Conditions + Treatments

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.

Poison oak features the same irritating agent as poison ivy, an oily substance known as urushiol which resides within the sap of both plants. Contact with urushiol leads to a rash and other burdensome symptoms.

Zinc oxide is a medicine that is used to treat minor irritations of the skin, including diaper rash, cuts, poison ivy, and burns. Zinc oxide is a component of many ointments and creams that aim to prevent and manage skin irritations. It is a topical medication that is intended to be applied directly over the skin.

A fragrant essential oil obtained from the rinds of lemons, lemon oil’s numerous healing health benefits are derived from its astringent, antiseptic, detoxifying and anti-fungal properties. Throughout recorded history lemon oil has been used by medical practitioners to treat infections, fevers, skin disorders, to aid digestion and to provide a rich source of vitamin C. Lemons are a symbol of purity and cleanliness with documented medicinal applications dating back to 900 BC.

There are a number of reasons why skin spots occur. Most are small and range in color from a light brown to deep chocolate in light-skinned individuals. In contrast, within people of color, the exact opposite sometimes occurs. The skin becomes lighter or develops white spots or patches. While many skin spots are benign, those that are not need to be identified and quickly handled.

While it is advisable to limit the amount of medications taken while breastfeeding, it is not always possible to do so. In 1998, the Center for Disease and Control (CDC) found that Tylenol, or acetaminophen, is the most common medicine taken by women during their child-bearing years. Lactation expert Kelly Bonyata, creator of the breastfeeding website www.kellymom.com, shares that on a one-to-five scale of risk for medications to take while lactating, Tylenol rates one–the lowest risk. It has been approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics for breastfeeding mothers.

Breakthrough bleeding can be a cause of alarm to women when they are pregnant, although there is not always reason to be concerned.

They’re not wonder drugs, but a new generation of injections has made life easier for many psoriasis sufferers. The new drugs work by interrupting the immune system, preventing or reducing the itchy and painful symptoms of psoriasis. Injections don’t work for everyone, and they do pose some risks. Still, they represent a significant advance in the battle to control and cure psoriasis.

The word “diabetes,” like many medical terms, is derived from Latin and Greek.

Every year more and more teenagers begin smoking. Those who choose to smoke often continue to be adults who smoke, increasing their chances of being diagnosed with lung, mouth or throat cancer. While efforts have increased over the past several years to discourage children and teens from smoking, tobacco companies continue to target teenagers directly to encourage them to take up the habit. Recent statistics from the American Cancer Society indicate that individuals who begin to smoke at or before the age of 19 continue to be smokers well into adulthood.

A calicivirus is also known as a Norwalk or Norwalk-like virus. It is unique among food-borne illnesses because it is carried by humans rather than being passed along from animal products or animal waste. Although it causes unpleasant symptoms that can be severe, it does not require medical treatment.

Cold weather often brings illness, and with the flu can come a nasty cough. Even after recovering, a dry cough can still linger and is irritating to cope with on a daily basis. Cough drops and over-the-counter medicine are great temporary fixes, but sometimes a simple home remedy is all you need to get rid of it for good.

In the back of your abdominal region is an elongated, soft gland that produces enzymes that help in the digestion of carbohydrates, fat and protein. This is your pancreas. Your pancreas also produces bicarbonate, which keeps the acids in your stomach from burning through. It also regulates the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Several deficiencies in the operation of the pancreas could cause tremendous health problems. One well-known deficiency is pancreatitis.

Tapeworms are parasitic worms who feed on their hosts by consuming a host’s nutrients. Tapeworms cannot live independently and survives only by living within a host. Tapeworm transmission can vary. Transmission to humans occur through eating contaminated food products, drinking contaminated water, through zoonotic infections (animal to human transmission) or improper hygiene. Animal infections occur through the ingestion of tapeworm larvae.

Digestive Advantage is an over-the-counter line of products designed to promote good digestive health and treat the symptoms associated with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, excessive gas and lactose intolerance. There are 6 benefits of using Digestive Advantage products.

Ear infections occur when the tube in the middle ear becomes blocked or swollen. Tubal blockage or swelling can occur as a result of a cold or flu. Ear infections are painful, but there are a few home treatments that are considered effective.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for beautiful hair, skin and nails. However, there are specific vitamins that play a big role in how healthy your hair is. We should get the majority of our nutrients from whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, but taking a vitamin supplement can give your body additional nutrients that may be lacking in your diet. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet in addition to taking supplements.

Maca root is gaining in popularity around the world for its nutritional and aphrodisiac properties. Peruvian growers of maca once used it in trade as a form of payment. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, suffer from general fatigue or erectile dysfunction, or desire extra athletic performance, you may well benefit from using maca.

Diclofenac is a medication available in generic form and under brand names such as Cataflam and Voltaren. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac is prescribed to treat conditions that cause pain, inflammation and fever.

A woman is most likely to get pregnant during a three- to five-day window of ovulation mid-way through the menstrual cycle. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days in adults.

EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is the generic name for a group of products designed to chelate (bind) harmful substances in the blood and remove them from the body. The use of these products presents several health risks.

Zeolite is a mineral found in volcanic rock, ash and sea salt. Zeolite has a honeycomb structure that, combined with a negative magnetic charge, give Zeolite many health benefits. Zeolite, as a dietary supplement, is taken in liquid form.

Blackened skin disease, or acanthosis nigricans, causes the skin to become dark among the folds and creases of the body. Typically the disease is triggered by obesity due to higher insulin levels. However, the disease can also be the result of a developing tumor. Seeing a physician is important if you begin to develop blackening skin.

Hair is one of the key features that define our looks. This is true for men but is especially true for women. It is common to lose a few strands of hair when brushing or shampooing, but when hair really starts to noticeably fall out people will go into panic mode. The problem is growing, and literally millions of people are suffering from hair loss annually. There are reasons that people lose their hair–some are serious and others are not as serious–but it is a good idea to understand what causes hair loss and to know that it is usually reversible.

Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions in the body that either create energy for the body to use or that require energy in order to build the structural and functional systems. Cellular respiration is one step in the metabolic reactions that provides energy for use by the body’s cells.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer in which the cells of the lymph glands grow uncontrollably and become cancerous tumors. While there are several different types of lymphoma, it is not clear precisely what triggers or causes the cancer to begin growing. However, several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing lymphoma. These risk factors include chemical exposure, autoimmune system disorders, use of immunosuppressive drugs, a weakened immune system, age and genetics.

Digestive disorders are problems that can affect any part of the digestive tract and can be mild or quite severe. The digestive tract itself is comprised of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and anus. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are approximately 70 million people in America with digestive disorders.

Glycolic acid peels are a popular rejuvenation treatment for discolored, scarred or damaged skin. Understanding how glycolic acid peels work provides essential information about the benefits and effects of treatment. Glycolic acid is a commonly used hydroxy acid, favored for its commercial availability and versatility. Glycolic acid can be buffered to reduce its burning effects and combined with hydrating agents such as hyaluronic acid or added to facial cleansers to supplement peeling procedures. The concentration of glycolic acid in a product differs depending on skin type and among over-the-counter and professional treatments. Glycolic acid peels offer a gentle alternative to resurface skin, as weekly applications can provide a cumulative benefit with reduced effects that allow damaged skin to slowly be replaced with new tissue.

Urinary tract infections are bacterial infections that affect your urethra, bladder, or the tubes that connect your bladder and your kidneys, known as ureters. While anyone can develop a urinary tract infection, the infections are more common in certain groups of people, including diabetics.

Plants require water to germinate, grow and blossom into full-fledged healthy organisms. Water provides them with minerals as well. At least rainwater does. But rainwater cannot be available all year round. Tap water, on the other hand, may just provide the wrong ions to the plants. So it is very important to carefully weigh both options before deciding which one is the best for your plants.

There are between 40 million and 60 million menopausal women in North America, and many are looking for relief from uncomfortable menopausal symptoms. While some women turn to hormone-replacement therapies, others may be seeking a natural alternative. Wild yam cream may provide relief to some women; however, understanding current research and studies is important for making an educated decision when seeking help with menopausal symptoms.

Broken heart syndrome is a condition that develops out of a stressful situation. Often referred to as stress cardiomyopathy, times of great turmoil can actually cause your body to produce an overabundance of stress hormones. This change in the chemical makeup of your system can prompt an enlargement of your heart, which triggers the chest pain and shortness of breath associated with this condition. The death of a loved one is by far the most predominant cause of broken heart syndrome, but you may develop this disorder out of any extremely stressful circumstances. Though the condition can be quite disconcerting, there is treatment to counteract complications of the syndrome.

Kidney failure, or renal failure, can be classified as either chronic or acute. Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly fail, which can be due to heart failure, circulatory shock, drugs, toxic chemicals, obstruction, or kidney disease. Chronic kidney failure is trouble that builds or persists over a long period of time.

Bicarbonate is naturally found in the human digestive system, body fluids and organs. It plays a vital role in maintaining the pH balance of the body.

For back pain to be considered a disability, it must be sever enough that it is going to keep you from working. Also the only way a medical condition can be considered for disability is to have a disability evaluation performed by your family doctor or a specialist in the specific area where you are injured. The doctor who performs the evaluation has to determine that your condition has existed for the past 12 months and is projected to last longer.

Petit mal seizures, or absence seizures, are caused when nerve cells in the brain act abnormally. These nerve cells may fail to communicate properly for any number of reasons. In many cases it is difficult to determine why a person has had a petit mal seizure, which causes him to collapse and shake uncontrollably for a short time.

Diabetes is a serious condition. Fortunately, proper self-care can go a long way in managing it. In addition to proper eating and exercise, a holistic approach might include natural supplements and mind/body techniques.

In the United States, suicide claims 30,000 lives each year and is the 11th leading cause of death. Policies and procedures have been developed in order to address the problem of suicide in the American population.

Many people do not realize the importance of taking care of their skin. They take care of so many other parts of their bodies but many times, good skin care is ignored. There are many new treatments available today to help keep your skin healthy, young and beautiful, and ultrasound skin treatment is one of them. Research has shown that a new technology using ultrasound treatments on the skin offers many benefits. It does come with concerns and precautions, but after a few treatments, you should be able to notice a younger-looking skin.

The cold has been around so long that it is even named the “common cold.” However, it can hold dangers, so take it seriously when you or someone you know catches one.

Kojic acid is a derivative of Japanese fungi that is mainly used in the preservation of food. Used in skin whitening agents, kojic acid is a relatively safe, non-toxic agent that does not contain many side effects, but it may make skin sensitive if used regularly.

Since ancient times, ginger root has been used to treat digestive disorders. Recent medical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating nausea due to chemotherapy, motion sickness or pregnancy.

Colonic therapy is the cleansing of the colon, or large intestine, to remove toxins that advocates of the procedure believe are responsible for a wide variety of ills. Also known as a high colonic, colonic irrigation and hydro-colon therapy, the procedure uses water, enzymes, herbal formulas and even coffee to facilitate this cleansing process. The removal of toxins from the colon, according to colonic therapy proponents, helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine.

Your feet may be numb and lacking in sensation due to various reasons, such as diabetes, poor circulation in your feet or a neurological condition such as a stroke or Multiple Sclerosis.Whatever the cause of the numbness, numb feet are particularly prone to complications, so it is extremely important to take care of your feet.

Grapefruit seed extract has many uses for treating infections and ailments. It is especially effective in the treatment of nail fungus.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) develop when foreign bacteria enters the urinary system. Although anyone can get a urinary tract infection, women are more prone than men due to their anatomical differences.

There are many different types of specific food allergies, but an allergy to protein is more broad. It generally affects children, but a small percentage of adults are affected as well. Some common foods that cause this allergy include tree nuts, legumes, milk and shellfish. When a protein allergy hits, it can be accompanied by symptoms.

Pet dander has all types of effects on humans. It is also commonly known as a pet allergy. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says that of people who suffer from allergies, 15 to 30 percent of them also suffer from pet allergies. That’s a lot of people with allergies to pets and this condition is especially hard for people who have pets that they have grown to love, only to discover that they have an allergy to them. While there are some solutions to an allergy to pet dander, severe allergies are hard to treat.

Vaginal dryness is a problem that is common among women. Usually caused by hormonal changes in the body, it can accompany menopause, your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Symptoms include itching and stinging and can by very uncomfortable. Here are some common solutions for vaginal dryness.

A part of the body’s natural bacteria and commonly found on the skin, Staphylococcus epidermis is often identified in laboratory tests because its ability to contaminate equipment easily. It can be quite dangerous for people with either weak immune systems or with catheters and other medical devices implanted in the skin.