar that responds to tanning much differently than normal skin.

Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar which occurs when an abnormally high amount of glucose circulates in the blood. This condition can occur due to many varying factors and is a common problem with diabetes patients. Hyperglycemia can be dangerous if not taken care of, but luckily there are a few telltale symptoms to watch for in advance.

Mental abuse, also referred to as emotional abuse, is not as often reported as physical abuse. It’s also harder to see, as there are no visible scars or injuries. However, mental abuse is extremely damaging to someone’s mental health. While the exact abuse may vary, the characteristics of mental abuse involve control and power.

The human body’s numerous systems are interdependent. That means they depend upon each other for proper functioning; each human body system must function well for the others to function. When one is compromised, the others suffer as well. An exception to this is the reproductive system, which can be compromised and the rest of the body can continue to function well.

Indocin is the brand name of the drug indomethacin. It is not a narcotic but a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Indocin is commonly prescribed to treat varies forms of arthritis, gout and other illnesses characterized by inflammation and pain.

Enteral feeding tubes are devices designed to provide nutrition to people who are either unable or unwilling to eat normally. Candidates for enteral feeding include people suffering from comas, severe malnutrition, liver failure and long-term anorexia. Enteral tubes come in several different forms, and use of the devices follows well-established medical protocols.

The term mentally handicapped refers to a person with slowed or delayed mental development. A small amount of the population is affected by mental handicaps of some degree. The term for people with this problem used to be “mentally retarded” and was considered synonymous with incompetence and an inability to learn. However, mentally handicapped people can learn and can lead productive lives.

An infection of hookworm in humans is a fairly common soil transmitted illness. Worldwide it is estimated that approximately 740 million people are affected, the majority of whom show no symptoms. Primarily affected are those who live in impoverished regions, a fact which has historically proven to undermine the importance of prevention and treatment. The highest number of infection occurs in rural tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in China and parts of Africa. There are currently several promising treatments being developed in the form of chemotherapeutics and a medicinal vaccine.

Plants and plant substances have been the original medicines for humanity for most of human history. Most cultures on earth have evolved rich systems of medicine focused on using plants to alleviate medical conditions from time immemorial. Modern science has recently focused on studying medical uses for plants and many plants have now been proved to have profound healing properties.