Poultices have been used by natural healers for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. The raw potato poultice can be used as a natural treatment for low back pain, as it is thought to reduce swelling, relieve pain, promote absorption...
Ear cones, more commonly known as ear candles, are long, tube-like instruments made from fabric that has been coated in wax. The idea behind an ear cone is that when you insert it into your ear and light it on fire, the gentle heat creates a mini...
The body's limbic system is responsible for our responses to smell and the reason why aromatherapy has continued to blossom throughout the world for thousands of years. Our olfactory receptors are connected to the limbic system, the most ancient...
Chamomile is one of many herbs whose benefits scientists do not fully understand. Natural healers have used chamomile for thousands of years to treat everything from irritated skin to cancer. It's best known for its ability to calm and relax the...
Reiki is a form of spiritual healing that utilizes the energy of the practitioner to affect healing, report specialists at the International Association of Reiki Professionals. Reiki is not massage and typically does not rely on any pressure...
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a traditional treatment for joint and back pain, arthritis, asthma, sports injuries, ulcerative colitis and even Crohn's disease. A study published in the January 2003 edition of "Phytomedicine"...
Eczema -- a chronic inflammatory skin condition -- can cause intense itching; in severe cases, your skin may thicken and crack. Doctors often treat eczema with medications, including corticosteroids, antihistamines and immunomodulating drugs....
Choosing a career in seated acupressure involves some legwork regarding training options, legalities and career path. Acupressure involves stimulating or releasing specific acupoints along the 12 meridians used in Traditional Chinese Medicine,...
Yoga is an ancient practice that has gained popularity in today's society. There are several smaller cities where the demand for yoga is there, but classes and qualified yoga instructors are not available. By starting a yoga class, you can...
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a large perennial herb that is a common ingredient in natural skin creams and salves. Although the presence of rosmarinic acid in comfrey eases inflammation, it is this herb's ability to encourage skin...
Oily skin is not just a problem for teenagers--it can occur at any age. There are many ready-made products full of chemicals at your local drugstore, but that's not your only option. There are also natural products for oily skin that can be found...
Garlic, one of the world's wonder foods, has been found to have exceptional medicinal benefits, and has been used for centuries by natural healers and herbalists to treat almost anything and everything that ails humans and animals alike. A papyrus...
Kidneys are the two fist-sized, bean-shaped organs located on the lower back side of the abdomen. They are best known for filtering waste products and toxins from the blood, but they play an important role in many aspects of your health. For...
Night sweats, or hot flashes, are one of the symptoms of menopause for many women. At their mildest, they are uncomfortable; however, for some women, hot flashes are debilitating, affecting their lives in numerous unpleasant ways. A variety of...
A massage therapist has to know more than basic massage in order to make his business a success. While understanding basic anatomy and physiology, techniques, and hand positions is a basic foundation for such a career, ensuring successful and...
Vinegar stands out as one of the go-to solutions for various home remedies. Folk medicine, natural healers and Ayurvedic medicine use hot vinegar concoctions, soaks and baths to address issues as diverse as pain relief, immunity building,...
A fitness trainer is a professional whose responsibilities consist of motivating and leading individual people or groups in various exercise activities, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Specific areas of training...
There are many different routes to becoming a personal trainer. The amount of time you have, money you want to spend and knowledge you want to acquire will determine what training you pursue. Educational programs vary from at-home study...
The metabolism is regulated by the thyroid gland, which is located just below the larynx in the front part of the throat. A decrease in thyroid activity can cause a drop in metabolism, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. While...
Natural remedies have been used for centuries to relieve coughs, whether chronic or the result of an acute ailment. Coughing is the body's response to irritation in the throat, bronchial tubes or lungs. Most natural remedies will not cure...
Chinese herbs are promoted by natural healers and producers of natural products as healing mechanisms. Chinese herbalists practice with the belief that the usage of herbs can help maximize your health and help treat and prevent disease. However,...
Centella asiatica, a medicinal herb more commonly known as gotu kola, provides numerous health benefits, though many lack clinical support. Sometimes called "the fountain of life," Centella asiatica provoked legends of a Chinese herbalist who...
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers have not thoroughly investigated how hawthorn interacts with thyroid medication or other prescription drugs. Even if hawthorn does not interact with your...
The ileocecal valve separates the small intestine from the large intestine. Ileocecal valve syndrome is a rare disease in which the ileocecal valve is faulty and allows toxins from the colon to enter the small intestine, where the toxins are then...
Red clover (Trifolium pratense), a wild perennial herb used for a variety of medicinal purposes and to feed grazing animals, grows natively in meadows and pastures throughout temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America. The red flowers...
The lemon grass plant resembles common ornamental grass, but the tall herb's intense citrus aroma will soon tell you otherwise. The leaves of tropical, fragrant lemon grass yield their essential oils to the perfume and soap industries, while cooks...
Acne, an inflammatory skin condition, occurs when the pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and in some cases, bacteria. More than 17 million people in the United States have acne, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center,...
Head lice, tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp, spread easily by close contact with other people. Traditional treatments consist of washing the hair in shampoo containing permethrin or other pesticides. Individuals looking for a more...
Aromatherapy is considered an integrative therapy or alternative approach to heal the body, relax or rejuvenate the mind and restore balance. While the methodology seems new-age, aromatherapy is an ancient art in tune with nature. The practice...