Did you know that about 25 percent of the drugs prescribed worldwide are derived from plants? Of the 252 drugs in the World Health Organization's essential medicine list, 11 percent are exclusively of plant origin. In fact, about 200 years ago the first pharmacological compound, morphine, was produced from opium extracted from the seed pods of…
Did you know that codeine is dangerous for your child? After reviewing adverse event reports for the past 50 years, the FDA concluded that prescription codeine and tramadol should not be given to children and adolescents. Upon their review, the agency found 64 cases of severe breathing problems, including 24 deaths, as a result of…
Most of us know how important eating right is for our health. More fruits, vegetables, blah blah blah — after awhile, all the food recommendations can start to feel like background noise. But now, a mind-blowing study has discovered that nearly half of all U.S. deaths in 2012 were caused by cardiometabolic diseases associated with suboptimal eating…
It's the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be cured. Chlamydia infects both men and women across the globe. And the challenge with treatment, and keeping it from spreading, is that most people do not experience chlamydia symptoms. But, not having symptoms doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned. In fact, chlamydia can cause…
Ever chew on a piece of bark to stop a headache? Our prehistoric cousins may have done just that, as evidence shows Neanderthals used medicinal remedies from plants. A recent study shows evidence that Neanderthals used medicinal remedies. Researchers from the University of Adelaide’s Australian Centre for Ancient DNA and Dental School collaborated with other…
Though salt is the most widely used spice, peppercorn is the most widely traded spice in the world. And while it's known as the king of spices, it's actually a fruit. Yes, a fruit. From the Piperaceae family, the black pepper vine produces peppercorns, which are the fruit of the pepper plant that have been dried for use.…
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that most commonly affects infants and young children. Adolescents and adults with a weakened immune system are also susceptible. The hallmark of the most common impetigo diagnosis is blisters with a honey-colored crust that typically starts around the mouth and nose. It eventually spreads to hands, feet and the trunk.…
Did you know that breathing radon for prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to you and your family? According to the Surgeon General's National Health Advisory, millions of homes have an elevated radon level and more than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer every year. (1) And what's really scary is that there…
Different types of hernias develop inside different parts of the body, causing an abnormal bulging of one area into another. A hiatal hernia, also known as a hiatus hernia, forms inside the diaphragm, the muscular area that lays between the chest and the lower abdomen. It's the most common diaphragmatic hernia, with the prevalence rate of hiatal hernia is between 13 percent…
Did you know that your liver is your largest internal organ (roughly the size of a football!)? Your hard-working liver, weighing roughly three to four pounds in total, sits just under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. It's responsible for crucial functions like digesting your food, storing energy, and removing toxins…
