Bipolar disorder is mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. It is a chronic disorder and can be severely disruptive for a patient. Traditional treatments such as prescription mood stabilizers and cognitive...
The medicinal herb St. John's wort is a highly effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. According to the National Institutes of Health, St. John's wort rivals the efficacy of conventional antidepressant drugs and may have fewer side...
St. John's wort is a perennial herb that has been used since ancient Greek times to treat a variety of nervous disorders. Today, it is a popular dietary supplement that is thought to be useful for the treatment of certain types of depression;...
The neurotransmitter serotonin governs several functions within the human body. According to Mayo Clinic, conventional treatments for depression work by altering levels of serotonin and similar compounds within the human body. Although scientists...
Menopause, a natural biological process, occurs when a woman's ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate menstruation. Menopause is a gradual process that can take several years. According to FamilyDoctor.org,...
Dopamine is a chemical found in the brain that helps regulate many of the body’s processes, including the feelings of well-being and anxiety, according to the University of Michigan Health System. When dopamine levels are high, another...
If you have bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by mood swings that fluctuate from depression to mania, you may turn to alternative treatments to reduce the amount of prescription medication you need to take. Many of the medications...
Hypericin, a component of the herb St. John's Wort, is a supplement that many people take to help with symptoms of depression. St. John's Wort has been documented in several clinical trials to have antidepressant properties. However, the FDA has...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder affecting the large intestine and causing symptoms, such as painful gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Naturopathic medicine, explained by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians,...
Serotonin is a chemical in the brain known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters like serotonin are responsible for mood. Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression and anxiety. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the...
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa) is used for its root to treat a wide range of ailments, especially those that are menopause-related. Native Americans were the first to use black cohosh root medicinally. Black cohosh is...
Escitalopram oxalate is a prescription medication in the family of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It affects the central nervous system and must be taken only as prescribed. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly without physician...
Menopause is a natural transition, not a disease. Nevertheless, many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, sexual dysfunction and mood swings during the menopausal life-stages. In 2005, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative...
Herbs and spices have been used for centuries as a way to flavor food and treat symptoms of medical conditions. Spices include dried fruits, seeds, roots and bark whereas herbs are plants with special flavors and medicinal properties. Learning...
Anxiety attack symptoms include a racing heart, nausea and a feeling of terror. Effectively dealing with these episodes requires a mix of therapy, lifestyle changes and possibly medications. Certain herbal remedies have a reputation for quelling...
Alternative medicine is defined by the Mayo Clinic as wellness therapies that are not considered part of conventional Western medicine. Some of the alternative treatment methods they list include acupuncture, herbs and dietary supplements....
Antidepressants make more serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine available to the brain. Mild side effects associated with antidepressants include diarrhea, dry mouth and fatigue. Antidepressants also have the potential to cause bad side effects...
Vitamin and herbal supplements are designed to supplement your body with nutrients that may be lacking from your diet. Trying to use vitamin and herbal supplements to provide the bulk of your daily nutrients instead of eating healthy food can...
Saffron, also known as Crocus sativus, originated in the area spanning from Greece to Persia, now known as Iran. Saffron threads were traditionally used to dye cloth as a yellowish-orange color for the yellow-red color of robes for Hindu and...
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat the symptoms of depression. Many herbs and their benefits can be traced back to ancient Greece. Research is currently being conducted on herbal therapies and their efficacy. Some herbs may...
Depression is a condition characterized by severe and persistent low mood. It may also be associated with symptoms like weight changes, oversleeping and anxiety. While there are medications available for treating symptoms of depression, they may...
Sadness is an overwhelming feeling that can be normal or a sign of a serious medical illness. Sometimes, this sadness can last for more than two weeks and become chronic. Also, the onset of sadness can occur after giving birth. Additionally,...
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, current treatments include medications to slow down memory loss and treat the depression and/or agitation that often accompany the disease. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by confusion,...
Bipolar disorder, which typically strikes during the teen and adult years, is a complex mental health condition. Drastic changes in mood and activity level are the hallmarks of bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive illness. Many...
Antioxidants are present in abundance in many foods, including fruits, vegetables and grains."Today's Dietitian" reports more than 4,000 flavonoids are found in foods -- and that is only one class of antioxidant. Antioxidants play a critical role...
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a type of biochemical found in the body that helps transmit messages between brain cells. Serotonin has been associated with increased feelings of wellbeing, and thus, serotonin deficiencies have been associated...
As of 2010, there were no official recommendations for using black cohosh as an alternative to hormone replacement treatments for reducing menopause symptoms. At the same time, the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements...
While some people barely glisten when they perspire, others may drip with sweat, regardless of the temperature. Excessive sweating is a condition called hyperhidrosis. Approximately three percent of the world's population suffers from...
L-tyrosine, also known as tyrosine, is a nonessential amino acid that is important for building proteins. L-tyrosine is also important in the creation of several transmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Generally, the body...