Typically derived from the herbs peppermint, eucalyptus and pennyroyal, menthol is a compound made from herbal volatile oils that has many potential health benefits. Applied topically or taken orally, menthol has been shown to help treat gastrointestinal problems, pain, inflammation and congestion.
Read more →
Ear pressure is commonly the result of fluid buildup in the middle ear, or pressure from an infection or allergic reaction, notes MayoClinic.com. Antihistamines are used to treat allergies and to reduce the amount of sinus mucus.
Read more →
As the muscles tighten, pain from back spasm can suddenly bring your life to a halt. Spasms can be triggered by simple muscle overuse or more serious underlying issues.
Read more →
Millions of people throughout the world commonly take ibuprofen for minor aches and pains without thinking about the side effects the medication can have on the heart.
Read more →
Bulging discs, also known as herniated discs, can result in lower back pain and radiating pain to the buttock and legs. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most pain associated with a herniated disc can be managed with rest, physical therapy and exercise.
Read more →
A stuffy nose is one of the more uncomfortable symptoms of a cold or the flu. Decongestants are over-the-counter medications used to relieve nasal congestion. Some are taken by mouth, while others are sprayed into the nose. Afrin is a brand of oxymetazoline spray, a topical nasal decongestant.
Read more →
Nausea can be a debilitating symptom that accompanies IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers have tried to pinpoint the causes, but the exact reasons it occurs are elusive. Nausea can be persistent and difficult for your doctor to treat.
Read more →
Disease has always plagued living things. Some diseases are passed from one person to the next through infections such as influenza. Others develop because of environmental problems such as smoking or through cellular mutation. The medical community works to understand and treat all forms of human disease.
Read more →
Anemia often results in a lower than normal level of red blood cells due to a deficiency in iron. Without iron, the body struggles to make hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to circulate in the body.
Read more →
Degenerative diseases refer to medical problems that worsen over time. These degenerative diseases may affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), bones, blood vessels or heart. Sometimes, certain medications and therapies can treat these degenerative diseases.
Read more →
Numbness and shock-like electrical sensations in the fingers can cause discomfort and lead to difficulty picking things up or weakness in the fingers. Nerve problems generally cause these symptoms. The burning, tingling or prickling sensations, called paresthesias, need evaluation if they last more than a few minutes.
Read more →
Low body temperature is normally a less serious condition than high body temperature, particularly in pregnant women. The average human body temperature is 98.6 degrees F, but can range anywhere from 97.5 to 98.8 degrees and still be considered healthy.
Read more →
Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy emulsion, which means that it consists of two liquids that do not mix well together under normal conditions. An emulsifier binds the liquids together. In the case of mayonnaise, the emulsifier is egg yolks.
Read more →
A baby in the womb hears many sounds from the outside world, but one type of noise that gets a lot of attention from moms-to-be is music.
Read more →
If your ribs are cracking while stretching, pain is likely present as well. A rib fracture, costochondritis and sprain can all result in cracking if the rib cage is stretched. Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Read more →
An unexpected bee sting may cause serious allergic reactions in some people. Besides avoiding bees, there may be foods you should not include in your diet. These foods may cause the same allergic reaction as a bee sting, according to Michael Murray’s “The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods”.
Read more →
High cholesterol itself usually does not cause any symptoms, including headaches or dizziness. But elevated levels of cholesterol can indirectly produce symptoms, especially the so-called bad cholesterol known as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
Read more →
Amlodipine, sold under the brand name Norvasc, belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine is mainly used to treat high blood pressure and angina caused by coronary heart disease. Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.
Read more →
Weird bodily noises are embarrassing, but they’re also natural and rarely a sign that anything is wrong. Your body is an incredibly efficient machine and, like all working things, it occasionally creaks and gurgles.
Read more →
L-Arginine is an amino acid normally produced by the body in the amounts needed for proper functioning. Most people do not need any more L-arginine than what their bodies naturally supply.
Read more →