Symptoms

When a joint or other body part becomes inflamed, immune cells release natural chemicals that cause increased blood flow, producing redness and heat in the skin. Swelling also develops and nerves may become irritated, causing localized pain. Joints sometimes become stiff and you may experience difficulty moving that part of your body. Muscles associated with the joint may also be affected, resulting in discomfort over a larger area.

Background

Sinus tissue is lined with mucus membranes that help to keep the nasal passages moist. When the soft tissue becomes irritated, it increases blood flow and mucus production. The swollen sinuses trap mucus in the nasal cavities, creating an environment — warm, stagnate and moist — for the growth of viruses, bacteria and fungi. The swollen sinus cavities block the normal drainage of discharge through the nostrils, placing excessive pressure in the head.

Symptoms

Sinus infection symptoms include nasal discharge, ear pain, sore throat, bad breath, fever, fatigue, post-nasal drip and sinus pressure pain, according to MayoClinic.com. Post-nasal drip is the constant dripping of excess mucus in the back of the throat that leads to coughing, throat irritation and bad breath. Sinus pressure pain might be felt in the teeth, behind the eyes, in the ears and in the forehead. Sinus headaches are a dull, throbbing pain that is typically worse when you wake up and improve throughout the day.

Description

Lemon extract is a concentrated form of oil made from the lemon peel and alcohol. Oils often contain the active ingredients in herbs and plants. The active ingredients that might have health benefits in lemon extract include limonene and citral, found in the outer layer of the peel, sometimes called the zest.

Killing Cancer Cells

Lemon has acquired a reputation in alternative medicine as a cancer killing agent, as evidenced by frequently circulated emails describing the powers of lemon. The Snopes website calls the claim that lemons kill cancer a mixture of true and false information. Some studies using compounds in lemon to kill cancer cells have shown promise against cells in laboratory — not human — studies. A Saudi Arabian study published in the 2011 “Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention” reported that lemon extract increased apoptosis, programmed cell death, in breast cancer cells in the laboratory.

According to ScienceDaily, UCLA researchers reported that an extract in white kidney beans may stop carbohydrates from breaking down into sugars. Normally, a digestive enzyme in the body metabolizes starches into little pieces of sugars. White kidney bean extract is suggested to stop this process so the starches remain in the form of fibers. Fibers cannot be absorbed and therefore do not become body fat.

Diarrhea

According to the HealthGuidance website, some people suffer from various minor side effects and discomforts such bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Usually the gastrointestinal symptoms are short-lived and mild. Also, white kidney bean extract may lower blood sugar, and therefore close monitoring of blood sugar is important for patients with diabetes or those who have just undergone surgeries. Not enough is known about the use of white kidney bean extract during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid use during these times.

Guarana extract is an herbal ingredient culled from an evergreen vine found in South America. Guarana’s main component is caffeine, reports Drugs.com, and it contains caffeine in high concentrations. It is frequently used as a central nervous system stimulant or appetite suppressant in herbal diet formulations. Before taking a diet pill containing guarana, you should talk to your doctor. You should avoid taking guarana in any supplement that combines it with ephedrine, advises Drugs.com, or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or sensitivity to caffeine.

Anxiety or Jitteriness

You may find that due to its high caffeine content, guarana may cause you to feel anxious, jittery or “speeded up” in an uncomfortable way, reports Drugs.com. You may also feel irritable or on edge. Health Learning Info.org adds that other similar reactions may include trembling and hyperactivity. You should contact your doctor about discontinuing guarana if you are experiencing these effects in a severe or ongoing way.

History

Historically, herbalists used oral and topical remedies containing comfrey root to promote the healing of bones, earning the herb the Latin name Symphytum, meaning “drawing together,” and the common names knitbone and boneset. Herbalists also used creams made from comfrey root to apply topically to wounds, sprains or strains, bruises and varicose veins, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. People also took the root orally to treat lung problems, stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems, and an eyewash made from comfrey was used to treat eye problems and irritations, notes the University of Michigan Health System.

History

The grapefruit, from which GSE originates, was discovered by Europeans during the eighteenth century in Barbados, according to the World’s Healthiest Foods website. Most botanists concur that it was the result of a natural cross between an orange and a pomelo, another citrus fruit. The grapefruit was given its name because of the way it grows in trees — in clusters similar to grapes. The benefits of grapefruit seed extract were first noted in 1972 by physicist Dr. Jacob Harich, who observed its widespread use as an antibacterial and antiviral remedy, according to Dr. Group.

Artichoke leaf extract can be taken to support liver function and reduce cholesterol, and as a natural treatment for digestive problems such as upset stomach, nausea and mild diarrhea. Artichoke leaf extract is generally very safe. Almost no side effects are associated with this herbal medicine, and most people don’t experience any.

Liver and Gallbladder Effects

Bile is a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It aids in the digestion of fats and removes toxins from the liver. Because artichoke leaf extract appears to affect the liver by stimulating the flow of bile, people with liver disease should be cautious about taking this herb. Artichoke leaf extract also may cause gallbladder contractions, so those with gallbladder disease or gallstones should only take this substance under medical supervision, the Swedish Medical Center says.

Diuretic Effects

Artichoke leaf has traditionally been used as a diuretic in European medicine. People cook and eat the leaves–but not the artichoke hearts–as a vegetable to stimulate the kidneys. Anyone taking artichoke leaf for a different purpose should be aware it may cause more frequent urination.

Types

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and are contagious. They can be spread by person-to-person contact and may take up to six months to develop after your exposure to the virus, according to MayoClinic.com. Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, usually on the heels or balls of the feet where the most pressure is. Common warts may appear anywhere on the body; however, they are more common on the hands. Genital warts can appear on or near the genital area as well as inside the vagina or anus. Warts that appear on the face or back of the hands are referred to as flat warts. These warts are usually smoother and smaller than other types of warts.

Traditional Uses

In North America, wild yam has traditionally been used to treat menstrual cramps, coughs, morning sickness, inflammation and problems related to childbirth, as well as colic and a variety of digestive issues. Similar uses abound in traditional Chinese medicine, with the additions of using the herb for its supposed anti-aging properties, as well as a treatment for urinary difficulties and lowering blood pressure.