Processed sugar is bad for the health when consumed in sugary foods or sweetened beverages. However, it can potentially save lives when applied to wounds as a disinfectant and healing ingredient. In ancient times, Egyptian healers used sugar to speed up the healing of injuries. During the Napoleonic wars, soldiers stuffed sugar into wounds inflicted by muskets until … Continue reading Sugar: Cheap, effective wound treatment with a long shelf life
Meet the “two-day cure” plant: An African medicinal plant that can naturally lower blood pressure
Looking for another natural medicine for high blood pressure? Researchers from South Africa and Zambia suggest taking the African medicinal plant called Senecio serratuloides. S. serratuloides is used in folk medicine to treat hypertension, skin problems, internal and external sores, rashes, burns, and wounds. Because of its efficacy, it is traditionally referred to as the “two-day cure” plant. While S. … Continue reading Meet the “two-day cure” plant: An African medicinal plant that can naturally lower blood pressure
Study reveals that toxic algae is causing dolphins to suffer from Alzheimer’s-like brain disease
The excessive blooming of blue-green algae might be responsible for the recent spate of deaths among dolphins. A pathological study found toxic compounds in the harmful algae that might cause a neurodegenerative problem similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from the University of Miami autopsied the brains and bodies of 14 dead dolphins. For the first time, they found … Continue reading Study reveals that toxic algae is causing dolphins to suffer from Alzheimer’s-like brain disease
Don’t be lazy: A quick, brisk walk every day can stave off disability in later life
Regular physical exercise offers many health benefits. But even something as simple as 10 minutes of brisk walking daily can help prevent disability in older adults with arthritis pain. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine,brisk walking can also help lower their risk of suffering from pain or stiffness in the knee, hip, ankle or … Continue reading Don’t be lazy: A quick, brisk walk every day can stave off disability in later life
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in many foods, has anti-aging and anti-cancer properties
Many plants, including fruits and vegetables, are known for their medicinal properties. These properties come from active compounds called metabolites that plants produce either through metabolism or to aid in that process. Plant metabolites exhibit different activities; while some are able to fight inflammation or kill microbes, others can effectively halt oxidation and delay cellular aging. According to … Continue reading Quercetin, a flavonoid found in many foods, has anti-aging and anti-cancer properties
Avocado seeds contain compounds that reduce inflammation
Pennsylvania-based researchers announced a new medicinal application for avocado pits. They recently derived an extract from avocado seed that helps regulate inflammation linked to cancer and other serious diseases. After eating or removing the edible part of the avocado, people usually throw away the inedible pit. But the new study suggests that the seed may be a good source … Continue reading Avocado seeds contain compounds that reduce inflammation
You know water’s great for you, but do you know when you’ve had enough?
Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health. But how does the human body know when you’ve had enough water? According to a 2019 study published in the journal Nature, an element in the gut could have a role in predicting when you’re already hydrated. “Thirst signals” in the brain For the study, researchers ran tests on … Continue reading You know water’s great for you, but do you know when you’ve had enough?
Treating neurological disorders in children with oriental herbal medicine
Experts say there are over 600 disorders of the nervous system. These include epilepsy, brain tumors, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), among others. Many of these emerge during childhood, and some can be diagnosed at birth. Oriental herbal medicine has been widely used in treating neurological disorders in children … Continue reading Treating neurological disorders in children with oriental herbal medicine
Health benefits of purple carrots
Carrots are rich in vitamin A that can boost your eye health. But did you know that purple carrots contain potent antioxidants that can help minimize inflammation? Surprisingly, ancient carrots were originally purple or white. It is believed that orange carrots originated from a new breed of yellow carrots that developed due to a genetic mutation. Eastern varieties … Continue reading Health benefits of purple carrots
Green space makes you happy: A childhood spent in nature decreases risk of later depression
Taking a nice walk around a beautiful, quiet park can help ease your stress. But did you know that green spaces also offer long-term benefits for kids? According to a study, children who grow up playing in green spaces have a reduced risk of developing a mental disorder later in life. The study was published in the journal Proceedings … Continue reading Green space makes you happy: A childhood spent in nature decreases risk of later depression
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 