Colitis is a swelling of your colon, or large intestine, that may be caused by numerous factors. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that possible causes of colitis include inflammatory bowel disorders; radiation treatments...
Fibromyalgia affects about 2 percent of Americans, and more women than men develop this condition, according to The Family Doctor website. Fibromyalgia is a disorder associated with chronic pain in your muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints....
Depression is a complex mental illness that causes persistent feelings of low mood and hopelessness. While prescription antidepressants can offer relief, they may also cause side effects ranging from decreased sex drive to suicidal ideation....
Menopause signals the end of fertility and menstruation and usually occurs when a woman is in her early 50s. Many women experience troublesome symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings and irritability. Some opt to take hormone...
Mononucleosis is a viral infection transmitted through the saliva. As such it is often referred to as the "kissing disease." However, you can also get this disease through a transfusion with infected blood. Mononucleosis can last from days to...
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Sometimes referred to as the "silent killer" because it is often symptomless, hypertension is defined as having a blood pressure of 140 mmHg over 90 mmHg or...
Cerebral palsy covers a wide spectrum of brain-related motor problems. Cerebral injuries that occur at or soon after birth may result in muscular or nerve dysfunction, which can present in the form of paralysis in one or more area of the body....
Migraine headaches can lead to extreme pain that may last for hours or days. Some migraine headaches can be so severe that they can even lead to nausea and vomiting. According to MayoClinic.com, some migraines are accompanied by auras that may...
Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, is a disorder associated with your peripheral nerves, or the nerves that carry motor, sensory and organ-related information to and from your brain. The Neuropathy Association states that neuropathy...
Anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million adults in the U.S. each year, according to Harvard Health Publications. Fortunately, there are number of options available to help this nerve wracking condition. Prescription benzodiazepines such as...
Asbestosis is caused by scar tissue in your lungs and is the result of prolonged exposure to asbestos, the name for a group of silicate compounds used in construction. When disturbed, these compounds emit fibrous materials that could be inhaled....
In 2010, more than 222,500 new diagnoses of lung cancer were made, and more than 157,000 individuals died of the disease. There are many treatments for lung cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, but some individuals use herbal...
Loosely translated as the "science of life," ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural medicine that is still used as the primary form of health care by many in India. According to physician Hari Sharma and colleagues writing in the "Journal...
Sore throat and fever are among the most common health complaints. These symptoms may occur together or separately, and they may be caused by numerous factors. A sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is an inflammation of your pharynx, whereas...
Living with depression isn't easy, and many people look for medication-free ways to deal with their condition. If you suspect you may be depressed, see a health care professional for diagnosis and advice before you self-treat. If you've been...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a behavioral disorder characterized by restlessness, inattention and impulsive behavior. It commonly starts in childhood, and in some cases, continues into adulthood. Treatment for ADHD usually...
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints, which include your upper temporal bone and lower jaw bone, or mandible, located on either side of your head. These hinged joints control mouth motions, such as chewing, talking and yawning. They can...
Although sweating is a normal, healthy way for your body to cool off and dispose of toxins, excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can leave you feeling soggy and self-conscious. Because excessive sweating can be caused by a wide variety of...
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, affects one in three American adults. If your systolic blood pressure is 140 mm Hg or above, or your...
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough of the hormone insulin or when the body cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels. Diabetes...
Cancer involves the unchecked growth of cells in various parts of your body. Malignant cells can develop in almost all of your organs or tissues. Herbal medicines are an often helpful adjunct therapy to traditional cancer treatments, although it...
Chelation therapy is a type of medical treatment that involves injecting a compound into the body that is capable of binding to potentially poisonous heavy metals or other unwanted substances. Herbal chelation therapy differs in only one main...
Heat therapy can soothe sore muscles, ease joint pain, or even help you to relax after a difficult day. If you opt for a herbal heat pack, soothing aromatherapy may add to the benefits of a heat pack or wrap. Purchased herbal heat packs are...
Massage is generally performed with a lubricant such as oil, lotion or cream to facilitate the movements of the therapist's hands over your muscles. Herbs and herbal extracts valued for their therapeutic and fragrant qualities are often added to...
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, concentrated essences that are extracted from plants for their healing properties. Aromatherapy usually accompanies mainstream medicine. Aromatherapy can also be used as a preventative medicine, as it can...
Have you ever wondered if there was a more natural approach to keeping your skin healthy? Buying commercial lotions and ointments can be effective at healing problems with your skin, but they can also be loaded with unpronounceable chemicals,...
The millennia-old system of Ayurvedic medicine originated in India. Ayurvedic medicine aims to prevent illness and enhance wellness through the integration and balance of mind, body and spirit. If you are considering the use of Ayurvedic...
Radiation therapy, a form of cancer treatment used to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells, can be delivered to your body using external radioactive beams or internal placement of radioactive material in the body. It is a powerful form of therapy...
Pomegranate contains high levels of polyphenols and antioxidants, which can confer many health benefits. According to an article by Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck published on the MayoClinic.com website, pomegranate has the potential to block or inhibit...
Acupuncture is only a small part of traditional Chinese medicine. Learn more about acupuncture and Chinese medicine in this free video.