Natural Remedies

Researchers suspect lavender, tea tree oil disrupt hormonal balance
AP Article on MSNBC, Jan 31, 2007

BOSTON - Lavender and tea tree oils found in some shampoos, soaps and lotions can temporarily leave boys with enlarged breasts in rare cases, apparently by disrupting their hormonal balance, a preliminary study suggests.

While advising parents to consider the possible risk, several hormone experts emphasized that the problem appears to happen infrequently and clears up when the oils are no longer used. None of those interviewed called for a ban on sales. (more…)

By Christine Climer

Did you know that zinc deficiency ranks 11th out of the top 20 risk factors for disease? Yes, zinc! According to the World Health Organization, zinc deficiencies are responsible for 16% of lower respiratory infections (such as pneumonia) and 10% of diarrheal illness worldwide. (more…)

Question: Whenever one of my children gets a splinter, a distressing scene ensues. Either they run from the mean mommy with the sterilized needle, or they painfully cry for both of us as I try to be quick about removing it. There must be another way! (more…)

Question: What essential oils would you recommend for someone who is new to natural body care?
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Question: Sometimes it seems the coughing will never end, especially during cold and flu season. (more…)

By Susy Parker Goins

I really don’t like pumping my kids up with some drug to make them feel better. If my kids get sick, I refuse to pick up a bottle of ibuprofen or cough syrup or baby-anything drug.

Those man-made substances lining the grocery store shelf are easy, yes, but they are still drugs. Mild drugs, but there is another way. Why not go natural? What about herbs? Homeopathy? And all those other airy-fairy healing modalities? (more…)

By Marilyn Pokorney

The common ginger root used in cooking has been found to alleviate nausea, indigestion and motion sickness. For motion sickness, ginger is more effective than the common Dramamine, says the British medical journal Lancet. (more…)