The wondrous experience of birth is often destroyed by the routine practice of medicine, with many medical professionals and mothers alike assuming that birth needs pharmaceutical interventions (i.e., epidural). In reality, nothing could be further from the truth! While there are certainly instances when assistance is required, the vast majority of births do not require medical intervention. Still, a natural birth can be successful and rewarding for many mothers. (more…)
Recently, a tick named after the state of Texas has been identified as the cause of meat allergies for at least 1,500 people in the United States. The lone star tick, which is most commonly found in the southeastern US, can actually manipulate the immune system of its victims, causing them to suffer allergic reactions to meat and some other animal products. [1] (more…)
Pygeum herb is derived from the bark of the special evergreen tree called Prunus africana that grows in mountainous regions of Sub–Saharan Africa. The herb might have been known among natives of southern Africa – having used it to support the bladder and urinary tract – as early as the 1700s. The botanical term Pygeum, of Greek origin, means "buttock," mostly because of the rounded shape of the fruit. Researchers have discovered a few key phytochemical constituents (phytosterols, triterpenes, and ferulic esters, just to name a few) inherent to Pygeum […]
If you’ve ever felt compelled to take another bite, despite feeling full, the concern may not be a lack of self control. In fact, the issue may not even be with you at all: It could be an excitotoxin. These non-essential amino acids stimulate or “excite” the umami or savory taste buds making food seem more flavorful than it really is. These compounds are abundant in most processed foods and restaurant meals, and many people are unknowingly consuming these compounds in large amounts on a daily basis. (more…)
Dry, itchy, chapped, cracked skin... all of these things irritate your skin's already sensitive nature. Dry skin is typically worse in the winter, when low humidity and extreme cold combine to rob even more moisture away from the skin. Wind, air conditioning, and overexposure to the sun can cause the skin to flake and feel tight. Dry skin tends to look dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. What Causes Dry Skin? Dry skin can be caused by a number of factors. Genetics plays a role in the […]
