Although no credible studies have linked cinnamon with any particular hyperthyroidism benefits, some of the herb’s constituents may provide a therapeutic, anti-inflammatory effect. Talk to your doctor before taking cinnam...
If you have a big event coming up and don't want to bother with your menstrual flow, you might be looking for a natural or herbal way to stop menstruation temporarily. While there are some herbs rumored to have this effect, the...
Although primarily thought of as one of the most important herbs for regulating female hormones, vitex also has value in the alternative medicine community for treating a number of male health issues. The need exists for furthe...
Your fingers, hands, knees, hips and back are prime targets for arthritis. There are many conventional medical treatments available for inflammation, but ask your physician about some herbal remedies that can also be beneficial.
Some women, however, look to more natural approaches for treatment, which often include herbal remedies.
Pulsatile tinnitus is a condition characterized by a rhythmic sound in your ears that corresponds to your heartbeat. This condition may be classified as objective or subjective. Objective pulsatile tinnitus occurs when a physic...
The millennia-old system of Ayurvedic medicine originated in India. Ayurvedic medicine aims to prevent illness and enhance wellness through the integration and balance of mind, body and spirit. If you are considering the use of...
Barberry shrubs act as host plants for a fungus that threatens grain crops. But for herbalists and wild food fans, barberry plants represent a bounty of medicinal botanicals, as well as the raw material for wine, jams, jellies ...
It produces a nasal discharge and phlegm and usually accompanies a chronic or acute infection in your lungs, nose or throat. Herbal medicine may relieve catarrh naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herba...
It is a practice that continues today. The American Botanical Council estimates that 2009 herb sales topped $5 billion. Several of these herbs are folklore remedies including garlic, milk thistle and ginseng. Science has suppor...
Herbal medicine does not necessarily stand in opposition to conventional Western medicine. According to a 2011 article in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," conventional medical providers are increasingly recommending complem...
You may have heard a lot about "natural" medicines. That's one of the terms used to refer to herbal medicines, sometimes called botanicals. There are healing practitioners who use only herbal medicine, but you can also find con...
Complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, is roughly defined as medical and health care practices and products that aren't considered conventional. Herbal medicines are a form of CAM, and they are becoming more popular as...
Calling an M.D., a doctor of medicine, and taking a prescribed synthetic drug is only one of your options. You could try the services of health-care practitioners who are trained and, in some cases, licensed, in other types of ...
However, certain medications can sometimes cause undesirable side effects. Some turn to holistic treatments such as acupuncture or herbal medicine in an effort to avoid the side effects associated with these medications. While ...
The use of herbal medicines is gaining popularity among patients, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, due to the rising cost of prescriptions and a desire to return to natural therapies. While some conventio...
Later, physicians began using the word "cancer," which is Latin for the same crustacean. University College London explains that cancer refers to a group of over 100 diseases affecting almost every part of the body. Herbal medi...
About 45,000 new cases of leukemia are diagnosed yearly in the United States, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow where blood cells are produced. ...
But you may not realize, as you sip your peppermint tea or chop raw garlic into your pesto, that you are eating herbs with medicinal properties. And like conventional medications, medicinal herbs can interact -- with each other...
Edema, the medical term for fluid retention, is a symptom that is typically an indicator of other medical problems. It occurs normally in late pregnancy, most often affecting the ankles, but it can be a symptom of congestive he...
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, hyperthyroidism may be acute or chronic and may have numerous causes, including excessive iodine intake, Graves disease or inflammation of your thyroid gland. Natu...
With this resurgence of public interest comes increasing amounts of professional investigation about the benefits of herbal medicine. Of course, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbs for medicinal purposes.
Many possible ways exist to boost your breast milk supply, including herbal supplements. While many mothers swear by them, there is little scientific evidence that herbal medicines increase breast milk supply. But they can't hu...
Herbal medicine has an ancient history, going back as far as the ancient Chinese and Egyptians, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ayurveda, the ancient medical system of India, strongly emphasizes herbal remed...
These fruits are typically small -- about 1/4 inch in diameter -- and are characterized by hard, bright-red peels. Hawthorn berries are used in several ways in herbal medicine. Check with your doctor, though, before using hawth...
In any given year, over 25 percent of adults have one or more diagnosable mental disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. For the most part, psychiatric disorders are highly responsive to treatment. Some...
The virus that causes this condition, notes the World Health Organization, is passed from one person to another by contact with the body fluids of an infected individual. WHO reports that about 600,000 people die die each year ...
Salacia oblonga, native to Sri Lanka, has been used in Indian ayurvedic medicine for centuries, along with other members of the genus Salacia. Salacia oblonga has been used in some herbal medicine traditions to treat a variety ...
Hepatitis C, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, does not usually cause symptoms in infected individuals. There are many possible causes of and risk factors for hepatitis C, some of which are lifestyle base...
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that if you have narcolepsy, you may experience urges to sleep that occur throughout the day. In most cases, a person with narcolepsy will fall asleep for a few...
Boils, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, are often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, although other types of bacteria and fungi found on your skin may also cause this problem. Natural treatmen...
These bacteria thrive in warm, moist areas of your body, especially your reproductive tract, anus, mouth and throat. Gonorrhea is a common health problem, affecting about 700,000 Americans every year. Herbal medicines may be a ...
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that, although your hemorrhoids may clear up on their own, many hemorrhoids cause long-term symptoms, such as pain, itching and bleeding. Herbal medicines are a time-trusted appro...
Most tendon disorders, notes that centre, also involve a certain amount of tendon degeneration. If you are considering using herbal medicines to help treat your tendon inflammation, first discuss the health implications of herb...
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to floss and brush them every day. But even with the best of care, you can still develop dental problems, including a tooth infection called an abscess. Bacterial infection of the t...
Proper lung functioning is important for your overall well-being. The National Lung Health Education Program states that when you breathe, air is drawn into your lungs, where oxygen enters your bloodstream and is carried to you...
Malignant cells may spread through the body, causing widespread damage to organs and sometimes death. The American Cancer Society says that one-half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer...
The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that post-traumatic stress disorder usually develops following experiences in which you have dealt with the threat of injury or death. Herbal medicines may help treat som...
The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that sciatica is a symptom and itself is not a medical condition. There are many possible causes of this common musculoskeletal complaint. Herbal medicines for sciatica m...
PubMed Health notes that histamine release, or other chemicals in your bloodstream, cause the symptoms associated with this health problem. Hives, also known as urticaria, are common among those with allergies. Herbal medicines...
However, many herbal remedies have just as many side effects as other medications, and some herbs may be harmful if taken during pregnancy. Before taking herbal medicines during pregnancy, there are a few simple guidelines you ...
Various herbs have been studied in relation to their effects on liver health. Scientists have found that herbs may be a beneficial complement to medical treatments, such as chemotherapy. Always seek the advice of a medical prof...
Although the use of bilberry for treating eye problems and other medical conditions continues, its benefits have not been substantiated scientifically. Therefore, as with any new therapy, talk to your doctor before using bilber...
OCD may be a learned behavior or it may be related to insufficient serotonin, a chemical messenger in your brain that regulates mood, sleep, appetite and pain perception. Herbs may help relieve symptoms of OCD, but consult your...
Your pulse may also possess an atypical rhythm. In most cases, irregular heartbeats or rhythm are not dangerous, although they can be life-threatening in some individuals. Various herbal medicines have been used to control hear...
Two of the most common respiratory tract infections are the common cold and flu. Using herbal medicines to treat your respiratory tract infection may be helpful, but always discuss the risks and side effects of herbal remedies ...
Guava leaves are from the tropical, fruit-bearing tree native to Mexico, Central America and South America. The leaves are often used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of conditions. Guava leaf is an herbal treatment that h...
Tamarind has numerous therapeutic uses. Approximately 100 tons of the fruit are imported annually into the United States from the Caribbean and Mexico to be used in medicinal preparations. According to Purdue University, tamari...
A chemical imbalance in the brain, genes and life situations may cause anxiety. While some herbal remedies may help treat symptoms, they should only be used under the direction of a physician.
There is no cure for epilepsy, but it can usually be controlled successfully with medications known as anti-epileptic drugs. Some herbs may help to soothe the nervous system and may be beneficial for epilepsy sufferers, but evi...
The National Cancer Institute notes that there are two main types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. These cancers are named based on their appearance when viewed under a microscope. The estimated number of deaths i...
Digestion is the process your body uses to break food into its smallest components so that your body can used them for energy and other purposes. Herbal medicines may help treat digestive disorders that impair your digestion. C...
There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis usually resolves quickly, whereas chronic bronchitis often lasts for prolonged periods before resolving. Smoking can cause your bronchitis to worsen. Certai...
Tinnitus may occur in one or both ears. Consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements for a medical condition.
The Family Doctor website states that the two leading causes of nosebleeds are nose dryness and nose picking. In many cases, these two factors occur together, as you are more likely to pick your nose when your nose mucus is dry...
Gout is a type of arthritis that develops when uric acid accumulates in your joints. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that in some cases the body produces an excessive amount of uric acid, while in other...
adults suffers from depression. This is a serious illness as it affects both the mind and body, and it complicates other diseases, including asthma, heart disease and obesity. Depression requires long-term management] and a var...
Hypertension is one of the most significant health problems among American adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 32 percent of non-institutionalized American adults over the age of 20 have hypertens...
Osteoporosis occurs when the bones become porous and brittle, leading to fractures and broken bones. It affects around 10 million Americans and is responsible for 2 million fractures annually, according to the University of Mar...
A variety of herbs are available that provide benefits to the liver. Specifically, the components of certain herbs strengthen the innate functions of the liver. However, the advice of a medical professional should be sought bef...
About one women in eight will develop the disease at some time in her life, but the prognosis for women with breast cancer has been improving. A diagnosis may begin when breast cells grow out of control, forming a tumor that ma...
The abdominal pain, discomfort and nausea of dyspepsia may motivate you to try herbal remedies to soothe these symptoms. MedlinePlus notes that taking peppermint oil supplements, either alone or in conjunction with other herbal...
Your gallbladder performs several important tasks in your body, including the storage and excretion of bile and the removal of poisonous substances from your blood. Certain herbal medicines may help combat various gallbladder d...
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that although many people with this condition complain of upper abdominal discomfort, some people may experience no symptoms at all. Before taking herbal medicine...
The Family Doctor website states that bursitis may be acute or chronic and that it can develop in your hips, shoulders, knees and elbows. Herbal medicine may help combat your hip bursitis, but before using herbs, talk with your...
In a 2007 survey, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 17.7 percent of the American population has used herbal supplementation other than vitamins and minerals in a 12-month period. Herba...
Pancreatitis can be short-lived or long-term. This condition usually comes on gradually and gets worse over time. Herbal medicine has been used to treat pancreatitis. Before using herbal medicines for your condition, however, c...
Some herbs may also help to alleviate symptoms, although evidence to prove they are effective is limited. Seek medical advice before taking any herbal supplements.
Guava -- botanically known as Psidium guava -- is an evergreen shrub native to Mexico and Central America. Guava leaves are a traditional cure for diarrhea among Indians throughout the Amazon, and are also chewed as a remedy fo...
If you have glaucoma, your doctor will likely prescribe drugs or recommend laser surgery to lower pressure within the eye. Some herbs may be beneficial for glaucoma sufferers, but they should never be used in place of medical t...
Emphysema eventually causes alveoli to rupture, which narrows the airways and makes it difficult to breathe. Certain herbs may promote better breathing. However, always discuss herb-related topics before using herbal medicine t...
Although the prognosis for lupus sufferers was once poor, recent advancements in both diagnostics and treatments have allowed people with lupus to lead full and active lives. The inflammation caused by lupus can lead to many se...
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that Wilson's disease causes an accumulation of copper in your eyes, brain, liver and other organs. Elevated copper levels can cause serious organ damage over tim...
Treatments only manage symptoms; no cure exists for the chronic disease. Exposing skin to sunlight, applying topical medication and using alternative medicine treatments manage psoriasis. Consult a medical health care professio...
Yes, depression symptoms can be relieved with the use of some herbal medicines. In mild-to-moderate cases of depression without bipolar mania, there are several over-the-counter options. However, the safety of the product may n...
Headaches can sap your energy and ruin your day, but herbal medicine may help relieve the pain. There are different kinds of headache, including tension headache, caused by tight muscles in your shoulders and head, or migraine,...
Migraine headaches occur much more commonly in women than men, and they can significantly affect your quality of life. Review your treatment options with your physician before taking natural herbal medicines to help treat your ...
Approximately 33 percent of the world's population is infected with tuberculosis, and although it is an ancient disease, tuberculosis is still one of the leading causes of death and disability throughout the world. Certain herb...
Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to help treat back pain. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that back pain may either be short lived or long term and that it is often caused by trauma...
Infertility is a condition that affects about 20 percent of the adult American population, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." In most cases, it refers to the inability to conceive a ch...
It can occur in adults and children and appears as itchy, fluid-filled blisters anywhere on your body, but more commonly on your face, arms, legs and feet. Conventional treatment may include oral or topical antibiotics, but the...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that, as of 2008, about 24 million Americans -- 8 percent of the U.S. population -- have this chronic health condition. The Centers also state that about 57 million American...
The mite can cause severe itching that may break the skin and lead to a secondary staph or strep bacterial infection. Conventional treatment may include drugs like permethrin and lindane, but these are neurotoxins and may have ...
Constipation is characterized by severely reduced bowel movements, which can cause abdominal pain, cramping and problems with absorption. Constipation can be a symptom of a serious disease or physical obstruction, which require...
Gallstones are tiny, hard deposits primarily made up of cholesterol or bile particles, which form in the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped sac located under your liver. It's the most common biliary tract disorder, affecting ap...
As a result, people with Parkinson's experience a number of symptoms, including speech problems, tremor and walking difficulties. There is no cure for Parkinson's, but there are a number of medicines that help to slow the disea...
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints, degrades through years of "wear and tear." As a result, the bones rub together, causing pain and inflammation. If y...
There are two forms of the virus: HSV-1, which causes oral herpes, or cold sores, and HSV-2, which causes genital herpes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is no cure for herpes, and once contracted,...
About 8 percent of the American adult population is affected by depression annually, reports PBS.org. The disorder typically causes a variety of emotional, physical and behavioral problems. Difficulty completing daily tasks and...
There are many possible causes of a urinary tract infection. Certain herbs may help treat your urinary tract infection, although you should always discuss the benefits and risks of herbal treatments with your doctor before usin...
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, body aches, sleep disturbances and fatigue. This condition may also lead to tenderness on various parts of your body. According to MayocClinic.com, fibromyalgia affe...
Some herbs have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to relieve symptoms, although scientific evidence to prove this is limited. Get advice from your doctor before using herbs, as they may cause side effects and interfere ...
While no cure for Alzheimer's exists, a number of medicines help delay disease progression. In addition, some herbs may alleviate symptoms and reduce brain cell damage, although evidence to prove this is limited. Talk to your d...
It may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. If you suffer from migraines, taking an over-the-counter medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen may provide adequate pain relief. However, in some cases, pr...
You should always consult your physician before using herbs for any reason. Though many different forms of herbal treatments are available, liquidized herbs or tinctures are considered a fast and effective way to introduce her...
Hops are known for adding bitterness and flavor to beer. Hops are also used medicinally for digestive ailments, nervousness, insomnia and female health complaints. The plant's strobile -- spore-bearing cone -- is used to make m...
Osteoarthritis can be a natural progression of aging; however, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Osteoarthritis is treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and rheumatoid arthritis with stronge...
Magnolia bark is also known as Magnolia officinalis or hou po in Chinese herbal medicine. Harvesters collect the stems, branches and roots from the magnolia tree and strip the bark for medicinal use. Zizyphus jujuba, or jujube,...
The scarlet pimpernel is the variety most often used in folk and alternative medicine; the Flowers in Israel website reports that its leaves and stems were used by the ancient Greeks. Some modern herbal medicine practitioners s...
The desert willow, a small tree that grows in the southwestern United States and in Mexico, has antioxidant and antifungal properties that make it a popular remedy. It is used most often to treat fungal infections of the skin a...
According to the National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearing House, a quart and a half of urine is eliminated by an adult every day. Food, fluid intake, amounts of fluid lost through breathing and sweating, impa...
Wild roses have a long history of herbal and medicinal use, says professional medical herbalist Penelope Ody in her book, “The Complete Medicinal Herbal.” In the days of the Roman Empire, she says the wild rose was ...
Nettle is a weed-like plant that grows in many different regions throughout the world, and both its leaves and roots are used in herbal medicinal preparations. It’s also called “stinging nettle” or Urtica dioi...
Acne comes from a buildup of bacteria on the skin due to oil. There are herbal medicines that will work for acne and other skin irritations and inflammations. These herbal remedies may have allergy warnings and potential side e...
Contemporary medical research has confirmed the efficacy of some of these herbal medicines, and scientific studies continue on others. Dermatologists in the United States, as well as their patients, are beginning to look more c...
Alternative herbal medicines have been around as long as history has been written down, and today they are being clinical reviewed for their effectiveness, or lack thereof, for certain ailments. Those that are found to work rec...
While conventional medicine relies on over-the-counter and prescription drugs, some people seek more natural alternatives in herbal medicinal remedies. Some herbal supplements have been clinically tested and found to be effect...
Although most natural supplements on the market are available over the counter, it's highly recommended that patients check with a medical professional to limit the onset of any side effects.
Ginger is a very versatile herb used for treating a number of ailments, including arthritis. But unlike its use in other forms, ginger has been proven in clinical trials to make a significant improvement in an individual's join...
When looking for a book on herbal medicine, you need to make sure you get one that is written by a professional in the field. N.D.'s (Doctors of Natural Medicine) are probably the most qualified, along with those who have attai...
As people become more interested in natural alternatives to medications, they are turning to Chinese herbal medicine as possible treatments. While Chinese herbal medicine does offer some benefits, it can also have negative side...
Chinese herbs and herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ills, and continue to be used today in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine) by m...
When tamarind ripens, it is encased by a cinnamon-colored brittle pod. Each pod contains seeds that are glossy, dark-brown squares the size of a nickel and lengthy fibers thick as sewing thread. Tamarind can be used for numerou...
According to the National Institutes of Health, botanicals are plants that are used for their medicinal or therapeutic properties, flavors or scents. Herbal products made from botanicals are considered to be dietary supplements...
