Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a spore-forming bacillus that produces two toxins capable of causing inflammation of the colon and colitis. The symptoms of C. difficile are mild to severe abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. Severe cases...
If you are suffering from an infection and considering natural treatment options to support your immune health, olive leaf extract is an effective and safe antibiotic treatment. Olive leaves are a source of powerful plant chemicals, including...
Propylparaben, is a propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which itself is a derivative of benzoic acid. Although it occurs naturally, all commercial propylparabens are synthesized. Because of their relative non-toxicity and how rapidly they are...
Acne and pimples emerge in response to numerous factors. For example, the overproduction of oil caused by hormonal or external agents can clog pores and trap oil with naturally occurring bacteria, creating unsightly lesions and blemishes. By...
The infection of the pharynx (pharyngitis) or tonsils (tonsillitis) is commonly referred to as a throat infection. Although most throat infections are caused by viruses, the bacterium group A Streptococcus is the major cause of bacterial...
Before the advent of microbial agents used in soaps, lotions and other consumer products, hand soap was nothing more than bar soap made with oil, water and lye. Today, antimicrobial soaps are ubiquitous in the marketplace and are designed 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...
Because acne is so common, there are multiple treatment options available to help clear up the condition. For these treatments to work, they must use active chemicals that have shown the ability to fight off the causes of acne, such as the...
Improper aftercare or manipulation of a piercing with dirty hands can cause it to become infected. Swelling, redness and sensitivity are normal with a new piercing, and there is a difference between irritation and infection. A sure sign of...
When cooking sea scallops, the desire to find healthier fats than butter for marinating is common. Olive oil may be used in a marinade intended for use with sea scallops. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that contains 0 g cholesterol and 119...
Orange essential oil is extracted from the rinds of the orange fruit. It is generally produced through cold-pressing methods or extracted as a result of orange juice production. Orange oil has a bright citrus aroma that smells like freshly peeled...
The oil of the plant Eucalyptus globulus is distilled from fresh leaves and branch tops. Although sound evidence for its effectiveness is lacking, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, many commercial products include this oil for...
Parabens are preservatives that are found in numerous household products, especially beauty products, including shampoo, sunscreen, lotion and makeup. Manufacturers use parabens for their preservative and antimicrobial benefits. When you use...
Antibacterial soaps and lotions are here to stay, even though experts are concerned about their widespread use. Although there are situations in which soap and water are the logical choice, sometimes the convenience of an antibacterial cleanser...
Acne cleansers generally work in one of two ways: they reduce dead skin cells and help unclog pores through exfoliation, or they have antimicrobial properties that kill P. acnes, the bacteria partially responsible for acne breakouts. Choosing the...
While there are many different varieties of body washes and cleansers with varying formulas, some ingredients tend to get used more than others. These cleansers use preservatives, emulsifiers, cleansers, moisturizers, humectants and many other...
One of the first things you notice when you touch an essential oil is that it isn't actually oily. While essential oils don't feel like an oil, they do share some similar properties, such as not being soluble in water. Essential oils don't blend...
The prostate, a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder is essential for producing the bulk of the fluid in semen.The prostate often enlarges as men get older, but according to the National Health Service, enlargement of the prostate does not...
Millions of people worldwide wear contact lenses every day. However, these alternatives to glasses or surgery can introduce bacterial, fungal or amoebic infection into the eye, causing pain, redness and vision limitations. Infections of the...
Medicinal plants and herbal remedies have a long history of use that dates back thousands of years. Many of today's pharmaceutical drugs are based on herbal remedies. Clinical trials of these medicinal herbs separate the facts from the fiction,...
Candida is a categorization of more than 150 yeast species, of which about six cause infections in people. Yeast overgrowth commonly occurs in people who have weakened immune systems or who are on drug therapy, such as antibiotics and...
The skin endures an abundance of damaging rays from the sun, drying winds and fluctuating temperatures. Over time, the effects of this everyday wear and tear take a toll on skin tone. Home remedies offer a natural alternative to chemical peels...
Aromatherapy is the practice of offering a holistic modality of healing through the sense of smell and through applications of therapeutic volatile oils. Aromatic oils have been in use since 400 B.C. and are felt by aromatherapists and holistic...
Adding ingredients to foods for purposes other than nutrition has been going on for centuries as a means of increasing shelf life. However, the ingredients used long ago occurred in nature, while ingredients in today's food additives are primarily...
Chemical food additives preserve shelf life by reducing or eliminating the growth of microorganisms that cause food decay. These added chemicals are controversial as some may have a detrimental effect on your health. Eating more fresh, whole foods...
Body piercings require regular cleaning to avoid infection. Cleaning is especially important in the case of new piercings. If you recently had your belly button pierced, keeping it clean will speed up healing and avoid the odd smells that occur...
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia infection of the genitals is the most frequently reported infectious disease in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease...
Pimples arise in response to clogged pores where sebaceous oil and naturally occurring bacteria create an infection. Obstructed pores may occur due to external factors such as skin care products, pollution or external irritants. The Campaign for...
When you are wounded, it is imperative to cleanse the wound gently and thoroughly to prevent infections. To further help ensure bacteria does not attack and infect a wounded area, antibacterial skin creams can help keep the affected area bacteria...
