Ginseng benefits the most common form of chronic fatigue, a persistent state of low energy known as idiopathic chronic fatigue, for which there is no underlying medical cause. Not severe enough to be classified as chronic fatigue syndrome, this frustrating condition is often brushed off by the conventional medical community. … Read More
Most of us crave sugar occasionally (or, perhaps, often), especially during the holidays or at parties with well-stocked dessert tables. Sugar is delicious, plain and simple—not to mention that when it comes from natural sources, it fuels our bodies with much-needed energy. But if you have a nagging sweet tooth … Read More
Depression is miserable and debilitating. It can rob you of your motivation, energy, and zest for life. The goal of treating depression is simple—to feel better! With more than 10 percent of the population taking antidepressants, it seems prudent to ask, “Do antidepressants really work?” Antidepressants are the second most … Read More
Have you ever noticed that you feel worse after a long day spent sitting at your desk, lazing around the house, or attending long meetings compared to a day spent up on your feet and active? Personally, I feel terrible when I get to the end of the day and … Read More
It’s a tradition when it comes to any New Year’s Resolution: Ideas center on self-improvement—and often in the area of health. And why not? For some, buying a new car or traveling to an exotic locale might come first. But without our health, those fancy material possessions and adventurous trips … Read More
Occasional eye twitching is a benign but annoying condition. It often lasts only a few minutes to an hour, usually involves only one eyelid, and is related to fatigue, stress, or both. A relaxing maneuver—even a stress-releasing giggle at its arrival—can sometimes end the involuntary eye twitching. But eye twitching … Read More
D-limonene, one of the most common terpenes in nature, is a major constituent in several citrus fruits— oranges, lemons, mandarins, limes and grapefruits—and provides these fruits their pleasant scent. In fact, d-limonene is often used in soaps, perfumes, lotions, and environmentally friendly household cleaning products due to its appealing aroma. … Read More
The body’s stress response, the one that prepares us to "fight or flight" in the face of an imminent danger—encountering a wild animal or a mugger, for example—is activated more readily in women than men and lasts longer. This may help explain why anxiety symptoms in women are twice as … Read More
The importance of the neurotransmitter serotonin in affecting mood has been widely acknowledged in numerous studies linking low brain levels of this key chemical with depression, anxiety, and irritability. Now, scientists are reporting another significant role the neurotransmitter plays in the brain—that of promoting memory and cognition. Inadequate brain levels … Read More
It's an important question in trying to understand the chemicals that help define us: "What does serotonin do?" Serotonin is a neurotransmitter—a brain chemical that helps to activate communication between brain cells. Neurotransmitters work by binding to receptors (molecules of protein that receive external signals) on the surface of cells. … Read More
