How to make cheap, but very effective, DIY mosquito traps

Summer usually means going camping or hiking, but pesky mosquitoes can take the fun out of these activities. (h/t to TheSurvivalistBlog.net) Aside from feeding on your blood and causing itchy bites, mosquitoes also spread diseases like encephalitis, malaria, and West Nile fever. Only female mosquitoes require blood and they are attracted to body heat, carbon dioxide, dark clothing, … Continue reading How to make cheap, but very effective, DIY mosquito traps

Purple mangosteen found to be a powerful remedy for malaria

Purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is not just a sweet-and-sour snack. The rind of this fruit contains numerous phytochemicals that can suppress the growth of the parasites responsible for malaria. What’s more, these natural compounds can be taken alongside standard antimalarial treatments to improve the latter’s effect on drug-resistant protozoans. One out of every two people in the … Continue reading Purple mangosteen found to be a powerful remedy for malaria

An ingredient found in a traditional Chinese medicine shown to be effective in treating psoriasis

An ingredient used in traditional Chinese medicine can effectively treat moderate psoriasis, according to a study published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. In their study, researchers from the U.S. and Taiwan examined Indigo naturalis, also known as Qing Dai in Chinese medicine, on whether it was able to address symptoms of psoriasis. In traditional medicine, Indigo naturalis has been used … Continue reading An ingredient found in a traditional Chinese medicine shown to be effective in treating psoriasis

Scientific study reveals Mexican mint essential oil can treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Research has shown that the essential oil of Plectranthus amboinicus(PAEO), also known as Mexican mint, can potentially be used as an alternative treatment for certain antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. The study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, evaluated the effects of PAEO and its active ingredient carvacrol in Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. To make PAEO, researchers collected the leaves and … Continue reading Scientific study reveals Mexican mint essential oil can treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Acupuncture found to be an effective treatment for vascular dementia

When people talk about dementia, one of the first things that come to mind is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Indeed, AD is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders (over five million people in the U.S. have it), but there are other forms of dementia – like, for instance, vascular dementia. For the uninitiated, vascular dementia refers to … Continue reading Acupuncture found to be an effective treatment for vascular dementia

Hesperidin, a natural flavonoid in citrus fruit, found to prevent photoaging

A recent study shows that hesperidin, a flavonoid commonly found in citrus fruits, can protect against skin degradation after exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The paper, which appeared in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, also indicated that the flavonoid also prevented UVB-induced skin thickening, wrinkle formation, and inflammation. Hesperidin is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune … Continue reading Hesperidin, a natural flavonoid in citrus fruit, found to prevent photoaging

The best essential oils for healthier hair

Essential oils are versatile natural remedies that have been used for numerous purposes. One of the many benefits of essential oils is the ability to enhance hair health. Here are some of the best essential oils to keep your locks healthy and looking their best: Bergamot oil – Derived from the interior cells of the ring of bergamot oranges, … Continue reading The best essential oils for healthier hair

Scientists identify an effective malaria remedy in an overlooked African tree

Researchers have established that the leaves of the Syzygium guineense, also known as the waterberry tree, contained anti-malarial activity, in line with its traditional use in preventing and treating malaria. The study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, looked at how the leaf extract of S. guineense in mice infected with malaria. For the study, mice were inoculated with the malaria … Continue reading Scientists identify an effective malaria remedy in an overlooked African tree

Improving blood flow to fight disease: Whole-body vibration therapy found to increase blood and oxygen delivery

A meta-analysis published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines revealed that whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) may significantly improve blood flow kinetics and boost oxygen delivery across the body, making it a viable treatment for a variety of degenerative diseases. The researchers pooled data from up to seven clinical trials and studies as part of the meta-analysis. The scientists explained … Continue reading Improving blood flow to fight disease: Whole-body vibration therapy found to increase blood and oxygen delivery

Study shows that acupuncture can provide relief to those suffering from anxiety-related disorders

A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined the therapeutic effects of acupuncture on behavioral changes caused by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), proving the far-reaching benefits of this ancient treatment approach. Thanks to the machinations of the media, you probably see emotional disorders like depression and anxiety as mere outcomes of a troubled past. While stressful events do contribute … Continue reading Study shows that acupuncture can provide relief to those suffering from anxiety-related disorders