Milk thistle, also sometimes called silymarin, has been used as an herbal remedy for at least a few thousand years, particularly in the Mediterranean regions of Europe and North Africa, as well as the Middle East. Milk thistle ...
Evening primrose is a dietary supplement sold as an oily liquid. Indigenous peoples of North America have used it as an herbal remedy for countless generations. Traditionally, evening primrose oil was used internally and extern...
Fruits contain high doses of enzymes, natural compounds that help to ease normal digestion and other body functions. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that pineapples and papayas are tropical fruits that contain p...
Dyspepsia, commonly called indigestion, is a widespread condition that affects almost every American at some stage. Dyspepsia can be acute and short term, or it can develop into a chronic, long-term problem. Dyspepsia is most o...
Symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Maintaining a daily fiber intake of 25 to 35 grams can help reduce the risk of diverticular disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical ...
In small doses for short periods of time, uva ursi preparations are generally considered safe. However, in larger doses, uva ursi can be toxic and lead to liver damage. Consult with your doctor and a professional herbalist or n...
Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is a plant that has a long history of use in herbal medicine. The active part of milk thistle, a flavonoid called silymarin, has antioxidant properties and also might be an anti-inflammatory. ...
Although no credible studies have linked cinnamon with any particular hyperthyroidism benefits, some of the herb’s constituents may provide a therapeutic, anti-inflammatory effect. Talk to your doctor before taking cinnam...
After pregnancy, you might be surprised to learn that you have to continue watching what you eat and drink if you are breastfeeding. This is because the things you consume are passed to your baby through your breast milk. Ginge...
Parenting offers very few certainties. However, one thing you can count on is that your child will at some point experience pain in the buttocks area. The causes may range from diaper rash in infants to skateboarding accidents ...
Aloe vera is a plant that grows primarily in hot, dry climates. Its medicinal properties are recognized by many cultures across the globe. The sap secreted from aloe leaves is used for a variety of health purposes including as ...
You may hear about Holy Tea, a commercial product sold primarily for weight loss but which is also marketed as a detoxifying agent that helps everything from skin rashes to back pain. Always ask your doctor before trying any ne...
This supplement comes in both liquid and tablet form; each has benefits and drawbacks. Ask your doctor before taking a cold preparation containing goldenseal and echinacea, since these herbs, although two of the most popular he...
Nettle root has been used for centuries as a traditional folk medicine to treat everything from muscle sprain to gout. Recently, nettle root has been gaining scientific attention as a natural estrogen blocker, particularly in E...
Ginger tastes good and may have health benefits, besides. Many cultures, particularly in Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries, often cook with ginger and also use it medicinally. You make ginger spice paste by blending g...
Evening primrose oil, made from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, has many homeopathic uses. At least one study suggests evening primrose oil can control appetite and facilitate weight loss. Consult your physician before...
Turmeric and milk thistle are herbs, both of which have been used for over 2,000 years to treat a variety of health issues. Although they share few traits in common, they're sometimes associated together as a treatment for live...
Certain herbs mirror the antimicrobial properties of tetracycline, but none are as versatile. Doctors use tetracycline to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections, venereal disease, acne and other skin ailments. Tetracycl...
Yet scientists disagree about whether taking echinacea can help prevent or treat colds and infections, reports the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. As with any supplement or herb, taking more than the...
Ayurvedic treatment has been around for 5,000 years and originated in India. It seeks to prevent illness through total mind, body and spiritual wellness. Ayurvedic herbs and hatha yoga improve the physical symptoms of osteoarth...
A healthy hypothalamus produces regulatory hormones for your body to function properly. Primrose oil is an herbal supplement with a variety of potential health benefits, and it may improve your hypothalamic function in some cas...
An inflamed esophagus, also referred to as esophagitis, can get in the way of your daily life by causing pain and making it uncomfortable to eat and drink. If you have been diagnosed with esophagitis, your doctor has likely rec...
If you are like many people, you may use nutritional supplements to help improve your health. As with many conventional medications, not all dietary supplements can be taken together. In addition, not all dietary supplements wo...
Your urine can turn red as a result of certain medications, as a symptom of a disease called porphyria, owing to the presence of myoglobin protein normally found in your muscles, or from consuming food coloring, rhubarb or even...
Because these and other phytochemicals promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, evening primrose oil is used to treat diabetic neuropathy and arthritis. This medicine may interact with certain pharmaceutical drugs, ho...
While a pot of aloe vera on the kitchen windowsill is a well known natural treatment for burns and rashes, fewer people have heard of taking aloe internally. Yet, this folk remedy for internal maladies, such as pancreatitis and...
Atenolol is a drug belonging to the category of beta blockers. These drugs work by slowing your heart rate and relaxing blood vessels to reduce the pressure on your heart. Atenolol is a conventional treatment for a range of car...
Orris root is made from the dried roots of several different species of iris flowers. The drying process can take as long as five years, according to "The Book of Herbal Wisdom," making orris root an expensive herbal ...
Lyme disease was named after Old Lyme, Connecticut because it was in this town that the first cases were diagnosed. The disease is spread by an infected tick. Since the tick that carries the disease has been infected by a bacte...
Many parents struggle with the question of whether to circumcise their newborn son. You might be concerned about any number of things, including aftercare. Some people include goldenseal, an herbal treatment, in post-circumcisi...
Valerian is an herb known by the botanical name Valeriana officinalis, the roots of which are used in herbal medicine. Both agents reduce anxiety, although by different mechanisms of action. Because Suntheanine and valerian alt...
Evening primrose oil is harvested from the seeds of the evening primrose flower, a wildflower native to North America. Desired for its reputed health benefits, evening primrose oil has been identified as a potential treatment f...
Diuretics help your body release extra water through your urine to reduce water retention. Since prescription diuretic medications may lead to side effects, herbal supplements may be worth considering as alternatives. Fresh pep...
Its flavonoids fight against oxidation and inhibit inflammation of liver cells. This can go a long way to prevent damage to these cells and to promote their growth as well — at least according to the National Institute of...
Illnesses potentially treated by the herb include cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver damage from mushroom poisoning. Your physician can determine whether the herbal cure is a suitable treatment for your health problems. But unless ...
Milk thistle and the flavonoid silymarin, which is in milk thistle, are used in herbal medicine. Milk thistle may help to treat liver problems, high cholesterol and certain types of cancer, and it functions as an antidote to th...
Ginger is a Chinese herbal remedy made from the root of Zingiber officinale. In traditional herbal medicine, ginger root is used as an anti-inflammatory, a sedative and a digestive aid. Ginger root poses no significant health r...
Aloe vera has been proven to have toxic effects when consumed in high doses for an extended period of time. Although naturopathic doctors tout the wonders of aloe vera, including the treatment and prevention of colon polyps, y...
This oral contraceptive is one of many available formulas of birth control pill. Milk thistle is a traditional medicinal herb used for more than 2,000 years that grows wild in dry, sunny areas of the United States, according t...
Stinging nettle, a plant that delivers painful sting if you touch its small hairs, has a history of use in alternative medicine as a diuretic, arthritis treatment and treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy. Homeopathic medi...
Senna S contains two safe, Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for the treatment of constipation. Senna S is classified as a non-prescription drug and is available in brand-name and low-cost generic forms. Senna S...
The geranium is not only a colorful garden plant, it also has a long history of medicinal uses, especially in its native Africa. All the parts of many species of geraniums have been used to treat a variety of disorders: the roo...
Silymarin is a flavanoid and part of the phytonutrient family, which is a group of compounds found in plants that display antioxidant properties. Silymarin actually consists of three strong antioxidant chemicals called silybin,...
Even today it is useful in some medical applications, such as the use of ginger to subdue nausea. The use of herbal supplements can be risky because of the potential interactions with medications and unwanted side effects occur...
Ginger root has been used as both food and medicine for more than 2,000 years. Chinese herbalists and Indian doctors incorporated ginger into their medical systems. In fresh, powdered, dried or capsule form, ginger is used for ...
Buckthorn, a shrub or small tree of the genus Rhamnus, bearing pea-sized blue-black berries, has been used as a folk medicine since the 14th century. Three species, R. frangula, R. cathartica and R. purshianus supply root, limb...
This cancer can be scary, but treatments exist that can help treat and cure lymphomas. Some individuals use herbal supplements like milk thistle along with their treatment regimen. Before using milk thistle for your lymphoma, t...
Both bromelain and quercetin derive from foods. Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapples, while quercetin is an antioxidant plant pigment known as a flavonoid. Some people make the mistake of assuming all natural produc...
Humans have used the chamomile plant as a source of food and medicine for thousands of years, and modern-day herbalists use the flowers and essential oils of chamomile for digestive problems, insomnia, inflammation, wound heali...
It is also used to treat goiter, a condition characterized by an enlarged thyroid due to cancer, radiation, surgery or hormonal imbalance. Before using this medication, make sure your physician is informed about other medicines...
Allopurinol is a prescription medication mainly used to prevent gout attacks or kidney stones. Bromelain, an enzyme that occurs in pineapple, appears to decrease inflammation and may be useful for relieving arthritis symptoms, ...
The disease is most common in people aged 50 to 70 and tends to run in families, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Ginger root is a traditional herbal remedy that may help relieve the sympt...
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 ...
Ginger root has a variety of uses as a cooking spice and an herbal remedy. Most preparations and recipes call for the root to be peeled and cut. Simply chopping the ginger into small chunks is a versatile and easy way to get it...
The flowers and roots of the arnica plant are used in herbal medicine and homeopathy to treat inflammation, sprains, infections and bruises. The most common use of arnica is topical, application of gel to the area being treated...
Curcumin is a component of one of the spices used to create curry. Traditional Asian medicine has used curry in treatment of a range of maladies for centuries. Modern science is exploring curcumin as a possible weapon in the gr...
The ginger root, Zingiber officinale, has a long history of medicinal use. Early American colonists concocted ginger beer to ease nausea and vomiting. The ginger root, botanically called the rhizome, comes in various forms, suc...
The primary active component of milk thistle, silymarin, acts in your body as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and bioflavonoid. In addition, the herbal supplement may be used to treat symptoms of menopause. Medline Plus expla...
According to the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse, about 4 million Americans experience frequent constipation. Senna is a plant used in herbal medicine as a laxative. It belongs to a category of laxatives known to stim...
Like other thistles, thorny prickles protect the plant from predators and, as the name implies, the stems contain a milky sap. In folk medicine, this herb is traditionally used to detoxify the liver. Talk to your physician befo...
A cyst is a sac containing air, fluid or other material that can form anywhere in the body. Although cysts are usually noncancerous, complications can arise. For instance, an ovarian cyst can become twisted and cause tissue dea...
If you notice stomach swelling after you eat garlic, it’s most likely not a sign of a digestive condition, but trapped gases in your digestive system. Garlic, onions and other vegetables are more difficult for your digest...
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that your cells need to maintain membranes and support many biochemical reactions. It travels in your blood in a complex with a protein called a lipoprotein. When levels of low-density lipoprote...
Peppermint, which has been used to help ease digestive problems, may help alleviate some symptoms of gastritis. Gastritis is the general medical term for inflammation in the lining of the stomach. The condition may be caused by...
Your sinus cavities are lined with a membrane covered with a layer of mucus, and the surface of the membrane is also covered with very fine hair-like structures called cilia. Membranes, mucus and cilia protect your body from ge...
Missing your period can be cause for alarm, but it's not likely to be caused by consuming curcumin -- the active ingredient in turmeric. This spice is commonly used in making curries, biryanis and other Indian dishes. Given tha...
Physicians from Arabia first used the herb senna medicinally in the 9th century A.D., and its use continues, primarily as a remedy for digestive disorders. Because herbal preparations contain many bioactive compounds with poten...
Senna alexandrina is an herbal supplement often used as a laxative. While it has some health benefits, senna can cause serious health problems when used too frequently. How often you can safely use senna depends on a number o...
Aloe vera is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for some 6,000 years. Ancient Egyptians depicted the plant on stone carvings. It was given to pharaohs as a burial gift and called the plant of immortality. The lea...
In addition, the herb may cause side effects. A bladder infection may require treatment with antibiotic, so talk to your doctor before self-treating with any herbal remedy.
Evening primrose oil has a history of use in alternative and traditional medicine for women’s health issues from premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, to breast tenderness and pregnancy complications. Unfortunately, no scientifi...
Sleeping difficulties such as insomnia, nightmares and waking up frequently can dramatically decrease your quality of life. Prescription sleep aids frequently have undesirable side effects, causing many people to decide to just...
The widely accepted health benefits of ginger as a dietary supplement are little affected by the form in which it is consumed. Ginger beer, or ginger ale, may have the longest tradition in the West for treating indigestion and ...
Milk thistle, a flowering medicinal herb in the daisy family, has an extensive history of use as a naturopathic medicine. Modern herbalists recommend milk thistle as a treatment for many diseases and conditions, ranging from ca...
When suffering from diseases of the sinuses, herbal medicine can help clear infection, open nasal passages and improve healing. Herbs work naturally to tone and strengthen the body and its natural defenses while providing natur...
Milk thistle is a native European plant that grows 2 to 7 feet tall and has purplish thistle-shaped flowers and spiny leaves. It is a source of several vital minerals and antioxidants, including some that have been studied for ...
Food and Drug Administration has removed laxatives containing aloe from the market due to safety concerns. Aloe may interact with some medicines you are taking and may worsen certain conditions that you may have, such as kidney...
Inflammation of the sinus membranes, known as sinusitis, adds to the problem, further blocking drainage. Over-the-counter decongestants and prescription medications can reduce congestion, but some people prefer natural remedies...
You may know that aloe vera gel as a topical remedy for skin wounds, but it is also taken by mouth to treat a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, bowel diseases, stomach ulcers and diabetes. Also, aloe gel is being studie...
Once considered a weed throughout much of the United States, milk thistle has gained the spotlight as one of the most-used plants in herbal medicine. Its small brown seeds contain silymarin, a key constituent that appears to ex...
There are several types of allergic disorders, including asthma, seasonal allergy or hay fever, hives and allergic conjunctivitis. Quercetin combined with bromelain is an herbal remedy for allergy, as is stinging nettle. Discus...
Lavender essential oil might provide a natural treatment method for asthma to along with traditional treatments. However, it is possible to develop a skin rash or other signs of an allergic reaction to essential oils, so test i...
Circulation is the medical term that describes the movement of blood throughout your body. Circulation, or blood flow, is an important, life-sustaining process in your body. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says prop...
Ligaments are bands of very tough tissue that support your organs and help connect the ends of bones in joints, such as the knees and shoulders. If you subject your joints to unusual stress or sustain an injury, you may tear a ...
Your doctor may prescribe Bactrim to rid your body of an infection in your urinary tract or intestines or to treat pneumonia or travelers’ diarrhea. Uva ursi also is traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections. B...
Onions and garlic are the two best-known plants in a larger family known as the alliums. Plants in this family are easily identified by their bold flavors and aromas, caused by a variety of complicated sulfur compounds. These w...
According to the National Institutes of Health, its use as a laxative is no longer recommended in the United States because of potentially serious side effects, including kidney problems. Consult your healthcare provider before...
Itching on your scalp is a direct symptom of an inflammatory reaction of the skin, and while the severity or duration of an itchy scalp is determined by its underlying cause, it may be possible to find relief through the use of...
In recent times, aloe was an ingredient in various nonprescription laxatives in the United States. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned laxatives containing aloe from the market since 2002 because of safety iss...
Aloe juice, the substance found just beneath the skin of the aloe leaf, is a potent laxative, but its use is no longer advised because it can cause serious side effects, including possible effects on the liver. Consult your phy...
Perimenopause is the interval during which a woman transitions from regular cycles of ovulation and menstruation to the cessation of these functions. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms that accompany perimenopause include h...
Although few studies have been performed on the effectiveness of echinacea-goldenseal over other cold medicines, naturopathic and alternative doctors frequently recommend the herbal blend in tea, tincture and liquid extract form.
Even with the availability of modern antibiotics, echinacea remains one of the most widely used herbal medicines, as noted in the January 2003 Phytomedicine. Echinacea products are available over-the-counter, taken to treat cou...
It is responsible for hormone secretion, and controls the other glands that produce hormones. Occasionally, the pituitary gland can develop benign tumors. These tumors usually are asymptomatic, but may require medicinal treatme...
It's crucial to know what your cholesterol levels are. Cholesterol is a waxy lipid, or fat, manufactured by your liver and found in foods containing animal fat. You need cholesterol to maintain your cell membranes, manufacture ...
Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is an herbaceous perennial. The plant grows from a rhizome, a thick, horizontal root, and it is this root that is used as a seasoning and beneficial natural supplement. Ginger has long been used ...
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that people eating raw garlic for medicinal reasons use it in quantities of at least 2 to 4 g each day. Depending on the size of the clove, this recommendation amounts to one t...
The milk thistle herb, which consists of the seeds harvested from the plant of the same name, is valuable for its potential role in keeping the liver healthy. Niacin, or vitamin B-3, assists in liver health, too, as well as in ...
This chronic disease requires ever-increasing resources to support the patient as the disease progresses. Conventional medicine may offer some temporary relief but does not change the long-term prognosis. If you are inclined to...
Echinacea and goldenseal are both used in traditional medicine to boost your immune system against viral illnesses like colds and the flu, and some health experts claim that taking them together is more effective than either al...
Lavender oil comes from the flowers of the herb lavender, known as "Lavandula angustifolia" in Latin. Native to the Mediterranean, lavender has played a role in hygienic customs since the times of ancient Egypt. For example, pe...
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in your body. Bromelain and serrapeptase are enzymes that accelerate the break down and digestion of proteins. Bromelain is produced from the fruit and stems of ...
Evening primrose bears 2 in. wide yellow flowers atop tall stalks. Oil derived from evening primrose seeds offers a variety of purported medicinal benefits, including some related to the immune system. Consult your doctor for g...
In recent years, garlic has been touted as a superfood for improving health and preventing disease. Garlic may provide certain mood-elevating benefits for symptoms of depression, although research confirming this claim is extre...
Menopause is characterized by many strange and seemingly unrelated symptoms. And each woman will have her own clustering of menopausal issues that affect her uniquely, making this phase of life interesting and often frustrating...
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid. When the body produces too much uric acid or is unable to excrete enough, it can begin to accumulate within the joints. Over time, the excess uric acid can form into urate...
Ginger root is a frequently recommended herbal remedy for a variety of conditions, but there's little scientific evidence to support the majority of these uses. With regard to digestive health, however, there's good evidence to...
Fats and oils are essential to your health and many of your body's functions. The oils most important for brain, nerves and skin include the essential fatty acids, which are available in a variety of foods ranging from olive oi...
If you are pregnant and suffering from morning sickness, talk to your doctor about using ginger to treat your nausea. The long-term benefits and risks regarding using ginger medicinally still are being studied.
Research has not confirmed whether milk thistle actually has any of these benefits, reports MedlinePlus, a website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Although milk thistle is likely safe for most adults, it is connected ...
The thistle Silybum marianum got its nickname from the milky white fluid its crushed leaves produce. Milk thistle has traditional roles as an herbal remedy for numerous health conditions but now is used primarily for liver and ...
Garlic is usually a trouble-free herb, providing more benefits than complication, but that's not always the case. Prolonged contact with garlic may cause irritation to the skin or even lesions, according to the University of Ma...
Ginger root is an herb used in traditional medicines and cooking for hundreds of years. People use it today to treat conditions like nausea, vomiting and arthritis. It is a generally safe herbal supplement, according to the Uni...
While the development of gallstones isn't well understood, they're thought to be associated with excess cholesterol or excess bilirubin. If your liver produces too much of either substance, they can accumulate within the gallbl...
Aloe barbadensis, called aloe vera, is a plant known to decrease inflammation and is commonly used to treat burns and other skin wounds. It produces medicinal gel from within the fleshy, cactus-like leaves and a yellow latex fo...
Native Americans ate the root and European settlers introduced evening primrose as a food in Europe. Traditional herbal medicine uses the leaves of this plant to treat bruises and hemorrhoids. Nowadays, evening primrose is used...
When supporting the health of your kidneys, medicinal plants like stinging nettles may have a positive effect on your urinary system. Stinging nettles are traditionally taken as a herbal extract, an infusion or eaten in the die...
Milk thistle is used in traditional medicine to protect the liver and help with gallbladder issues. Studies have shown that these uses are not far from reality. The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, is useful agains...
Milk thistle is an herbal supplement sometimes recommended for certain health conditions. Commonly available in capsule, liquid extract and tincture form, milk thistle has a variety of estrogenlike properties that may worsen ce...
Ginger root, the underground rhizome from the tropical Zingiber officinale plant, has been used since antiquity as a food and herbal medication. Ginger is revered in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for its carminativ...
Infertility is an inability to get pregnant after six months to a year of trying. Women who have repeated miscarriages may also be infertile. Motherwort, or Leonurus cardiaca, is a traditional herbal remedy that can be used t...
The Chinese people use the root of the plant for medicinal purposes such as promoting fertility, restoring hair color and preventing aging effects. Polygonum multiflorum is a native plant of China but it is also grown extensive...
A cold, the flu, sinus infection or infected adenoids can all lead to a middle ear infection, or acute otitis media. This infection causes pain, redness or swelling in your ear, as well as a buildup of fluid; early treatment he...
Often associated with treating menopausal symptoms, evening primrose oil may also help women on the other end of the spectrum: those trying to conceive. Monitoring your cervical mucus is one way to track your fertility, and thi...
Garlic is one of the world's favorite foods. It can be found in almost every major cuisine to some degree, lending its signature pungent flavor and aroma. However, appreciating garlic too exuberantly can have implications for y...
It is now being investigated for treating various ailments, including diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health, milk thistle should be used with caution, because it may cause side effects and interfere with cert...
Pulmonary infections include pneumonia and bronchitis. These are often very serious and are best treated by conventional medicine. While there may be a role for alternative therapies, such as curcumin, in minimizing symptoms, y...
Many women experience highly uncomfortable yeast infections. Although some conventional medicines improve yeast infection symptoms, holistic medicine advocates use alternative remedies. Pau d'arco and Lactobacillus acidophilus ...
The easiest way to cook ginger at home to treat nausea is to use fresh ginger root to make a beverage that may help relieve your symptoms. Talk to your doctor before using ginger medicinally.
Ginger root, a staple in Asian cuisine, may be beneficial in capsule form for soothing nausea due to indigestion or motion sickness, and may also calm an upset stomach following some surgeries or medical treatments. Check with ...
Pregnancy can be a magical time, full of hope and anticipation. However, it can also bring some unpleasant experiences, such as morning sickness, unexpected weight gain, stretch marks, loss of bladder control and constipation. ...
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. Although turmeric, and by extension curcumin, has a long medicinal history, only recently has it become the subject of scientific scrutiny. Consult your doctor before buying this s...
Vertigo is a balance disorder characterized by dizziness and a feeling of spinning. You can take medications for vertigo, but they can cause drowsiness. Another option is to take ginger root, which might relieve symptoms of ver...
Although ginger root supplements are safe for most adults, some people should not take them. Talk to your doctor before using ginger root or any herbal remedy to treat a medical condition.
Peppermint is a common flavoring used in many items you may have in your household, such as toothpaste, mouthwash or digestive medications. Not only can peppermint help you feel better and smell great, peppermint may also be ab...
Uva ursi has been used by Native American tribes and other cultures for generations, but this does not mean that the substance is necessarily safe to give to your child. When it comes to herbal supplements or compounds, it is d...
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is an herbal preparation obtained from the seeds of the plant species Oenothera biennis. It contains significant amounts of a substance called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that belongs to a class of nut...
Maca is not a well-studied herb, and most traditional medicinal use backs it as a libido booster and endurance enhancer, not as a thyroid treatment.
Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes sores and inflammation in the lining of your large intestine. This health problem, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, often manifests in people between...
While there is no solid evidence to support the idea that taking ginger root can induce miscarriage, you should weigh the risks and benefits of taking herbs during pregnancy. Learn more about the positive effects as well as the...
Maca, a plant in the brassica family, is native to Peru and Bolivia. A hardy plant, maca is grown alongside potatoes to protect them from pathogenic nematodes. Peruvians use maca as a food source in baked goods and other dishes...
Aloe vera gel is a slick substance from the interior of the thick aloe vera leaf, while aloe latex comes from just under the leaf skin. Applying aloe vera gel topically is generally considered safe, but consuming aloe vera late...
Evening primrose oil is not typically used to treat liver problems. Though studied for possible benefits in treating or preventing cancer, including that of the liver, scientific evidence for this purpose remains equivocal. Unl...
Practitioners in ancient and herbal medicines have used ginger for a wide variety of purposes. The most common purpose was to soothe an upset stomach, but it found use as a cure for heart disease, headache, the common cold, col...
Even alternative practitioners who are quick to recommend this supplement for other purposes, don't recommend it for thyroid disorders. Such conditions are best approached with conventional medicine. Alternative treatments can ...
Fibroids are relatively common non-cancerous growths that can appear anywhere on the inside or outside of a woman's uterus. There are a variety of nonsurgical and surgical methods available for reducing or removing fibroids. Ho...
Lemon balm -- or Melissa officinalis, as it's officially known -- poses few known side effects or drug interactions. Always ask your doctor, however, before adding any herbal treatments to prescription medicine.
Motherwort is a perennial herb traditionally used in folk medicine to strengthen the heart and enhance circulation. The herb also has a long history of use by midwives as an emmenagogue to stimulate menstruation and uterine con...
Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is an herb that's been used for more than 2,000 years to address conditions affecting the liver and gallbladder. If you choose to use milk thistle as an alternative or complementary treatment ...
The underground stem of the ginger plant, Zingiber officinale has a long safe history of use in herbal medicine. It is also common as a cooking spice in Asian, Indian, and Arabic cuisine. Side effects are rare. Talk to your chi...
Garlic, a potently medicinal plant in the onion family, has been used extensively throughout history as a treatment for common diseases and conditions. Although multiple peer-reviewed clinical studies support garlic's use in so...
High blood pressure is often described as a chronic condition. Most people develop high blood pressure gradually, experiencing a slight increase in the force of blood along the arterial walls year after year. Treating this cond...
Acid reflux --- or gastroesophageal reflux, as it's sometimes called --- is basically the back flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It's often the result of problems with the lower esophageal sphincter, which sits at th...
Fennel and ginger have a long history of culinary and medicinal use. Both herbs have a distinctive scent and taste that may influence your decision to use one over the other for gastrointestinal issues such as gas. Both have al...
The underlying cause of CFS is unknown. It is typically diagnosed after other conditions are eliminated as possibilities. If you have CFS, rest will not make it better, and mental exertion can make you more tired. Alternative m...
Sometimes it follows a viral or bacterial infection that spreads down from your nose or sinuses into your bronchi. Goldenseal is a traditional herbal remedy that may help prevent bronchial infection or speed your recovery if yo...
Yeast infections are caused by the candida albicans fungus. Although yeast infections can occur all over the body, they appear most commonly in the vagina. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approxim...
These treatments utilize natural products such as herbs, like ginger root tea and licorice. If you are concerned about the safety of herbal medicines, consult with your doctor before using them.
Pau d'arco is the inner bark from the tabebuia tree native to Central and South America. This inner bark is removed from the tree and used as an herbal remedy because of its high anti-inflammatory properties. In the 1960s and 1...
It is referred to as ginger root to distinguish the plant from other species in the Zingiberaceae family, such as cardamom and turmeric. The fresh root is grated and added to Indian curries and other foods, and the fresh or dri...
The catuaba is a short tree that grows in the Amazon rain forests of northern Brazil. Its fruit is inedible, but its bark is traditionally used by the Topi Indians for medicinal purposes. Catuaba bark is primarily known as an a...
Aloe vera is one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs; it has a long tradition of treating skin cuts, scrapes and burns. However, the healing qualities of the aloe vera plant is also used internally to soothe the digestive...
Gentian root is a bitter herb that comes from yellow gentian plants, or Gentiana lutea. This European native produces wrinkled, light to dark brown roots commonly used to make health supplements. Gentian root supplements come i...
Tea, especially green tea, is healthy due to high levels of flavonoids -- plant-derived antioxidant compounds. Freshly steeped loose leaf teas provide the most health benefits, though instant tea may also supply antioxidants an...
To reduce the risk of allergic reactions, consult your physician before taking herbal supplements and never take more than the recommended amount. Do not give stinging nettle supplements to children because of a lack of researc...
The thick, clear juice of aloe vera has been used for over 6,000 years to treat burns and minor skin irritation, making it a viable option for treating diaper rash. Apply an ointment after each diaper change if your child is pr...
Stinging nettle has a long history of use in numerous traditional medicine systems, all the way back to the ancient Greeks. Used both topically and internally for conditions ranging from enlarged prostate to joint pain, it come...
Milk thistle, also called Silybum marianum, is an herb. It has been used for many years as a remedy for ailments like liver disease. Ongoing studies are investigating the possible effects of milk thistle on liver disease from a...
Similar to a cactus, the leaves of the plant are thick with a pulpy interior. You use the pulp as a topical remedy, but you can also drink aloe vera juice to treat constipation, according to Linda B. White, M.D., author of "The...
The National Health Service of the United Kingdom states that anybody may develop this health problem, although the likelihood is greater in certain individuals, such as smokers or people who perform jobs in which they are exp...
Ginger root is the sweet, pungent rhizome of a subtropical plant. The fibrous knotty edible portion -- with smooth, light brown skin and light yellow flesh, has medicinal and culinary uses. Found in spicy sauces and stir-fries,...
The chemical has some desirable properties and comes from many natural sources, including certain herbs. Herbal caffeine is generally found in commercial energy-enhancing products and works the same as caffeine derived from oth...
Aloe vera, when used to treat a variety of medical conditions, is considered a complementary or alternative medicine, and its use is growing. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 38 perce...
They start with a feeling of warmth that spreads rapidly through your upper body, escalating to an intense sensation of heat that can leave you flushed and perspiring. Hot flashes are often a symptom of approaching menopause. G...
Evening primrose oil and black currant seed oil are both good sources of the omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. Some studies suggest that GLA supplementation may benefit skin, hair and heart health, among other me...
Bronchitis can be painful and difficult to treat. The ginger rhizome is a well-known traditional remedy for coughs, cold and flu, and may help boost your immune system and soothe a sore throat, tight chest and cough, the sympto...
If you have a big event coming up and don't want to bother with your menstrual flow, you might be looking for a natural or herbal way to stop menstruation temporarily. While there are some herbs rumored to have this effect, the...
This common skin condition causes pimples, blocked pores and blackheads. Some natural products may help treat acne, but there is no scientific evidence that milk thistle reduces breakouts. Consult your doctor before using any u...
Aloe vera is used primarily as a topical treatment for areas of inflammation, such as cuts, bruises and burns. If you are taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as steroids, you can apply the aloe topically to support the ...
Yeast infections, also called candidiasis, are fungal infections that manifest when vaginal candida, a type of fungus, grows at an uncontrollable rate. Yeast infections are a common health problem in women. The Centers for Dise...
Aloe vera, a succulent plant native to Africa, today grows widely throughout the world. For centuries, practitioners of folk medicine have used the gel from the plant's leaves to soothe and speed the healing of wounds and burns...
Kava shrubs bear hairy, woody roots, called rhizomes, that contain certain medicinal properties. Traditionally used to make intoxicating ceremonial beverages, modern scientists have discovered that kava root contains several he...
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is a burning sensation that manifests in your throat or chest when stomach acid contacts the sensitive tissues lining your esophagus. Burning chest pain that is worse after meals, at nig...
Sometimes these uneasy feeling can be so intense that they make you feel like you are going to vomit. The next time nausea strikes, reach for an herbal remedy such as peppermint to calm your tummy.
Cassia angustifolia, commonly known as Tinnevelly senna or senna, is an herbal laxative. Tinnevelly senna gets its name from a city in India, the country from which the medicinal shrub originates. Manufacturers harvest the leav...
Fresh ginger root has been used by the cultures of Asia, India, and the Middle East for over 2,000 years as a natural remedy for digestive health issues including nausea, motion sickness and stomach upset. The fresh root or rhi...
There are many different herbs and alternative medicines that manufacturers and practitioners of alternative health care claim can affect the female reproductive cycle. While maca root appears to affect the male reproductive sy...
Aside from being popular in food for its spicy properties, cayenne is a natural remedy that may help control pain, reduce weight and regulate blood sugar. Though not popular in food, goldenseal is an herbal remedy for skin cond...
Aloe vera may be useful for more than just sunburns. Aloe proponents claim that it can detoxify your system, aid in digestion and soothe inflammation. There is good scientific evidence to support its role as a laxative and derm...
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is sometimes called the "silent killer" because people with high blood pressure may not know they have the disorder until they suffer a stroke or heart attack. It's essential that you see y...
Crohn's disease is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that is debilitating and has no cure. Drugs such as steroids can relieve symptoms, but they have side effects which may be just as bad. Crohn's patients may turn t...
Raw garlic has been used for centuries as a spice, as well as for medicinal purposes. In alternative medicine, garlic is believed to have a number of potential health benefits such as preventing cancer, enhancing your immune sy...
You can develop a cyst just about anywhere on your body. A cyst is an enclosed pocket of tissue that forms under your skin, around a foreign object, such as a splinter, or associated with an organ, gland or joint. A cyst can be...
The doctor measures your blood pressure with two numbers, written one over the other. The top number is the systolic reading, and it signifies how much pressure your blood exerts against the inner walls of your arteries when yo...
Curcumin is a polyphenol pigment that gives the spice turmeric its bright yellow color. Turmeric, and extracts enriched in curcumin, are used in both traditional and modern medicine as a digestive aid. Modern research has shown...
Bloodroot, native to the eastern portion of North America, is traditionally used to treat skin cancer and many other ailments, from coughs to bone weakness and infections. While its history of use is long, this remedy is far fr...
Its common name is a reference to the milky, white sap contained within the leaves and the sharp thorns that protect the flower heads. In herbal medicine, the herb is traditionally used to prevent and treat disorders of the liv...
Ginger comes from the rhizome, or underground root, of the Zingiber officinale plant. Ginger has a long history of use in decreasing nausea, including nausea induced by motion sickness, pregnancy and chemotherapy. Ginger root ...
Milk thistle, sometimes called silymarin, has been an herbal treatment for several thousand years. It is most commonly used liver and gallbladder disorders. There are no scientific studies to support milk thistle as a treatment...
An ancient remedy used in Asian, Indian and Arabic traditional medicine, ginger is a thick, beige-colored, knotted rhizome, or underground stem. Ginger root has been used to treat a variety of conditions, such as upset stomach,...
