GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a painful condition involving the backing up of stomach digest and acids through the esophageal sphincter into the esophagus. Also known as acid reflux disease, GERD causes a variety of short- and...
Candida albicans is a type of yeast found naturally in the human intestines. When candida populations suddenly spike, you may experience fatigue, gastrointestinal distress or joint pain. This condition is called candidiasis. Alternative medicine...
Native to Central and South America as well as Mexico, the herb damina is scientifically known as Turnera diffusa. It is considered an aphrodisiac and folk medicine remedies use the leaves to treat a variety of health issues, from coughs to...
In healthy adults, a variety of microorganisms lives in the intestines. Some of these microorganisms are beneficial bacteria that promote good health, while others can cause illness. Candida albicans, a type of yeast, normally exists in the gut...
Teas can vary depending on plant type and preparation, lending different tastes that can range from sweet to bitter or minty. Herbal tea isn't actually tea; rather, it's an infusion of selected herbs in heated water. Tea comes from a specific...
For centuries, herbalists have prepared therapeutic essential oils of plants, flowers and herbs to soothe the mind, heal emotions, encourage sleep and provide invigoration or relaxation when a body desires it. This practice, known as aromatherapy,...
The plant species Urtica dioica, or stinging nettle, grows wild in North America and Europe. The plant is covered in tiny hairs that "sting" you if you brush against them. Throughout history, civilizations have used stinging nettle to treat a...
Essential oils work well in humidifiers, as they provide a moist steam that adds the oils to the environment, allowing for easy inhalation. In his book "Earl Mindell's New Herb Bible," Earl Mindell recommends oregano oil for treating colds and...
Testosterone governs many imprortant processes within the male body. Low testosterone levels can contribute to erectile dysfunction, mood swings, infertility and poor muscle growth. While many testosterone-enhancing medicinal herbs have been the...
Causes of allergies can range from pets to plants to certain foods. But strong medications are not always necessary when treating allergic conditions. Certain herbal remedies are also effective in treating allergies and hay fever. Talk to your...
Motherwort is a herb native to Asia, now grown worldwide, that has been used for centuries as a blood thinner, muscle relaxant and in other applications. The herb is also known as lion's tail, heartwort, leonurus and throwwort. When administered...
Painful menstrual periods plague many females, often starting a couple of days before their period and gradually easing after the first day or two of their period. Medically known as dysmenorrhea, painful periods, or cramps, may ease with age....
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a group of disorders that arise in the supporting structures of the teeth, such as bones around the teeth, the gum, the coverings of the roots of the teeth, the membrane of the tooth and the space...
Proper blood pressure is essential for heart health, as well as the prevention of strokes and heart attacks. According to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," hypertension is a condition...
Red clover is a low-growing perennial herb with three-lobed leaves and many small, reddish pink flower clusters. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an herbal remedy. Recently, red clover has been given increased attention...
False unicorn root, also known as Helonias root, is an herb that grows wild in North America. For centuries, it has been used by Native Americans to treat a variety of gynecological conditions. Today, modern herbalists value the root for its...
Hyperactivity, medically known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition characterized by chronic inability to concentrate, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Other...
Valerian, botanically known as Valeriana officinalis, is a member of the Valerianaceae family. It is primarily known as a nervine tonic. The plant has leaves that are deeply divided and tiny pale pink flowers that bloom in clusters, and can grow...
In the first century A.D., the Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides wrote a book called "De Materia Medica," which influenced herbal medicine throughout Europe. In modern times, Greek herbalists use many of the same remedies that other European...
Tobacco is a mood-altering substance that contains about 4,000 toxic chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Smoking tobacco can elevate blood pressure, increase...
Tea tree oil is mild and gentle enough for even very sensitive skin. Yet it may have powerful healing properties that make it a favorite for aboriginal Australians and modern herbalists. Spot treat skin infections, scars or minor abrasions with...
The liver is the largest gland of the body. According to James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," the average person's liver weighs about 4 lbs. It is responsible for producing bile, which helps break down food in the...
Your liver, the heaviest gland in your body (3 lbs.), metabolizes and stores both fats and carbohydrates, processes drugs and hormones, and synthesizes proteins. The liver also produces the bile salts that help in nutrient absorption in your small...
Yeast infection, or candidiasis, is caused by a fungus called candida. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about three-quarters of women will develop a vaginal yeast infection at some point during their lives. About 90 percent...
The eucalyptus is a genus with over 700 species, most of which are native to Australia, according to author John J.W. Coppen in his book "Eucalyptus: The Genus Eucalyptus." The eucalyptus has been used for its medicinal properties by herbalists...
Herbology, or herbalism, is the art of creating natural remedies using herbs and herbal extracts. Practicing herbalists use herbs to treat symptoms of disease, make cleaning products for the home, and create body care items. Some herbologists also...
Age spots are dark blotches that appear on the surface of the skin. Although they are commonly referred to as liver spots, they are not connected to liver function, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for...
Oxalic acid is an odorless, colorless chemical that is poisonous to the human body. According to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," oxalic acid prevents your body from absorbing and utilizing...
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is an evergreen tree native to India and southeast Asia that has since spread to tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Ayurveda, a traditional medicinal practice from India, recommends...
