Basil essential oil, derived from the Ocimum basilicum plant, is commonly used to enhance the flavor of many recipes today. However, its uses extend far beyond the culinary world. Basil essential oil (sometimes called “sweet basil oil”) has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of health concerns. As a natural anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibiotic…
Coconut oil might just be the most versatile health food on the planet, so much so that I consider it a top superfood. Not only is it my favorite cooking oil, but coconut oil uses are numerous and can extend to being a form of natural medicine, be used for natural beauty treatments and so…
Is pasta healthy? Like other processed carbohydrates — including most cereals, bread and baked goods— pasta has been deemed a problematic food when it comes to packing on the pounds. In fact, in recent decades pasta has even been blamed for contributing to the obesity epidemic, despite the fact that it's been a staple food…
Between 25 percent to 40 percent of Americans of all ages suffer from acid reflux symptoms. An estimated 20 percent of adults experience gastroesophageal reflux disease weekly or daily — commonly called GERD or referred to as heartburn, a more severe case of acid reflux. (1) Why do so many suffer from these agitating, often…
Have you ever had a wart somewhere on your body or do you have one right now? In healthy individuals, about 20 percent of warts clear up within three months, and 60 percent resolve within two years. This means that treatment is not always needed, but it's often desired since warts can be painful, irritating and embarrassing.…
I remember it like it was yesterday — I was 16 years old and my mother was taking me to the gynecologist because of my heavy, irregular periods and face full of hormonal acne. After she examined me and asked a few questions, I was given a prescription for birth control pills without a second…
Coughing is a common reaction to the respiratory system trying to expel harmful microbes, dust or irritants from the body. It's a natural reflex that protects your lungs, but as you know, it can be extremely irritating, obnoxious and even painful. Coughing can also keep you up at night and impact your quality of life…
Not surprisingly, showering every day is the first step to reducing body odor, since this scrubs away bacteria that live on your skin and give off an unpleasant smell. But maybe you already scrub yourself clean once or twice daily and still find you smell more than you'd like to. Body odor is caused by…
Most of us grew up using common off-the-shelf bathroom cleaners, but the problem is that they are often loaded with toxins. These toxins may be endocrine disruptors and can cause serious damage, possibly leading to illness. In fact, many of these household cleaners contain toxic chemicals that have been linked to women’s health problems, such as breast…
If you have a rash with red, purple or bluish lesions that itches and spreads, you may have lichen planus. This disease is triggered by the immune system in response to stress, allergens or a viral infection. It may affect the skin, scalp and nails, as well as the mouth and the genitals. Discomfort can range from…
