The natural antimicrobial effects of different herbs are becoming more commonly investigated. The reasons for the mounting interest include the recent attention being paid to approaching disease from a natural and holistic perspective....
Antibiotics are drugs used to treat diseases caused by bacteria. Your immune system can usually overcome bacteria and keep you from getting sick. Sometimes, your immune system may need a little extra help. However, overuse of antibiotics causes...
Acne rosacea is a bacterial infection normally of the face, neck and shoulders caused primarily of two strains of bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidemidis. This skin disorder effects most teenagers at some point and begins...
Anywhere you look you will find bacteria, and in some places you look, there will be an overabundance of dangerous bacteria that may cause disease. It's in our bodies, on our hands, on every surface we touch and on the food we eat. Bacteria is...
Bacteria can be found everywhere, on every surface, including in and on our bodies. Some bacteria may prove to be very dangerous, such as those causing food poisoning or flesh-eating strep infections. Many forms of bacteria are responsible for...
Finding something that works is not the only struggle when it comes to managing acne. Along with finding effective treatment, finding something that you can stick with may also prove challenging. Some products and treatments may be time consuming...
Sarsaparilla, also known by its Latin name, Smilax, is a tropical plant that grows in Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. A member of the lily family, its roots and rhizome are utilized for medicinal purposes. Traditional use for sarsaparilla...
Echinacea, known botanically as Echinacea angustifolia, is a member of the Compositae family. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 20 inches high and has a tap root. It has hairy and lacy leaves and purple flowers with a cone-shaped disk at...
The fragrant bark of the cinnamon plant has been used since ancient times as a spice, perfume, pesticide and medicine. Folk healers have traditionally viewed cinnamon as a treatment option for diabetes, microbial infections and digestive...
Peptides are molecules composed of more than one amino acid but not enough to become a protein. They serve a variety of purposes in the body, ranging from antioxidant to antimicrobial effects. Talk to your doctor about which specific peptides will...
Before hitting the panic button when you read ingredients on food labels, such as "sodium benzoate" or "potassium sorbate," slow down a second and consider that food technologists are people too. They eat and drink the same things as you. Even...
Burdock has been used as a food source and medicinal herb for centuries. You can take burdock root to treat health conditions like diabetes, arthritis and edema, as well as many different skin conditions. You should consult your doctor before...
As a spice, it is used for cooking and flavoring, but cinnamon bark and its extract can be used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, it has been used to treat stomach upset and painful periods, but research is being done on several other...
Beyond providing essential nutrients such as energy, vitamins and minerals, many foods serve as natural antimicrobials. These foods destroy pathogenic bacteria, molds, fungi and viruses, keeping food safe to eat and safe to store for certain...
Gum infection, or periodontitis, is an infection of the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss, increased risk of heart attack or stroke and other serious health problems. Poor oral hygiene is the most important...
Upon perusing the drug or department store shelves, you will find a variety of products that promise to deliver phenomenal results. Some claim to have anti-aging effects, others guarantee to make skin glow, or visibly shrink blemishes in just...
Uva ursi, also known as bear's grape bearberry, and kinnikinnik, has been used for over 1,000 years both in Chinese and native American traditional medicine. Today, it continues to be used as a treatment to promote kidney and urinary health and as...
A fever is usually not a cause for concern. Fevers -- often triggered by bacterial or viral infection, medications or even sunburn -- normally go away on their own. However, if your fever exceeds 103 degrees or persists more than three days,...
Bees create propolis from beeswax and other bee secretions, along with the buds of conifer trees, which are trees that produce cones, and poplar trees. They use propolis to build their hives, and people gather propolis to use for its claimed...
A Thai herbal ball is a blend of herbs tied up in a muslin ball which is steamed before being applied to the skin. When used in massage, massage oil is applied to the skin and then the steamed herbal balls are used to lightly pound or rub your...
Glycerin, or glycol, is a colorless or yellow sugar alcohol with the consistency of syrup that is extracted from natural sources or synthesized. It's used as an antifreeze and a sweetener and in making explosives, inks and lubricants. Since the...
Flat warts -- small, noncancerous growths on your skin -- are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They are generally harmless but can be disfiguring and even painful if they are located in areas of friction. Warts are...
Herbs and spices alone don't provide adequate preservation of foods, although some have anti-microbial effects which might help slow bacterial growth. While a large number of herbs and spices do exert antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, the...
Ginger root is native to Asia and today is cultivated in most tropical world regions. The root contains active compounds called gingerols that provide medicinal benefits. Ginger tea is a particularly effective form of remedies for acute health...
The culinary and medicinal use of cayenne pepper began during prehistoric times in South America. A component of the pepper's healing properties includes a high concentration of nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins A and C. The spice's...
A dry scalp may be a result of dandruff or a medical condition such as eczema, which can make the scalp dry, leading to broken skin and scabs. There is a number of home remedies available to help treat an excessive dry scalp and scabs. It's...
Coughing is the body's response to irritation in the throat or lungs according to Health911.com. The two kinds of coughs are congested and dry coughs, which are caused by colds, bronchial infections, smoking and allergies. Dust, pollen and...
Liquid bandages are intended for use on clean, dry wounds to facilitate closure and promote healing. Many commercial brands are available, and while the active ingredients are usually the same across various brands, the additives may vary. Liquid...
The candida yeast can cause a variety of problems when it becomes overgrown in the human body, from headaches and joint pain to sinusitis and rashes. The Henry Spink Foundation lists 47 symptoms associated with this condition, and notes that a...
Facial masks come in a variety of ways and are excellent for removing dead cells from the face and nourishing it. In this video learn how to do this procedure and if it's right for you.
