Common witch hazel, also called winterbloom, is a flowering shrub native to the forest margins, woodlands and stream banks of eastern North America. It is characterized by its fragrant, gold-colored flowers, which tend to grow in late fall and continue to expand throughout winter. Despite its somewhat sinister name, witch hazel is a plant of considerable medicinal value and has been pressed, boiled, and steamed for human usage for centuries. The American Indians were particularly…
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses that often leads to persistent runny noses, headaches, fevers and facial pains. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, more than 37 million Americans – almost 12 percent of the United States population – suffer from at least one episode of acute sinusitis annually, and that number seems to be growing due to increased environmental pollution, greater urban sprawl, and a growing resistance…
A sore throat, or inflammation of the pharynx and fauces, is a common medical condition that affects most people at some point in their lives. It is usually a symptom of a viral or bacterial infection, such as the common cold, though some cases can be caused by a swollen tonsil or enlarged glands in the neck. Most sore throat infections are not serious and usually pass without a need for medical aid. However, the…
Many health researchers now understand that our skin is a reflection of our internal health. A body that is fed nutritious whole foods, for instance, is more likely to enjoy clear and radiant skin, while a body that is fed processed foods is more likely to suffer from greasy and affliction-prone skin. Therefore, a change in diet should always be the priority among people seeking to improve their skin’s long-term health. That said, nature has…
Honey has always been held in high regard by natural health researchers, and for good reason. This sweet yellow liquid, which is made by honey bees from nectar, is packed with essential nutrients and disease-fighting antioxidants. Raw, unprocessed honey is especially nutritious and makes a great natural alternative to refined sugar, aspartame, and other toxic sweeteners. While honey has always been revered first and foremost as a food, it also possesses a surprising number of…
