Brought to the New World by early colonists, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) grows readily in sunny pastures and fields, and along rural roadways. The Gale Encyclopedia reports St. John’s wort as one of the most popular herbs in the…
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Pharmaceutical companies are always on the lookout for time-tested ancient herbal cures. Many modern medicines were developed from herbs. Willow bark led to aspirin, foxglove to the heart medication digitalis, and the Chinese ma huang bush gave us ephedrine, used…
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Overview Camphor oil is an essential oil derived from the camphor tree. It has a pungent and aromatic aroma often compared to eucalyptus oil or menthol and is frequently used as a fragrance. Camphor oil is the primary source of…
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Overview In much the same way a rain umbrella covers and protects you from a rainstorm, an umbrella insurance policy covers and protects you from the effects of a lawsuit. General liability insurance is available to individuals and businesses and…
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Biting bugs can ruin a summer evening in the backyard, but concerns over the long-term use of DEET have left many wary of applying insect repellents that contain this chemical. For those seeking a more natural way to ward off…
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The jujube fruit, the ziziphus jujuba, originated in China. The small, red round fruit has edible skin and a sweet flavor. It has been popular in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and has been gaining popularity in the West….
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, chiropractic care appeals to many health-conscious Americans because it promotes realistic health behavior modifications and a non-invasive, drug-free and conservative approach to your health complaints. Chiropractors are most well-known for their patient care,…
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Overview Burdock is a biennial plant of the daisy family. Although native to Europe and Northern Asia, the plant is now widespread throughout the United States as well. The botanical name for burdock is Arctium lappa, but the plant is…
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According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and 20 million others are at increased risk. One way to help prevent and treat kidney conditions is through complementary medicine and its use of…
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Overview The Alexander technique is a unique bodywork process that uses the awareness of body posture—specifically the head, neck and spine—to improve movement, reduce pain and increase overall physical functioning. Used by athletes, performers and fitness-minded individuals, the Alexander technique…
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Overview Homeowners can sometimes benefit from refinancing their mortgages, especially if the existing mortgage is an adjustable-rate mortgage in which the rate has risen or a fixed-rate mortgage that was established at a rate higher than current lending rates. Some…
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Herbs to increase energy have become a popular alternative to caffeinated drinks. Some beverage manufacturers include herbs in their “energy drinks” but most likely they have a form of caffeine in them. Guarana and kola nut both contain caffeine and…
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Konsyl is an over-the-counter laxative medication indicated to alleviate symptoms associated with constipation. This medication is administered orally and can be taken in liquid, powder, granule, tablet or chewable tablet form. Konsyl side effects are extremely limited but should be…
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Bloodroot, or Sanguinaria candensis, is a flowering perennial. Its reddish-orange root is used medicinally. Historically used by Native Americans to treat rheumatism and fever, bloodroot has clinically demonstrated antibacterial, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that…
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Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has been used for thousands of hears as an herbal supplement and medication and comprises one of the most studied herbs in modern use, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Though ginkgo is exceedingly safe,…
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Overview Acupressure isn’t just for stress and relaxation. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that acupressure can also be an effective way to lose weight. Acupressure, a facet of ancient Eastern medicine, relies on placing pressure on key points…
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Overview A Roth Individual Retirement Account is a long-term, tax-advantaged savings plan that generally offers tax-free withdrawals to investors. Unlike with Traditional IRAs, you cannot claim a tax-deduction on your Roth contributions, and must fund the account with after-tax dollars….
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Overview Valerian, also known as garden heliotrope, thrives in damp areas. It’s native to the wet grasslands of Europe, but it’s also cultivated in gardens around the world. The dried roots and stems of valerian contain its medicinal value. As…
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Overview Retirement plans now come in many shapes and sizes, but prior to 1875, no retirement plans existed in America. As the country moved to a more urban, industrial demographic, workers needed a way to preserve, protect and enhance their…
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Overview Nasal cleansing is a practice rooted in yoga that has gained widespread acceptance in the West. Also called nasal irrigation and nasal lavage, the technique is less strict than the jalal neti protocol but is a more aggressive management…
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Overview Debt is a financial obligation based on borrowed funds. You can incur monetary obligations to make large purchases such as a house, for medical services and for routine daily purchases. Debts can be accrued on a credit card, through…
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A sore throat is the result of an inflammation of the back of the throat or the pharynx, which is the tube that connects the mouth and nasal cavity with the esophagus. It is usually the first sign of a…
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Oil from seeds of the plant Ribes nigrum, commonly known as black currant, is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and many GLA supplements contain black currant seed oil. GLA is a type of omega-6 fatty acid, and people must obtain…
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Overview A single whiff of tea tree oil, with its strident, medicinal aroma, is alone testament to this herbal’s antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. The University of Michigan Health System states that most of the time, tea tree oil is safe…
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Overview An infant is born with an intact brain and this 4 lb. structure continues to change throughout life. The first years are an amazing process of overgrowth, building millions of neural connections necessary for navigating and enjoying the world….
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More commonly known as multivitamins, lipoflavonoids are commonly taken by many people every day for the treatment of various minor diseases, disorders and for the promotion of overall good health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Naturopathic…
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Communication is essential to our daily existence. In fact, it is impossible to go through a single human interaction without communicating, whether the communication is direct, indirect, verbal or nonverbal. It is essential to understand the methods of human communication…
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St. John’s Wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is an herb used popularly in over-the-counter supplements to alleviate the symptoms of depression. The National Institute of Health’s Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that medicinal uses of this herb were first…
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Several common (and some not so common) herbs have proven to be effective in regulating blood sugar levels, many of which are used traditionally in treating diabetes. These herbs can address both basic causes of diabetes, which are the body’s…
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Overview Although most of us would say that living in a state of calm is our goal, few of us make this a reality in our lives. However, the daily physical and emotional challenges that we face must be handled…
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