Native to Europe, milk thistle has been used as both a food and medicinal supplement for nearly 2,000 years. Silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, possesses both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Traditionally, milk thistle...
Gall bladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is usually performed as a treatment for gallstones. Cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information...
The cynar scolemus, commonly known as the globe artichoke, is native to the Mediterranean region, where it has been prized for thousands of years as a medicinal wonder and a dietary delicacy. Artichokes were used as aphrodisiacs, diuretics, liver...
The liver, one of the largest organs in the body, is located in the upper right region of the abdomen, below the rib cage. The main function of the liver is to detoxify the blood, filtering drugs, medicines and other substances that could...
Abdominal pain is common complaint in many emergency rooms. The nature and severity of the pain often varies according to the underlying condition causing the pain. Right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain, depending on the cause, may require...
Herbal remedies are used by individuals around the world for everything from treating sore throats to treating infection, fertility and stress. Some herbs are just naturally good for overall health and well being and are found in vitamin stores,...
Your gallbladder is a small abdominal organ that assists with digestion. It releases a compound called bile into the small intestine to aid with fat breakdown and absorption. Bile particles can build up to form gallbladder stones, and if...
Experiencing back pain or nausea after eating a meal is usually an indication of a gastrointestinal problem. Several gastrointestinal conditions can cause nausea and abdominal pain that radiates to locations in the back. While some conditions may...
Essential oils have been used in many countries as health remedies and prevention methods for certain diseases. These oils can be consumed by adding them to food or drink, and they can be effectively used in aromatherapy. Essential oils have...
Herbal remedies are the cornerstone of early healing arts and many people today still prefer using natural herbs and plants than taking prescription medications. Because herbs have medicinal properties, they also might produce adverse side...
Metabolic necessities and modern lifestyles place a lot of pressure of your liver. The triangular shaped organ, which sits on the right side of your torso, was designed to deal with toxins produced by the breakdown of food and the production of...
The gallbladder is a small pear shaped organ located just below the liver in the upper right part of the abdomen. The liver makes bile that is stored in the gallbladder until the body needs it. The gallbladder secrets bile into the small...
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, that causes inflammation of the digestive tract lining. Common symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. Medical and...
Massaging the head and scalp areas can be incredibly soothing. This relaxation may be due in part to the fact that various acupressure points exist in the scalp. According to Chinese medicine theory, these points correspond to organs of your body,...
The Elemis Enhancement Program claims to do a number of things for users: promote weight loss, burn off cellulite, increase energy levels, stimulate circulation and cleanse the body of potentially harmful toxins. The program consists of four...
Hormonal acne, a skin condition commonly beginning after age 20, mainly affects women. According to dermatologist Dr. Diane S. Berson, assistant professor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, "The cause of hormonal...
Over 2800 plants have been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Native American peoples have a rich tradition of healing with herbs. Herbs are traditionally used not only for the...
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, compulsive overeating disorder, more commonly called binge eating disorder, is the most common of all eating disorders. It affects about 3 percent of all adults in...
Wild yam has been used for centuries by Native Americans and early Americans for treatment of a variety of ailments. The herb, also known as colic root, has a relaxing effect. As the name suggests, an early use was to relieve colic in babies. Be...
Acute cholecystitis, or gallbladder inflammation, usually results from gallstone irritation and often leads to infection. The buildup of bile and bacteria in the gallbladder raises your risk for infection of the gallbladder and bile duct. If you...
Aloe and milk thistle are two very commonly used medicinal herbs. The two plants come from very different locations and belong to different plant families, yet they both may be a benefit in treating liver conditions. Milk thistle is often thought...
Acne is often associated with adolescence, years that are full of many physical changes, but acne that occurs after the age of 25 is less common and can be devastating to an individual's self image. Acne is a result of sebum (oil) that is under...
Around 90 percent of compressed -- or herniated -- discs occur at the L4-L5 vertebrae, located at the base of your spine on top of your tailbone. This compression can cause not only lower back pain but a host of troublesome symptoms, including...