The transition through menopause can range from barely noticeable to life-altering. Most women experience at least some symptoms that lead them to seek support, whether through a mainstream or alternative approach. Herbal and other alternative...
One of the most common forms of neurological disorder in young adults, epilepsy can be treated in a variety of ways ranging from prescription drug treatment to surgical intervention. However, many patients may also benefit from natural...
Treat your diarrhea with astringent herbs that tone tissues throughout your body and "dry" various bodily secretions. Blackberry leaf and raspberry leaf teas are often used for diarrhea by brewing 1 tsp. of leaf per cup of boiling water. Do not...
Royal jelly is a substance secreted by honey bees that has long been used as a natural or alternative medicine. Meant as a food source for bee larvae, the product has also been used by humans to treat low energy levels, as an antibiotic and even...
For most of us, the hardest part of dieting is beating the cravings for food we shouldn't be eating. Many of us eat larger portions of food than we need. However, you can find ways to help your dieting or weight loss goals, naturally. Many dietary...
Itching is caused by a variety of factors, including dry skin, poison ivy, sunburn, skin rash and allergic reaction. Chronic itching can also be an indication of more serious health issues, such as diabetes or obstructive liver disease, according...
Peptic ulcers may occur in the stomach--called a gastric ulcer--or in the small intestine--known as a duodenal ulcer. The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center states that in the U.S., there 500 thousand cases of new ulcers each year, and 16...
Ashwagandha is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic Indian traditional medicine practice. The herb has also been used by Native Americans and natives of Africa under different names, including Withania somnifera or Indian ginseng and winter cherry....
The kidneys, part of the excretory system, are responsible for filtering and excreting liquid waste in the body. Excess protein, sodium and bacteria may build up in the kidneys and can eventually lead to inflammation and infection. The Mayo Clinic...
Cellulite is a common skin problem that affects 90 percent of women older than 18, writes Roberta Wilson, author of "Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty." Cellulite is characterized by a series of bumps and ripples on the skin, most...
After a tough weight-training session or a long run, you might think about reaching for prescription muscle relaxers to ease your pain. While taking a pill might help you feel better in the short term, the long-term effects can be dangerous.
Cervical cancer survival rates have improved since the 1970s, with increased awareness and regular Pap tests. However, more than 12,000 women were diagnosed with this condition and more than 4,000 died in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the digestive system. The muscles that are responsible for the proper digestion of food do not function properly. This leads to food being pushed through the digestive tract too quickly or...
Blood pressure treatment doesn't have to mean taking drugs. Natural cures can supplement a traditional treatment program, possibly removing the need for taking hypertension medication. There are countless claims for natural treatments. A little...
Mucus in the chest sometimes accompanies a cold or other illnesses, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The body's natural reaction to clear mucus from the lungs is to cough. Your child may cough up white or clear phlegm -- other colors such as green...
Cardiac edema is the swelling around the ankles, legs, abdominal wall or chest wall. It occurs when the body is retaining fluids. It is generally a sign of heart disease. Health care professionals will usually prescribe a diuretic to decrease...
Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic used in alternative medicine to fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. You can buy colloidal silver supplements or you can make your own at home using saline solution, silver wires and a couple of batteries....
A baby's cries accompanied by bloating and drawing up of her knees usually indicates she has gas. Also known as colic, these symptoms may be due to your baby's sensitivity to certain foods, like milk products, or it may be indicative of illness...
Depression can cause you to feel sad, irritable, indifferent, helpless and hopeless. An imbalance in the brain neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine can negatively affect your moods and lead to depression. Treatment...
High cholesterol levels can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, a disease that affects thousands of women each year. If you suffer from high cholesterol, you are likely searching for ways to reduce your levels and better your...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, also is sometimes referred to as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. The condition is a mental disorder typically diagnosed in early childhood, according to the National Institute of Mental...
Hormonal birth control is heralded as the simple solution for controlling fertility, but it's not for every woman. Women who have religious objections to contraception, who have hormonal sensitivities, who have certain kinds of cancers or who...
Lung inflammation occurs when fluid collects either inside your lungs or within the inner lining of your lungs. The exact cause of lung inflammation varies, but toxins, pollutants, viral infections and lung diseases such as tuberculosis, cystic...
Estrogen is a hormone produced by a woman's ovaries. As a woman ages, estrogen levels usually decline, but in some cases throughout the child-bearing years, a woman may experience high estrogen levels. Chronically high estrogen levels have been...
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects women. This type of cancer is often detected during routine pap smears and tends to be slow-growing. It is usually caused by the human papilloma virus, which enters your body during sexual...
Fibroids are benign tumors that develop in a woman's reproductive tract. Symptoms of a fibroid tumor include menstrual pain, cramping, pelvic pressure, heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, constipation and back or leg pain. Treatment is...
Bladder spasms occur when your bladder muscles involuntarily contract, resulting in an uncontrollable urge to urinate before your bladder is completely full. Chronic bladder spasms can lead to urge incontinence, a condition that arises when...
Women typically experience menopause during their 50s, but it can occur earlier or later. Menopause occurs once you no longer experience menstrual cycles and your ovaries stop producing estrogen. According to the Mayo Clinic, declining estrogen...
Human papillomaviruses, or HPV, are highly infectious viruses that are spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a type of the virus. The virus enters your body through a cut or scratch on the surface of your skin. Out of 100 types...
