As the name implies, grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is derived from the seeds---but also the membranes and pulp---of grapefruit. Touted for its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-fungal qualities, it's thought to work in large part because it's so...
Many people with food-related allergies or food sensitivities must learn how to eliminate specific substances from their diets. Caffeine, sugar, gluten and dairy are all associated with sensitivities that may cause adverse physical reactions. In...
Valued for its healing qualities since ancient times, herbalists and holistic health practitioners frequently prescribe licorice root for cold symptoms, indigestion, stomach ulcers and canker sores. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is more often...
Red clover flower is an herb that is believed by many natural and holistic health practitioners to have various medicinal benefits. According to "The Healing Herbs," by Michael Castleman, red clover is one of the oldest plants in the world and has...
Hair loss is often embarrassing and can cause decreased confidence and self-esteem. According to "The Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care," compiled and edited by Philip T. Hagen, M.D., it is normal to lose 50 to 100 strands of hair per day, as your...
According to skincarephysicians.com, heredity and the severity of the acne are the main determining factors in whether or not scarring will occur. Early treatment of acne can reduce the likelihood that scars will appear. There are also an array of...
Birmingham, Michigan, is a well-known suburb of Detroit. Whether you find yourself in the area to shop, dine or perhaps for business, there are several fitness clubs in the area. These clubs are home to a variety of exercise equipment, classes and...
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that replaces sugar in many foods. According to the Aspartame Information Center, aspartame is used globally by 200 million people. It can be found in more than 6,000 products. Examples include soft drinks,...
Patchouli essential oil is extracted from the dry and fermented leaves of the patchouli shrub. This shrub grows in parts of India, Indonesia, China, Malaysia and the Philippines. It is believed by some natural health practitioners that patchouli...
Holistic health practitioners use sea salt and water solutions internally and externally to treat a variety of medical conditions, including colds, constipation and skin irritation. Sea salt and water mixtures are also part of cleansing diets that...
Fasting and cleansing programs are often advocated for natural healing and rapid weight loss. Although it has become popular in holistic health care, there are some myths to be aware of.
By the end of a healthy pregnancy, most women add 25 to 40 pounds to their frames. Relaxin, the hormone responsible for loosening the joints, floods the system. Both of these can contribute to a variety of aches and pains, including hip pain,...
An essential oil is the plant's essence, extracted through the process of distillation. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, massage and alternative medicine. Some essential oils have medicinal qualities and may provide natural remedies for...
Earaches are generally caused by bacterial infections. Conventional medical treatments include prescription antibiotics and over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol. Holistic treatments include natural antibiotics and herbs believed to...
Leaky gut syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that has yet to be accepted by modern physicians. While some general practitioners do not believe that leaky gut syndrome exists, holistic health practitioners and naturopathic doctors generally...
The practice of aromatherapy involves using essential oils, naturally distilled from plants, to improve the health of the body, mind and spirit. Many holistic health practitioners agree that these essential oils provide a natural, healthy way to...
Echinacea and goldenseal are powerful herbs that have been used throughout history for their healing properties. Used in complementary and alternative medicine, these healing herbs are frequently found compounded together and prescribed by...
One of the only permanent ways to cure chronic tonsillitis is to have the tonsils removed. The procedure, known as a tonsillectomy, can be performed if the individual meets the following criteria: has five or more episodes of tonsillitis in one...
Antibiotics are simply substances that kill bacteria. Although synthetic antibiotics are often prescribed for a variety of bacterial infections, there are also a number of natural antibiotics used by herbalists and holistic health practitioners....
Diverticulitis is the result of inflammation of diverticula, or small pouches that develop along the digestive tract. The conventional medical approach includes following a mostly liquid diet and a course of antibiotics. If symptoms do not...
Ayurveda has been the traditional medicine of India for over 5,000 years; it takes a holistic to health. Practitioners have used Ayurvedic herbs and healing techniques to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis. The main premise of Ayurveda...
The diet you choose to enjoy from day to day can determine your energy, weight, vitality and longevity. If you choose to eat foods that provoke an acidic climate within the pH of your gut, many symptoms and infirmities may result. Certain foods...
Respiration is one of the few bodily functions that are under both conscious and unconscious control. We don't have to think about breathing in and out, but we can control and regulate it if necessary. Respiration makes it possible for the body to...
Hair health and beauty is influenced by many factors, including diet, stress, the environment, chemical treatments and styling appliances. According to "Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty" by Roberta Wilson, the most common hair and scalp...
Warm cerulean seas, soft sandy beaches and lush rainforests dripping with tropical dew: Kauai, the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaii chain, is a picture-postcard, tropical destination. Far from being a lazy man's paradise, however, it...
Tendinitis is a common cause of knee pain and other joint discomfort. It is essentially an inflammation of the tendons which results in discomfort and stiffness. Conventional medical treatments include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory...
We are exposed to environmental toxins every day in our air, water and food, which can having lasting effects on our health and vitality. Helping our bodies process and remove these toxins can leave us feeling healthier and stronger. Many health...
Just as you might clear clutter from your garage periodically, holistic health practitioners recommend regularly cleansing your body of accumulated toxins. Certain herbal remedies may help when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen....
As daily exposure to polluted environmental resources and toxic chemicals increases, so do complaints of nasal congestion and other respiratory illnesses---making sinus conditions a rapidly rising problem and one of the most popular reasons for...