Vitamins and supplements like melatonin and fish oil offer health benefits but can cause side effects if misused. Learn about the impact of saw palmetto on blood pressure and find the best multivitamins for young women and adults over 50.
Iron is an essential mineral. Iron enables the blood to carry oxygen to the entire body. Iron deficiency causes a disorder known as anemia, which causes fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, decreased ability to concentrate, dizziness and a rapid heart rate.
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Vitamin C is a an antioxidant vitamin that helps grow and repair tissue throughout your body, counter free-radicals which cause cell damage and fight the negative effects of toxins.
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Sodium alginate is a substance that the Food and Drug Administration has listed as generally recognized as safe. In production, sodium alginate is extracted from brown algae and is the sodium salt of alginic acid. It is highly viscous and is often used as an emulsifier and a gelling agent.
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The neem tree, or Azadirachta Indica, is native to South East Asia, in particular India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Its leaves, seeds and even bark have long been used in these countries as a medicinal cure. Currently, research is being conducted into its healing properties.
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Cold sores are painful blisters that usually occur on the lips, but can develop anywhere from the lips to the nostrils. These sores, technically known as herpes labialis, are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1.
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Squalene is a natural substance most commonly known as fish oil and shark liver oil when put in supplement form. However, many people don't realize this substance is actually in our bloodstream, originating in the liver.
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For more than 2,000 years, holistic healers have turned to Valerian root as a naturopathic treatment for anxiety, insomnia and mood disturbances. Although limited studies suggest that Valerian can safely treat these conditions, few studies have conclusively evaluated its overall effects on the human body.
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Apple cider vinegar is commonly used as a natural treatment for many different skin conditions and ailments. However, it is important to note that raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar has the most health benefits because it is the most potent, according to Paul C. Bragg, author of "
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Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are thought to be beneficial for their anti-inflammatory properties. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, are believed to be especially beneficial forms of omega-3 fatty acids.
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Lavender, botanically known as Lavandula angustifola, is a perennial aromatic herb that features tall spikelets of purple flowers. Gardeners prize lavender for its soothing fragrance, attractive blooms and pleasing foliage. Lavender can grow to 2 feet high, making it a striking backdrop for smaller plants.
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Culturelle is a probiotic supplement that contains high levels of Lactobacillus GG, bacteria normally present in the human digestive tract. The idea behind probiotics is that the "normal" bacteria push out disease-causing bacteria, preventing infections.
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Iron fills such life-sustaining roles, from carrying oxygen throughout your body to producing energy and forming antioxidants, that getting a sufficient amount in your diet is essential.
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Coconut oil can be used in the kitchen and in the medicine cabinet. Regardless of how you want to use coconut oil, you can make it at home with only a few household items and a fresh coconut.
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Calcium is important for preventing osteoporosis and building strong teeth and bones. Calcium supplements are available for people who do not get enough calcium in their diets. While these supplements are considered safe, some side effects may occur.
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While drinking dandelion root infusion as a coffee substitute may sound unsatisfying, the beverage does possess health benefits. Add dandelion root tincture or powdered extract to hot water, or infuse pieces of dried root in boiled water.
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Pores help your skin to breathe and are an integral part of healthy skin. You may find that your pores look larger after showering, and may find this detracts from your skin's overall appearance.
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The pH scale measures, on a scale from 0 to 14, the acidic or basic qualities of a chemical. The pH of battery acid is 0, while the pH of lye, a basic, or alkaline, cleaning substance, is close to 14. Water, with a pH of 7, is neutral, being neither acidic or basic.
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Carefully crafted by young worker bees into six-sided honeycomb cells, beeswax provides tiny storage units for honey until the beekeeper extracts the golden liquid. After harvest, the beekeeper melts and purifies the beeswax, and some of it will find its way into lotions, soaps and other skin care products.
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Rose hips are usually derived from the Rosa canina L, R. cinnamomea L, R. acicularis Lindl or R. rugosa Thunb specifies of rose bush. They are cultivated in North Africa, Europe and parts of Asia. Rose hips are often found in vitamin C supplements and have also been used to flavor teas and jams.
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Most people look at dandelions and see a weed they must eradicate from their lawns. Historically, though, the plant has been embraced by Native Americans as a means of treating a variety of medical conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Through the years, its use has persisted.
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