One theory concerning the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is that the disease may be triggered by an infection, possibly mycoplasma, and that antibiotics can treat this disease. Minocycline, a member of the tetracycline class of antibiotics, in...
Many different herbs are useful for the teeth and gums. The best herbs, however, are those that kill or otherwise inhibit the harmful bacteria in your mouth that cause plaque to form on your teeth and lead to the development of gum diseases....
Eczema is a chronic condition that causes crusted or scaly blisters, itchy rashes and dry skin patches. It affects people of all ages. Many herbs can help relieve eczema symptoms, as well as reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Most...
Tendinitis is inflammation of the soft tissue around muscles and bones, most commonly around the elbows, wrists and heels. People with tendinitis usually report swelling, tenderness, redness and sharp pain in the affected area. Dimethyl sulfoxide...
The chaste tree is used medicinally for its berries, which contain certain properties that can affect female sex hormones. Also known as vitex, chaste berry may help in treating symptoms associated with PMS, fibrocystic breast disease, irregular...
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, devastating disease that typically occurs in older adults and elderly individuals. Alzheimer's disease causes brain tissue to degenerate, leading to declining memory, mental functioning, social abilities and...
Many people take over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine medications to treat respiratory allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever," and seasonal allergies. Several herbal remedies can act like antihistamines by suppressing the...
There are hundreds of herbal male enhancement products promising instant erections. However, there's been insufficient research documenting the claims. A 2004 review published in Nutrition Action Healthletter, by David Schardt, examined the most...
Andrographis paniculata is a plant that's native to parts of Asia and is commonly used as a medicinal herb for its flowers and leaves. If you have a common cold or flu, immune system suppression, HIV, gastrointestinal problems, viral hepatitis,...
As part of the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, your body needs choline to protect your liver and blood vessels, support proper brain function, produce cell membranes and expel fat from your liver. You can get choline in small amounts from...
Blood glucose, or "blood sugar," levels are indicators of how well your body processes carbohydrates and sugars. Often, high blood glucose levels indicate a risk of or diagnosis of diabetes. Many different herbs can help your to lower your blood...
If you have premenstrual syndrome or PMS, you might experience symptoms such as abdominal cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches or migraines, backaches and swelling. Due to the hormonal changes that occur around your...
Several different herbs can improve your vein health, especially if you have common venous conditions such as varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis. Although these herbs likely won't cure your vein-related medical...
If you have breathing problems, certain herbal remedies may help by improving your airflow, clearing mucus congestion and boosting your lung function. Breathing problems are often caused by medical conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive...
Fibromyalgia syndrome, a complex disorder, is characterized by chronic widespread muscle pain and tender points in various parts of the body. The main symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue and disturbed sleep. People with fibromyalgia generally...
Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are omega-3 fatty acids that are necessary for nerve function and healthy cell membranes. DHA and EPA also play a role in improving brain function, and as a result might help patients with mood...
Recalls of over the counter cold, flu and pain medicines and shortages of vaccines and prescription remedies have people scrambling to find relief of their cold and flu symptoms. Double-blind studies of black elderberry extract conducted between...
Depression is a mood disorder that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical well-being. Symptoms may include feelings of worthlessness, restlessness and helplessness. The most common treatment for depression involves...
According to the Merck Manual, more than 20 million Americans have asthma. Asthma is a respiratory disease caused by inflammation and swelling of the airways. Research suggests that antioxidants may help treat and prevent asthma. Antioxidants such...
You don't need a television commercial to tell you that depression hurts. A seemingly infinite variety of medications can supposedly help, provided that you are willing to deal with the long list of side effects. While commercials rarely mention...
If you're a woman going through menopause, you may experience often drastic hormonal changes that can produce a variety of symptoms and side effects. You'll typically experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, depression, anxiety, vaginal...
Eczema and psoriasis are both chronic skin conditions that can be painful and uncomfortable. Psoriasis causes scaly, dry skin cells to build up in spots on the body, particularly on the joint areas, lower back and groin. Eczema also causes dry,...
Also called heliotrope, valerian is a wild herb that grows primarily in Europe and is used in medicinal preparations for the properties contained in its roots. Valerian is one of the most commonly recommended herbs for inducing sleep and treating...
Many different herbs can help to improve digestion, but the medical evidence supporting their actions is generally lacking. If you have dyspepsia, commonly known as indigestion, taking certain natural herbal remedies may help to relieve your...
High blood sugar is the hallmark symptom of diabetes. It arises because the body is unable to properly produce and/or respond to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that signals blood cells to take up sugar and pass it on to various energy metabolism...
Cholesterol and triglycerides are essential fats in your blood. When your doctor requests a blood test to evaluate your blood or lipid levels, you will be tested to find out the blood values of low density lipoproteins, or LDL; high density...
Many different supplements are recommended for women who are menopausal or postmenopausal. Some of the supplements are minerals or vitamins, while others may be herb-based. Most of these supplements can help to relieve your menopausal symptoms,...
Ginkgo leaf comes from the ginkgo biloba tree and is used in medicinal preparations for treating a wide range of health conditions. Most notably, ginkgo leaf is sometimes recommended for improving mental function in people with dementia or...
