Natural Medicine

The Natural Medicine Channel details aromatherapy, herbal remedies and home remedies. In addition, the channel offers a vast amount of information on alternative medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

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Also known as scouring rush, horsetail is a primitive plant used in a variety of herbal remedies. Learn how horsetail can help treat bladder infections and bladder weakness, and strengthen bone, hair, and fingernails.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Juniper berries have warming, stimulating and disinfecting properties and are used in many herbal remedies. Find out how juniper berries are used to treat urinary tract infections, joint pain and muscle pain, and much more.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

More than just a sandwich condiment, horseradish has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Learn how horseradish is used to treat sinus infections and urinary infections, and as a topical remedy for arthritis relief.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

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Ginger root can be used in herbal remedies to reduce nausea and symptoms of arthritis. Learn more about ginger and how to use it to calm stomach problems and other ailments.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Ginseng is used in many herbal remedies that can reduce stress and strengthen the central nervous system. It can be taken in many forms, including as a tea, powder, or capsule. Learn more about how to take ginseng and how it can improve your health.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Goldenseal is used in herbal remedies as an antimicrobial, mild anti-inflammatory, and digestive tonic. Its many uses have led to overharvesting that has all but wiped out wild goldenseal. Learn more about the value of this 24-carat herb.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Peppermint can be used as a tasty herbal remedy to relieve hyperacidity and gastroenteritis. Peppermint also is used topically. Learn how to use peppermint in tea and other forms to relieve skin and stomach issues.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

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Cherished for centuries, the hawthorn bears fragrant flowers and vitamin C-rich berries. Learn how the berries and flowers of the Hawthorn plant are used in herbal remedies for high blood pressure and heart disease.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Best known for their role in brewing beer, hops are also used in several herbal remedies. Learn how hops can be used help digestion problems and relieve anxiety, insomnia and menopausal symptoms.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Chaste tree is an herbal remedy used to regulate menstrual cycles. Chaste tree also can be used for menopausal bleeding irregularities, such as frequent or heavy bleeding. Learn how chaste tree can be taken to help control menstrual cycles.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Cinnamon improves circulation in the abdomen and has a germicidal effect. Small amounts of cinnamon tea can be used to relieve gas. Larger amounts will cause a laxative effect. Learn how to use cinnamon as a herbal remedy to improve digestion.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

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Comfrey has been found to heal bones and wounds more quickly. Comfrey may be used topically on cuts, bruises, abrasions, and burns, but should never be taken internally. Learn more about how to use comfrey for topical teas and salves.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Cramp bark helps ease uterine cramps. The antispasmodic constituents in cramp bark also may lower blood pressure. Learn more about how to make herbal cramp bark tea and what cramp bark can do for you.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Dandelion leaves and roots are used to stimulate digestion and as a diuretic, which can be helpful in lowering blood pressure and relieving premenstrual fluid retention. Learn more about how to ingest dandelion and how it can help your body.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Also known as angelica, dong quai is used to treat menstrual pain and scanty menstruation. It can be dried and made into a tincture or powdered and encapsulated. Learn more about how to prepare and use dong quai.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

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Echinacea's roots are used to treat colds, flu, and infections. Echinacea, often taken as tincture or as pills, also stimulates the body's natural immune function. Learn more about echinacea and how it can help you treat and prevent sickness.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Fennel is considered an herbal remedy for digestion issues. It also is recommended for gas. Fennel is often used as a medicine and spice in bulk seed form. Learn more about fennel and how it can help with digestion.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Feverfew is used to relieve headaches and to reduce fever and inflammation in joints and tissues. Feverfew is dried for tinctures, capsules, and infusions. Learn more about feverfew's many forms and how it can help your health.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Garlic helps lower cholesterol, balance blood sugar, combat cancer, and cure colds. This valuable herbal remedy is also a popular part of the American diet. Learn more about how to take garlic and how it can help your daily diet.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

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Calendula has a long history of herbal remedy use as a wound-healing and skin-soothing botanical. It is also used topically for lacerations, abrasions, and skin infections. Learn more about making calendula tea and using calendula soaps, oils, lotions, and creams.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Aloe vera is known around the world for its healing properties. Find out how this herbal remedy can treat skin ailments and burns, and learn how to make your own soothing aloe vera body rub.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

Early Americans learned from the Native Americans how to use blue cohosh as a women's herb. Learn how blue cohosh is used today in herbal remedies for gynecologic conditions, including treating menstrual cramps.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

You're probably only familiar with the sprouts of this tall, bushy, leafy plant, but the entire alfalfa plant is valuable. Find out how the alfalfa plant leaves and tiny blossoms are used for herbal remedies.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

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Burdock is a herbal remedy used to cleanse the body and aid in absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. Learn how adding burdock to your diet or drinking burdock tea can help you digest.

By Jennifer Brett, N.D.

While some people may dismiss herbal remedies, the use of botanicals is well rooted in medical practice. More than a quarter of all drugs used today contain active ingredients from herbs. Learn about herbal remedies.

By Editors of Consumer Guide