Bitter Orange

This fact sheet provides basic information about bitter orange—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The bitter orange tree is native to eastern Africa and tropical Asia. Today, it is grown throughout the Mediterranean region and elsewhere, including California and Florida. Bitter orange oil is used in foods, cosmetics, and aromatherapy

Effects of Milk Thistle Extract on the Hepatitis C Virus Lifecycle

A laboratory study suggests that silymarin—an extract from the milk thistle plant—has multiple effects against the lifecycle of the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is a chronic (long lasting) disease that primarily affects the liver and is often difficult to cure. The laboratory study examined the antiviral properties and mechanisms of silymarin on cultured (grown in a

Bilberry

This fact sheet provides basic information about bilberry—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Bilberry is a relative of the blueberry, and its fruit is commonly used to make pies and jams. It has been used for nearly 1,000 years in traditional European medicine. Bilberry grows in North America, Europe, and

Fish Oil Enhances Effects of Green Tea on Alzheimers Disease in Mice

Fish oil, when combined with epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate (EGCG—a polyphenol and antioxidant found in green tea), may affect chemical processes in the brain associated with Alzheimers disease, according to a study published in Neuroscience Letters. This study, which used an animal (mouse) model of Alzheimers disease, builds on previous research linking the disease to peptides (amino acid chains)

Astragalus

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb astragalus—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Native to China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. In the United States, the herb gained popularity in the 1980s. There are actually over 2,000 species of astragalus; however, the two

Asian Ginseng

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb Asian ginseng—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various systems of medicine for many centuries. Asian ginseng is one of several types of true ginseng (another is American ginseng,

Aloe Vera

This fact sheet provides basic information about aloe vera—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Aloe veras use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

Uso de la medicina complementaria y alternativa: los resfriados y la gripe

Nadie desea que llegue la temporada de los resfriados y la gripe. En los Estados Unidos se registran alrededor de mil millones de resfriados al año. De hecho, el resfriado común se encuentra entre las causas principales de consultas médicas y ausencias de escuela o de trabajo. Pero la gripe y sus posibles complicaciones causan

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