Conjunctivitis is a condition that affects the eye and is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, a transparent membrane that covers the cornea and inner eyelids. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include red and watery eyes, soreness and a...
L-tyrosine is one of the 20 amino acids required by your body to synthesize enzymes and proteins that control virtually cellular processes in your tissues and organs. While you can get L-tyrosine from dietary sources, it is considered a...
Senna is a member of the bean family; the leaves are steeped in water to make a tea and used as a laxative. Although a member of the Cassia genus, it is not botanically related to cinnamon, which is also called cassia. Senna plants are low...
Angiogenesis is the ability of blood vessels to grow and develop from already available blood vessels in the body. In order to receive essential nutrients, according to the Angiogenesis Foundation, tumor cells exploit this process by tapping into...
Cod liver oil is a healthy and natural source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins A and D. The body needs these nutrients for healthy skin, strong bones, healthy joints, cardiovascular health, prevention of depression and much...
Polyphenols are antioxidants found in plants that slow or stop other molecules from oxidizing. When molecules oxidize it can produce free radicals. Free radicals cause damage on the cellular level that can manifest as dry damaged hair and slow...
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat that can be found in fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines and salmon. You can also get omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. These essential fatty are important for the function of your...
Guarana is an ingredient in many diet supplements and energy drinks, and it is marketed as a "natural" form of energy. Many people mistakenly believe that natural ingredients are inherently safe, which is not true. And while guarana is an energy...
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the prostate, a walnut-sized gland in men located below the bladder. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death among men of all ages, the University of Maryland Medical...
Your intestines are full of bacteria, but don't worry, they're your allies. Probiotics are microorganisms that live in the human intestinal tract, where their presence helps protect against colonization by harmful microbes. Probiotics are found in...
Medical practitioners and healers throughout history have used green tea to treat all sorts of ailments, including aches, pains, indigestion and depression. Green tea contains vitamins, minerals, oils and antioxidants, which some research suggests...
Red clover, a wild plant native to Europe and Asia, is well known in North America. It has been used historically to feed livestock and to make herbal medicines. The red clover flower is used for medicinal purposes such as cough remedies and skin...
Clinical studies have proven green tea's effectiveness in treating or preventing a number of ailments. It may reduce the risk of heart disease and several types of cancer, according to the University of Maryland. Green tea also lowers cholesterol...
Sleep is an important part of any healthy regime, because it provides the conditions required to heal your body and refresh your mind. However, sleep problems like insomnia have afflicted the population for many centuries. This may explain the...
Turmeric is a spice made from the root stem of the Curcuma longa plant. In Asian and Indian cultures, turmeric is commonly used to flavor a wide range of dishes, especially curries. Due to potent antioxidant properties, turmeric is also...
Cholesterol is a waxy lipid found in the bloodstream and all cells in the body. It is necessary for hormone production and fighting infections. While excess LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, increases the risk of heart disease, HDL, or good...
Traditional Asian medicine includes the use of herbs. Many of these herbs show promise in addressing some of the issues that can inhibit weight gain including a slow metabolism, a buildup of water and toxins and a slow digestive track. All herbs...
Pimples are caused by infection from a bacteria called P. acnes. The bacteria feed on the natural oil produced by the oil glands on your face. Acne occurs when your pores become clogged with skin cells and oil, providing a feeding ground for the...
Obesity statistics continue to confound the efforts of health practitioners in the U.S. According to data compiled by the CDC, 68 percent of the American adult population registers a BMI over 25, meaning that over two-thirds of the U.S. population...
Over-the-counter multivitamins and iron dietary supplements are taken orally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration oversees the regulation of these products. Your doctor can prescribe multivitamins and iron supplements, too. Individuals likely to...
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, on the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum characterized by abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and...
Oregano, a spice derived from a group of more than 60 plant species, is the most commercially valuable spice in the world. Oregano is used to flavor meats, sauces and soups and before the use of hops, it was used to flavor beer and ale. This...
Breastfeeding is a natural and nutritionally beneficial way of feeding a baby. However, caution must be used when taking medications while breastfeeding, whether they be prescription, over-the-counter or homeopathic medications. Certain amounts...
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic available as an injection. It is used for the treatment of serious infections when microorganisms have developed resistance to other antibiotics. In some cases, chloramphenicol will have the advantage of...
Retinaldehyde is a form of vitamin A useful in treating skin ailments and ensuring healthy skin. Most forms of vitamin A have a difficult time penetrating your skin, but retinaldehyde is able to reach the lower layers of you skin and cause...
Not only is acne common, but also a normal part of growing up. KidsHealth reports that about 17 million people in the United States have acne. Approximately eight in 10 teens and preteens break out. Acne typically appears on the forehead, chin,...
Pregnancy increases the amount of certain nutrients your body needs in order to create the best possible environment in which your baby can develop. A well-balanced diet consisting of unprocessed foods, fruits, vegetables of a wide variety of...
The numerous health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids may make you wonder if you should start taking a supplement. Omega-3s are essential for your brain, nervous system and vision to function properly. A moderate body of research supports taking...
A longer lifespan, reduced risk of cancer and protection from obesity-related diseases are all lurking at the bottom of your favorite bottle of red wine, at least that's what researchers at the National Institute on Aging have indicated. You might...