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.
Sodium nitrate is a colorless, odorless, crystalline compound, sometimes referred to as soda niter, nitrate of soda or Chile saltpeter. It is used for making potassium nitrate, fertilizers, explosives, in the production of high-strength glass, some limited pharmaceuticals and to preserve meats.
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From batteries to fertilizers, soaps and hairspray, there are more uses of the chemical potassium hydroxide than most people are aware. As a strong base it help neutralize acid, but it can also be used as a food thickener or stabilizer.
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Your body needs magnesium to function properly, and a lack of this mineral can lead to muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat and irritability, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.
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Traditionally used by many people as an alternative treatment for a variety of health ailments and skin irritations, neem leaf extract is a common supplement you can find in most local supermarkets and drug stores.
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Black walnut and wormwood complex is an herbal remedy used to ease gastrointestinal complaints and expel intestinal parasites. Like most herbal supplements, black walnut and wormwood complex has not been evaluated for human safety by the FDA.
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People first began wearing braces on their teeth around 1,000 B.C., reports the American Association of Orthodontists. The association says braces can help boost self-esteem by perfecting your smile, and can also help correct poor tooth and jaw environments that can lead to health problems.
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According to "Phytochemicals as Bioactive Agents," there is a lot still unknown about how garlic works, including which of its components are the most beneficial, and which is the best delivery system.
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Apple cider vinegar is a strong acidic solution often used in cooking and cleaning. However, it is also popular as a remedy for sore throats from colds or strep throat infections. The antibacterial properties of vinegar can help neutralize infections in the throat that cause pain.
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The berries of Phytolacca Americana, more commonly known as American nightshade or pokeweed, are toxic unless thoroughly cooked by boiling in several changes of water. Severe side effects can occur when people eat them raw, add them to juice or do not cook them properly.
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Turmeric is a spice from the ginger family used often in Asian cooking and taken as a nutritional supplement. As with most supplements, evidence exists to support some uses, and there are numerous unsubstantiated traditional uses.
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Eugenia aromatica, more commonly known as clove, is added in small amounts to foods for flavoring, gum and tobacco in cigarettes. Clove oil, technically called eugenol, has anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and antibacterial effects, as noted by the National Institutes of Health.
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More commonly referred to as black seed, black cumin or fennel flower, Nigella sativa is a flowering plant used in herbal or folk medicine. It's said to have a number of beneficial properties for your health. It can lessen inflammation, relieve pain, fight infections and reduce fevers.
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Seeds from the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia are used to create 5-hydroxytryptophan, marketed as a supplement to boost mood, reduce anxiety and hot flashes, combat obesity and improve sleep. Some people take it for attention deficit disorder, according to Drugs.com. Your body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan.
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Milk thistle and dandelion is a popular combination for people who seek to promote liver function. Dandelion root can also promote gallbladder function, stimulate your appetite and act as a digestive aid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
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A growing baby requires a lot of nutrients that most moms-to-be don't get through their diets alone. Prenatal vitamins ensure that you and your baby are getting the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need so you can stay healthy and your baby can develop properly.
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Aloe vera is a succulent plant with long, thick, waxy leaves containing inner gel and outer gel, along with latex liquid from the inner leaf skin. People use aloe vera gel and juice for topical and oral health remedies.
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Allium sativum, or garlic, is an herb with a multitude of medicinal uses. It has been used for centuries for its ability to boost immune function and kill harmful microbes and is also popular in cooking due to its bold flavor.
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Frankincense oil comes from the resin of Boswellia serrata trees. Some aromatherapy oils, perfumes and certain types of incense contain this oil. Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional health care of India, also uses frankincense oil to treat several conditions.
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Slippery elm, an herbal remedy derived from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree, or Ulmus fulva, provides several purported health benefits.Though clinical support for its efficacy is lacking, many people claim that slippery elm's mucilaginous components are soothing.
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Ringworm is a fungus that causes itchy, scaly ring-shaped skin infections. Common in cats, ringworm is highly contagious and easily spread among animals and humans. Ringworm infections are most likely to occur on body parts that are often sweaty, such as the groin and feet.
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