All Alternative & integrative health Articles

A new study from researchers in Utah finds that a warm touch -- the non-sexual, supportive kind -- tempers stress and blood pressure, adding to a growing body of research on how emotions affect health. The study of 34 young married couples ages 20 to 39 conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University in Provo and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City found that massage and other Read more...

When Linda Taubenreuther suffered an acute attack of labyrinthitis - an inner-ear balance disorder - 12 years ago, her whole world was sent into the spin cycle. But it wasn't long after the Monrovia, CA resident enrolled in yoga classes at the city's community center that her condition began to improve, she said. Soon, even vrksasana - the one-legged tree pose - was within her reach. Read more...

Herbs mixed with animal by-products and natural plant oils are some of the earliest forms of medicine used to treat infections, sores, rashes, blisters, and other skin and open sore conditions. In prehistoric time our early ancestors used roots and herbal leaves to make poultices and ointments to heal a wound. Todays over-the-counter salves and ointments are derivatives of ancient natural Read more...

See also: Aloe Vera, Bees Wax, healing, herbs, Jojoba, Ointments

Janine Ottley's first visit to an acupuncturist was an act of desperation. She was on a cruise to Mexico when a killer headache struck, threatening to destroy her vacation. She figured it was worth a try. "I got off the table and didn't have a headache any more," she says. "It didn't seem possible." These days, regular visits are part of her survival strategy. Long Read more...

Alternate Names/Related Terms   • Stannous Fluoride, Sodium Fluoride, Sodium Hexafluorosilicate, Sodium Monofluorophosphate, Water FluoridationPrincipal Proposed Uses:   • Cavity PreventionOther Proposed Uses   • Osteoporosis PreventionPage Navigation    What Is Fluoride Used for Today?    ReferencesWhile conventional dentistry tends to regard the use of fluoride to prevent Read more...

Smilax officinalis, Other Smilax sppAlternate Names   • SasparillaProposed Uses:   • Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Fungal, Cancer (Anti-Cancer), Sexual Dysfunction, Menstrual Disorders, Sports and Fitness Support: Enhancing PerformancePage Navigation    What Is Sarsaparilla Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety Issues    References Vine-like plants in the sarsaparilla family are found in Read more...

Rhamnus catharticusAlternate Names   • Common Buckthorn, Purging BuckthornPrincipal Proposed Uses:   • ConstipationPage Navigation    What Is Buckthorn Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety Issues    Interactions You Should Know About    References The medicinal herb known as common buckthorn is a shrub originally native to northern Europe. It was later brought to the United Read more...

Alternate Names   • d-MannosePrincipal Proposed Uses:   • Urinary Tract InfectionsPage Navigation    Sources/Requirements    Therapeutic Doses    Therapeutic Uses    Safety Issues    ReferencesMannose is a “six-carbon-sugar,” as are the better known and closely related substances glucose and fructose. Relying on evidence that is both exceedingly preliminary and highly Read more...

Armoracia rusticana,Armoracia lapathifolia,Cochlearia armoraciaPrincipal Proposed Uses:   • Acute Bronchitis, Common Cold, Sinusitis, Urinary Tract InfectionPage Navigation    What Is Horseradish Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety Issues    ReferencesThe spicy root of the horseradish plant is a widely used condiment. Native to southeast Europe, it is currently widely cultivated in Read more...

Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalisAlternate Names   • English LavenderProposed Uses:   • Insomnia, Pregnancy Support (Pain After Childbirth) , Wound HealingPage Navigation    What Is Lavender Oil Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety    ReferencesThere are many plants in the lavender family, but the type most commonly used medicinally is English lavender. Traditionally, Read more...

Commiphora molmol, Commiphora myrrhaPrincipal Proposed Uses:   • Mouth diseases ( Canker Sores , Gingivitis , Halitosis, and Sore Throat ) Other Proposed Uses   • Eczema, UlcersProbably Ineffective Uses   • SchistosomiasisPage Navigation    What Is Myrrh Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety Issues    References Myrrh is the dried resin of the tree Commiphora myrrha . Native to Read more...

Alternate Names   • Gamma-aminobutyric AcidProposed Uses:   • HypertensionProbably Ineffective Uses   • Anxiety, Insomnia, StressPage Navigation    Sources/Requirements    Therapeutic Dosages    Therapeutic Uses    Safety Issues    ReferencesThe substance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical used by the human nervous system to send messages and Read more...

Alternate Names/Related Terms:   • AHCC, BasidiomycetesPrincipal Proposed Uses:   • Cancer TreatmentOther Proposed Uses:   • Immune Support, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Preventing Cancer, Reducing Side Effects of Cancer ChemotherapyPage Navigation    What Is AHCC Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety    References In Japan, various mushrooms and tree fungi have a long history of Read more...

Lentinula edodesAlternate Names/Related Terms:   • Black Forest Mushroom, Donggu, Huagu, XiangguProposed Uses:   • Cancer Prevention, Cancer Treatment Support, Genital Warts, Immune SupportPage Navigation    What Is Shiitake Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety Issues    ReferencesThe shiitake mushroom is native to Japan, China, and other East Asian countries, where it naturally Read more...

Principal Proposed Uses:   • High Cholesterol, Menopausal SymptomsOther Proposed Uses:   • Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever), Cancer Prevention, Grave’s Disease, High Blood Pressure, Life Extension, OsteoporosisPage Navigation    What Is Royal Jelly Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety Issues    Interactions You Should Know About    ReferencesContrary to common belief, the Read more...

Larrea tridentateAlternate Names   • Creosote BushPrincipal Proposed Uses:   • Not recommended for usePage Navigation    What Is Chaparral Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety Issues    ReferencesChaparral, is a tough plant with a long history of medicinal use by the native peoples of North America. Traditionally, it was taken internally to treat joint pain and to eliminate worms. Read more...

Alternate Names   • Active Hydrogen, Microhydrin, Hunza WaterPrincipal Proposed Uses:   • Too numerous to listPage Navigation    What Is the Scientific Evidence for Silica Hydride?    Dosage    Safety Issues    References Supplements labeled “silica hydride” are marketed as a kind of universal cure, said to promote wellness, prevent disease, and potentially cure virtually all Read more...

Hippophae rhamnoidesPrincipal Proposed Uses:   • NoneOther Proposed Uses:   • Preventing Colds, Preventing Heart Disease, Treating Stomach Ulcers, Reducing Side Effects of Cancer TreatmentPage Navigation    What Is Sea Buckthorn Used for Today?    Dosage    Safety Issues    ReferencesSea buckthorn (not to be confused with common buckthorn) is a plant native to high altitude Read more...

Alternate Names/Related Terms   • 5-methyl-7-methoxyisoflavonePrincipal Proposed Uses:   • Sports and Fitness Support (Enhancing Performance)Page Navigation    Sources/Requirements    Therapeutic Dosages    Therapeutic Uses    Safety    ReferencesIsoflavones are naturally occurring, hormonally active substances found in soy and other foods. Chemical modifications of isoflavones Read more...

Alternate Names   • Bath Therapy, Hot Springs Immersion, Hydrotherapy, Spa TherapyPrincipal Proposed Uses   • Arthritis ( Rheumatoid Arthritis , Osteoarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis) , Low Back PainOther Proposed Uses   • Eczema, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson's Disease, Psoriasis, Varicose VeinsPage Navigation    Overview    What Is the Scientific Evidence for Balneotherapy    Read more...