May 01, 2013
When used as a part of one's daily fat intake, red palm oil, which is rich in carotenoids and vitamin E, may help prevent various illnesses.
April 02, 2013
Lycopene, an antioxidant that occurs abundantly in plants, is known as a potential mitigating agent for cardiovascular disease and cancer.
March 05, 2013
The seeds of the fenugreek plant, which are used for medicinal purposes, contain saponins, alkaloids and other antioxidants.
February 05, 2013
Reflexology uses subtle pressure on specific muscle areas of the feet or hands to stimulate blood flow and nerve impulses that then trigger the release of endorphins and retained toxins.
January 08, 2013
Despite its long history, there are scarce scientific data supporting the clinical utility of iridology, an alternative medicine technique.
December 01, 2012
Rosmarinus officinalis is rich in iron, calcium and vitamin B6, and has been credited with improving cognition and memory.
November 06, 2012
Although the mechanism of action in eucalyptus oil is still unclear, the agent is generally thought to be anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, and there is some evidence that it can be used as an antifungal.
October 01, 2012
Dehydroepiandrosterone may help ease anxiety and depressive symptoms, and medication-induced extrapyramidal symptoms in schizophrenics.
September 04, 2012
Stinging nettle has been used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions since the 10th century.
August 06, 2012
Medicinal properties of marigold-derived compounds include antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects.
July 03, 2012
The National Institutes of Health noted that there is enough scientific evidence of acupuncture's efficacy to warrant its use in certain clinical situations.
June 01, 2012
While niacin is well known for preventing pellagra, it is only in the past 15 to 20 years that other medicinal uses for this common vitamin have emerged.
May 07, 2012
A growing body of evidence has linked the tart cherry to substantial anti-inflammatory benefits, including reduced arthritic and gout pain, and several cardiac benefits.
April 03, 2012
Saffron contains more than 50% of the USDA's recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, iron and magnesium, and more than 30 % of the recommended daily phosphorus and potassium.
March 06, 2012
Medical hypnotherapy today is most commonly used for pain management, treatment of anxiety or psychosomatic illness, and treatment of behavioral disorders.
February 01, 2012
Wild yam is an herbal remedy for menstrual discomfort and menopausal symptoms, and has also been suggested as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
January 04, 2012
Goldenseal, one of the most popular herbs in the United States today, is used as a base in many herbal preparations. Also known as yellow root, ground raspberry or Indian turmeric, goldenseal is credited with a number of different medicinal properties.
December 06, 2011
Rose hips are a mild, pleasant supplement that are safe for routine use. Providers may recommend this product as adjunctive therapy for a wide range of conditions or as a routine preventive regimen.
November 01, 2011
Quercetin, a potent antioxidant, is found in red wine, onions, green tea, apples, berries and cruciferous vegetables and is a popular component in the herbal and supplemental marketplace due to it's value in treating and preventing many illnesses.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, complement fixation, celiac, sonogram, gynecologic workup and routine labs have all been negative in a teen with a three-year history of recurrent chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea. What steps should be taken next?
October 04, 2011
Royal jelly contains a complex mixture of proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that offer health benefits to patients with medical conditions, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia and inflammation.
September 02, 2011
Drinking coffee has shown to be protective against Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease and certain forms of cancer.
August 01, 2011
Brewer's yeast, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is specifically grown as a nutritional substance rich in chromium, selenium, proteins and B-complex vitamins.
July 01, 2011
Despite salvia's growing notoriety as a hallucinogenic drug abused by teenagers, the herb has medicinal properties and has been used to treat various ailments including diarrhea, headache, rheumatism and mental illnesses.
June 14, 2011
Willow bark contains the chemical salicin, which is the precursor to aspirin.The active salicin in white willow bark acts primarily as both an analgesic and an antipyretic. The actual mechanism of action of salicin is very similar to that of modern prescription medications in the cyclo-oxygenase-1 and 2 (COX-1, COX-2) pathways.
May 01, 2011
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body and plays a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and the formation of blood.
April 28, 2011
Medically, licorice traditionally has been used as a general anti-inflammatory, antitussive, GI soothant, and for respiratory support. The potential for antiviral activity and hepatocellular protection in cases of hepatitis C has also been discussed.
March 14, 2011
Vitamin E supplements are typically found as an oil-filled gel capsule. Dietary experts, however, agree that the only effective way to increase vitamin E levels is by consuming foods high in the molecule, such as nuts and seeds.
February 09, 2011
Black currants are being considered for their potential in treating a wide range of conditions involving inflammation.
January 05, 2011
The human body requires L-carnitine for fat metabolism. This amino acid is manufactured in the liver and kidneys and stored in the muscles, heart, brain, and sperm.
December 01, 2010
Selenium is a stable trace-metal element that is found in such cruciferous foods as broccoli, garlic, and onions, as well as in meats, seafood, and nuts. In the human body, selenium is essential for protein synthesis and multiple enzymatic functions.
November 02, 2010
Use of magnesium as a supplement is probably most well known in such laxative preparations as milk of magnesia. In more emergent scenarios, IV magnesium is used in cases of pre-eclampsia and preterm labor.
October 01, 2010
Quinine was once available as an OTC remedy used to treat leg cramps and malaria. Concerns over side effects led to its being banned by the FDA.
September 01, 2010
Butterbur, once discouraged because of its potential to cause liver damage, is now widely used in Europe to combat allergic rhinitis, asthma, and migraine.
August 01, 2010
Valued for its energy-boosting and aphrodisiac qualities, maca root has been shown to increase libido and reduce symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
July 01, 2010
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor of testosterone and estrogen, is purported to enhance muscle building, increase vitality, and improve sexual function.
June 01, 2010
This amino acid is mainly taken for its vasodilatory effects, but serious safety issues limit its use.
May 01, 2010
Most sweeteners receive a fair amount of negative press. Honey, in contrast, has remarkably beneficial traits including a mild antioxidant capacity.
April 01, 2010
Soy products have been the subject of a great deal of medical research, most notably in the areas of cardiovascular health, endocrinology, and oncology.
March 01, 2010
The juice of the pomegranate provides abundant antioxidants and has potential as an anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory.
January 29, 2010
Considering the health benefits of drinking red wine, it's not surprising to learn that grape seeds may contain significant levels of antioxidants.
January 04, 2010
An estimated 50% of colon cancers and 30% of breast cancers could be prevented with adequate levels of vitamin D.
November 30, 2009
The aronia berry, high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, reduces gastric irritation and prevents swelling associated with allergic reactions.
November 03, 2009
While topical and implanted silver products are safe, there is no clinical indication for oral colloidal silver use.
September 28, 2009
Do we finally have a cure for the common cold? The manufacturers of zinc preparations think so, but the data remain inconsistent.
August 31, 2009
The benefits of olive oil go beyond its well-deserved reputation for lowering cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Red yeast rice is being hailed as a natural cholesterol-lowering agent. Perhaps more significant is its apparent anti-inflammatory action.
July 15, 2009
Researchers have become extremely interested in some of vinegar's possible health-enhancing properties. Growing evidence indicates that vinegar has impressive qualities and might make a big difference in the current obesity and diabetes epidemics.
The juice of the tropical noni fruit is best known for its antioxidant properties. Studies also show evidence of anti-angiogenic and analgesic effects.
Probiotics are used to maintain a homeostatic balance of bacteria in the gut.