Many non-native aquatic plant species, such as water lettuce, hydrilla and water hyacinth, have been inadvertently introduced to North American waters. Proliferating quickly, these plants compete with and often overcome native plant species,...
Fiber is a term for certain types of carbohydrates that don't break down during digestion and don't get absorbed into your bloodstream. These substances have no nutritional value, but they can support your health by improving the passage of feces...
Ginseng is a term used to describe two related plant species, Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius. The term is also sometimes used for a more distantly related plant species, called Eleutherococcus senticosus. While use of tea or any other form...
Plants are an integral part of any landscape, providing us with natural beauty, oxygen, food and habitats for local wildlife. The New England Wild Flower Society defines native plants as species that were growing in North America prior to European...
Tannins are compounds found in soil and water. Plant species, including edible plants, absorb tannins from the environment, and utilize them to carry out a number of physiological roles in the plant. Eating plant-based foods provides a dietary...
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...
People have profound impacts on the environment that range from minor to long-term effects. These effects have increased with the rising population. With more opportunities for contact, the risk of land damage increases, and the consequences are...
American ginseng herbal supplements come from the root of the plant Panax quinquefolius. If you desire to purchase American ginseng herbal dietary supplements, read ingredient labels carefully to ensure that the supplement facts label exclusively...
Essential oils---also called volatile oils---are products made from substances called fragrant essences, which form in specialized cells found in various plant species. They are commonly used as the material basis for aromatherapy, a complementary...
Essential oils are used in aromatherapy in a number of ways to treat and relieve many health problems. An essential oil possesses various properties, depending on which plant it was extracted from. Understanding where essential oils come from, the...
Wheat germ is a cereal germ that is the center of the wheat seed. It is sometimes the by-product of the process that produces refined grain products. Wheat germ oil is extracted from the actual wheat germ. Wheat germ and wheat germ oil have...
Although dietary supplements are intended to improve your health, there are some negative issues linked with their use. The way dietary supplements are regulated makes it possible for poor quality products to be sold commercially. This includes...
Bee pollen is a collection of individual pollen spores, gathered from a variety of plant species by bees. In addition to its obvious benefit to bees -- it serves as an ingredient in honey -- bee pollen might offer nutritional or health benefits...
The Los Angeles Zoo is a popular destination for more than 1.5 million visitors per year. Home to more than 1,100 animals including birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals, the zoo also boasts a botanical garden collection with more than 7,400...
Cleansing the blood in the body is done in large part by the liver. Certain herbs are known for their blood- purifying properties, and may assist the body in the challenging job of filtering out toxins from modern day pollutants, alcohol,...
Finding out you have high blood sugar can feel like a death sentence. It means you will have to pay more attention to what, how and when you eat--but making these changes is well worth your time if it means avoiding medication. Diabetes, a...
People who suffer from allergies, especially as a result of hay fever or other pollen reactions, can experience additional complications of their allergies if they try certain herbal remedies, particularly remedies from sources in the same plant...
The herb valerian is touted as a sedative that treats sleep disorders and anxiety. However, clinical trials have not found this the claims to be valid. Short-term oral use, up to six weeks, is generally regarded as safe. Long-term use may cause...
Cape Canaveral, Florida, is situated on the Atlantic Ocean midway between Miami and Jacksonville. The city is bordered by Banana River, Port Canaveral, the Atlantic Ocean and Cocoa Beach, offering guests a variety of water activities like fishing,...
Hawaii's Big Island is almost twice as large as all of the other Hawaiian Islands put together. The number of things to do on or around the island is only limited by the amount of free time you have. To explore its vastness means visiting active...
Seaweed is a general term used to categorize a group of marine plants found in oceans, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. These underwater plants can be microscopic in size or grow to the size of trees found in above-water forests. Seaweed...
Hepatitis C, or chronic inflammation of the liver, is caused by HCV, or hepatitis C virus. HCV spreads when you come in contact with contaminated needles or injecting equipments. The virus invades liver cells for viral replication and the result...
Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland, the male gland that is responsible for making the seminal fluid that carries sperm. Normally, the genetic changes in prostate cells contribute to the development of prostate cancer. These changes allow...
Cranberries are an organic fruit derivative of the Vaccinium macrocarpon plant species. Intelihealth suggests that while individuals have been seeking cranberry and cranberry juice for relief of urinary tract infections for years, there is not...
Allergies are different for every individual. Different allergens can cause an immune system reaction including stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, itchy eyes and swollen eyelids suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center....
The state of Hawaii is known for some of the best ocean fishing in the world, but many tourists may not be familiar with the many opportunities for lake fishing throughout the islands. Many people enjoy fishing from shore or embarking on a boat...
A green home exerts a light load on the environment by using less energy and water. Green homes use fewer toxic chemicals or building materials, making them healthier places to live. People who live in green homes can spend less time on...
Used since the 1500s for its medicinal properties, arnica continues to be a popular topical and homeopathic remedy. The scientific name for the arnica used in alternative medicine is Arnica montana. Other plant species of arnica exist but don't...
Chinese herbs have been used for centuries for their vast medicinal properties. Many have been known to promote overall health and improve a number of sicknesses, injuries, and chronic conditions. Even life expectancy is believed to increase with...
