The World Health Organization (WHO) just deemed snake bites to be one of the top 20 “neglected tropical diseases” in the world, joining the likes of rabies, leprosy, African sleeping sickness, Dengue fever and other diseases. (1) Globally, snakes kill more than 100,000 each year, and maim or cripple millions more. (2) The Centers for…
Pine oil, also called pine nut oil, is derived from the needles of the Pinus sylvestris tree. Known for being cleansing, refreshing and invigorating, pine oil has a strong, dry, woodsy smell — some even say it resembles the scent of forests and balsamic vinegar. With a long and interesting history that stems back to…
Shingles natural treatment is a really worthwhile topic, especially when you consider that every year, one million Americans experience a shingles outbreak. In the U.S. alone, one in three people are said to be affected by shingles at some point in his or her lifetime. (1) Shingles are known for causing nerve pain, itching, fever and fluid-filled…
You've likely seen brightly orange-colored marigolds in flower or vegetable gardens many times before, but did you know that certain species of marigold flowers actually have many impressive health benefits as well? A particular species of marigold flower, Calendula officinalis (commonly just called calendula or "pot marigold"), is used to make healing herbal ointments, teas, tinctures and topical…
You may have heard a lot about the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals, but what are endorphins, exactly? These natural peptide chemicals produced in your body interact with receptors in your brain to help you feel focused, less impacted by pain and put you in a better mood. In fact, endorphins have a lot in common…
Hand, foot and mouth disease, or HFMD as it is commonly known, is a highly contagious viral illness that usually affects young children. In the United States, summer and early fall are the most common times for outbreaks; however, in more tropical areas of the nation, outbreaks can occur any time of the year. Hand,…
Nausea during pregnancy — more commonly known as morning sickness — is a common symptom that many moms-to-be experience, especially within the first trimester of pregnancy. Estimates show that 50 percent to 80 percent of all pregnant women deal with morning sickness at some point during their pregnancies. And many of those women feel nauseous for a…
Muscle spasms can hit any time of day, causing sudden pain, throbbing and cramping that can seem unbearable. They are referred to as muscle cramps, leg cramps or a "charley horse." If you're tired of experiencing throbbing muscle pains or spasms that bring you down, it's time to make some changes to your diet, posture,…
Like bug bites, spider bites are far from desirable. However, spiders are typically just a nuisance. In fact, most of the time, spider bite treatment can be done in the comfort of your own home using natural remedies. While other times, especially if a more threatening type of spider bit you, spider bites can be…
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "A rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac usually lasts one to three weeks. Most rashes will go away without treatment." (1) While your rash may heal on its own, it's still likely to be itchy and uncomfortable during the process — sometimes even severely, depending on how allergic you…
