Wellness

There are many approaches and countless factors that make up a persons overall wellness. HowStuffWorks has extensive coverage on the different types of natural medicine such as DIY remedies and traditional Chinese medicine.

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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

Are major cigarette companies secretly increasing cigarettes' nicotine content? Check out the evidence for an increase in nicotine levels in cigarettes in the last 10 years.

By Julia Layton

High blood cholesterol is a major cause of heart attacks. Learn what those cholesterol numbers mean, and read about the home remedies that can help get your cholesterol under control.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

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Just about anything can make you break out in hives, including peanuts, strawberries, drugs such as penicillin or aspirin, and vitamin supplements. Learn about home remedies that can help you avoid or relieve hives.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

The gallbladder is tiny, but has the important job of storing bile for the liver. Too much cholesterol can cause gallstones, and then a lot of pain. Learn how home remedies can relieve gallbladder pain.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

It's a fact: drink too much liquor, and you will suffer the next day. Learn natural home remedies for hangovers, everything from moderation to hydration, and protect yourself from pain the morning after.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Although it is a serious medical condition, heart disease is not a death sentence. Find out how to take natural home remedies to improve heart health using everything from exercise to eating right.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

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It's more important than ever to keep your immune system in top working order. Learn natural home remedies for low immunity that will bolster your resistance to everything from the common cold to cancer.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

We've all experienced memory loss at one time or another, but the consequences of recurrent memory loss can be serious. Learn simple, effective home remedies for memory problems that work.

By Editors of Consumer Guide