HERBALIST LIBRARY

Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause.

An eating disorder causing people to obsess about weight and what they eat. Anorexia is characterized by a distorted body image, with an unwarranted fear of being overweight. Symptoms include trying to maintain a below-normal weight through starvation or too much exercise.

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals and chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms. Antioxidants such as thiols or ascorbic acid may act to inhibit these reactions.

Appetite is the desire to eat food, sometimes due to hunger. Appealing foods can stimulate appetite even when hunger is absent, although appetite can be greatly reduced by satiety. Appetite exists in all higher life-forms, and serves to regulate adequate energy intake to maintain metabolic needs.

An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. It means that your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. When the heart beats faster than normal, it is called tachycardia. When the heart beats too slowly, it is called bradycardia.

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener, sold under brand names such as NutraSweet® and Equal®, that has been in use in the United States since the early 1980s. It is used in many foods and beverages because it is much sweeter than sugar, so much less of it can be used to give the same level of sweetness.

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance.

The build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. A build up of cholesterol plaque in the walls of arteries causing obstruction of blood flow. Plaques may rupture causing acute occlusion of the artery by clot. Atherosclerosis often has no symptoms until a plaque ruptures or the buildup is severe enough to block blood flow.

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include an itchy, scaly rash.

Bell's palsy is an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis. It begins suddenly and worsens over 48 hours. This condition results from damage to the facial nerve (the 7th cranial nerve). Pain and discomfort usually occur on one side of the face or head. Bell's palsy can strike anyone at any age.

The bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Many conditions can affect your bladder. Some common ones are: Cystitis - inflammation of the bladder, often from an infection. Urinary incontinence - loss of bladder control.

Blood is a specialized body fluid. It has four main components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Blood has many different functions, including: transporting oxygen and nutrients to the lungs and tissues. forming blood clots to prevent excess blood loss.

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat, and is your body's main source of energy.

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. It helps healthcare providers detect a range of disorders and conditions.

Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80. Elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 with a diastolic pressure of less than 80.

Breastfeeding is good for both infants and mothers. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. As an infant grows, breast milk changes to meet the infant's nutritional needs.

Breast cancer can occur in women and rarely in men. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast.

Breast self-examination is a screening method used in an attempt to detect early breast cancer. The method involves the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling.

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread.

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Some species of Candida can cause infection in people; the most common is Candida albicans. Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. When the median nerve is compressed, symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm.

One of castor oil's most traditional uses is to stimulate digestion, relieving temporary constipation. Modern research has found that this effect is due to the oil's high levels of ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that acts as a natural laxative.

Chelation is a type of bonding of ions and molecules to metal ions. It involves the formation or presence of two or more separate coordinate bonds between a polydentate (multiple bonded) ligand and a single central metal atom. These ligands are called chelants, chelators, chelating agents, or sequestering agents.

A highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin. Chickenpox is highly contagious to those who haven't had the disease or been vaccinated against it. The most characteristic symptom is an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin. Chickenpox can be prevented by a vaccine. Treatment usually involves relieving symptoms although high-risk groups may receive antiviral medications.

Five Elements Theory is a Chinese philosophy used to describe interactions and relationships between things. The five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water — are believed to be the fundamental elements of everything in the universe between which interactions occur.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels.

Chromium -- specifically, trivalent chromium -- is an essential trace element that's used by some people as a supplement.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that can't be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest.

A cleft palate is an opening or split in the roof of the mouth that occurs when the tissue doesn't fuse together during development in the womb. A cleft palate often includes a split (cleft) in the upper lip (cleft lip) but can occur without affecting the lip.

A common sexually transmitted infection that may not cause symptoms. Chlamydia affects people of all ages but is most common in young women. Many who have chlamydia don't develop symptoms, but they can still infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms may include genital pain and discharge from the vagina or penis. Antibiotic therapy for the affected patient and the patient's sexual partners is recommended. Screening for other common sexually transmitted infections should also be performed.

Chlorophyll is the natural compound that gives green plants their color. Present in green vegetables and other plant-based foods, it has antioxidant properties and is commonly used in medicines. Simply put, it your gut and intestinal system. 

A typical detox diet involves a period of fasting, followed by a strict diet of fruit, vegetables, fruit juices, and water. Also known as body cleanse.

The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way.  

The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is the inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and eyeball. It's characterized by redness and a gritty sensation in your eye, along with itching. Often a discharge forms a crust on your eyelashes during the night.

Constipation is a condition in which you may have fewer than three bowel movements a week; stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy; stools that are difficult or painful to pass; or a feeling that not all stool has passed. You usually can take steps to prevent or relieve constipation.

A cough is your body's way of responding when something irritates your throat or airways. An irritant stimulates nerves that send a message to your brain. The brain then tells muscles in your chest and abdomen to push air out of your lungs to force out the irritant. An occasional cough is normal and healthy.

COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

A “craving” is an especially strong desire for a certain thing, such as chocolate. Food cravings occur because our bodies want more energy, often brought on by diets. Cravings may appear due to a change in diet or lack of sleep, but they can also be a sign of deficiency in our diet. There are three kinds of cravings – supportive, dispersive, and associative.

Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables of the family Brassicaceae with many genera, species, and cultivars being raised for food production such as cauliflower, cabbage, kale, garden cress, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mustard plant and similar green leaf vegetables.

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person's lifetime.

Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin.

Diet is the food and drink regularly provided or consumed. Dient is habitual nourishment. Diet is the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason. Diet is a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight going on a diet.

A dog bite can lead to rabies or tetanus infection. Immediate medical care is needed when the bite is from a dog that has or might have rabies. Symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, increased pain, and oozing. A doctor should look at these symptoms right away. Bite wounds from dogs can range from minor to life-threatening and need to be treated quickly to prevent infection or traumatic complications. Not having had a tetanus shot in five or more years increases tetanus risk and a booster shot may be recommended.

The ear is the organ that enables hearing and, in mammals, body balance using the vestibular system. In mammals, the ear is usually described as having three parts—the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear consists of the pinna and the ear canal.

Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5 to 7 days.

Electromagnetic fields are a combination of invisible electric and magnetic fields of force. They are generated by natural phenomena like the Earth's magnetic field but also by human activities, mainly through the use of electricity.

A disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. With endometriosis, the tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the intestines. The most common symptoms are pain and menstrual irregularities. Effective treatments, such as hormones and excision surgery, are available.

A disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. Epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke. During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behavior, symptoms, and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. 

An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that protrudes outward in a weak portion of the esophageal lining. This pocket-like structure can appear anywhere in the esophageal lining between the throat and stomach.

Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature — or overheating. It's the opposite of hypothermia, when your body is too cold. Hyperthermia occurs when your body absorbs or generates more heat than it can release. A human's normal body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Eyes are organs of the visual system. They provide living organisms with vision, the ability to receive and process visual detail, as well as enabling several photo response functions that are independent of vision.

Fasting is going without food, sometimes water for long periods of time. This includes Intermittent fasting (IF). IF is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating.

A temporary increase in average body temperature of 98.6°F (37°C).  A fever is a temporary increase in your body temperature, often due to an illness. 

Dietary fiber or roughage is the portion of plant-derived food that cannot be completely broken down by human digestive enzymes. Dietary fibers are diverse in chemical composition, and can be grouped generally by their solubility, viscosity, and fermentability, which affect how fibers are processed in the body.

Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia.

Fingernails indication deficiencies, weaknesses and toxins within the body. 

Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor or enhance taste, appearance, or other sensory qualities. Some additives have been used for centuries as part of an effort to preserve food, for example vinegar, salt, smoke, sugar, etc. This allows for longer-lasting foods such as bacon, sweets or wines.

The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body. It is made up of 26 bones connected by many joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The foot is susceptible to many stresses. Foot problems can cause pain, inflammation, or injury. These problems can result in limited movement and mobility.

Foraging is searching for wild food resources. It affects an animal's fitness because it plays an important role in an animal's ability to survive and reproduce. Foraging theory is a branch of behavioral ecology that studies the foraging behavior of animals in response to the environment where the animal lives.

The gallbladder is a small pouch that sits just under the liver. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver.

Genetics is the scientific study of genes and heredity—of how certain qualities or traits are passed from parents to offspring as a result of changes in DNA sequence. A gene is a segment of DNA that contains instructions for building one or more molecules that help the body work.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of related viruses. They can cause warts on different parts of your body. There are more than 200 types. About 40 of them are spread through direct sexual contact with someone who has the virus. They can also spread through other intimate, skin-to-skin contact.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It's characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe.

A common children's virus causing sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. The condition is spread by direct contact with saliva or mucus. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, feeling unwell, irritability, and loss of appetite. The virus usually clears up on its own within 10 days. Pain medications help relieve symptoms.

The head louse is an obligate ectoparasite of humans. Head lice are wingless insects that spend their entire lives on the human scalp and feeding exclusively on human blood. Humans are the only known hosts of this specific parasite, while chimpanzees host a closely related species, Pediculus schaeffi

Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, itchy nose and sore throat. Pollen, pet dander, mold and insects can lead to hay fever symptoms.

Headache is the most common form of pain. It's a major reason people miss days at work or school or visit the doctor. The most common type of headache is a tension headache. Tension headaches are due to tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression or anxiety.

A healing crisis is a temporary worsening of symptoms after beginning a CAM treatment. You may also see it called a homeopathic aggravation, a detox reaction, or a cleansing reaction. In a healing crisis, symptoms briefly worsen before beginning to improve.

The heart is a muscular organ in most animals that pumps blood through the blood vessels of the circulatory system. The pumped blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the body, while carrying metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide to the lungs. In humans, the heart is approximately the size of a closed fist and is located between the lungs, in the middle compartment of the chest.

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. Today, most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs.

Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm..

A bony growth that develops around the heel bone, often caused by ill-fitting shoes, and sometimes causing pain.

 hiatal hernia is a condition where the top of your stomach bulges through an opening in your diaphragm. This can happen to people of any age and any gender. A hiatal hernia doesn't always have symptoms, but when it does they are similar to the symptoms of GERD.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.

A highly contagious skin infection that causes red sores on the face. Impetigo mainly affects infants and children. The main symptom is red sores that form around the nose and mouth. The sores rupture, ooze for a few days, then form a yellow-brown crust. Antibiotics shorten the infection and can help prevent spread to others.

Indigestion can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include eating too much, drinking too much, food intolerance, or taking pills on an empty stomach.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling and/or staying asleep. The condition can be short-term (acute) or can last a long time (chronic). It may also come and go. Acute insomnia lasts from 1 night to a few weeks. Insomnia is chronic when it happens at least 3 nights a week for 3 months or more.

Not getting pregnant despite having carefully timed, unprotected sex for one year. The cause of infertility may be difficult to determine but may include inadequate levels of certain hormones in both men and women, and trouble with ovulation in women. The main symptom is an inability to get pregnant. In many cases, there are no additional symptoms. Many treatments significantly improve the chances of getting pregnant. They include hormone treatments, fertility drugs, and surgery. In addition, assisted reproduction uses various medical techniques to fertilize an egg.

A common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. The flu attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems are at high risk. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. The flu is treated primarily with rest and fluid to let the body fight the infection on its own. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers may help with symptoms. An annual vaccine can help prevent the flu and limit its complications.

An intestinal disorder causing pain in the belly, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. The cause of irritable bowel syndrome isn't well understood. A diagnosis is often made based on symptoms. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle, and stress. Others will need medication and counseling.

Yellow skin caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice may occur if the liver can't efficiently process red blood cells as they break down. It's normal in healthy newborns and usually clears on its own. At other ages, it may signal infection or liver disease. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Some newborns may require light therapy for a day or so. In other cases, treatment involves addressing the underlying cause.

The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. As kidneys fail, waste builds up. Symptoms develop slowly and aren't specific to the disease. Some people have no symptoms at all and are diagnosed by a lab test. Medications help manage symptoms. In later stages, filtering the blood with a machine (dialysis) or a transplant may be needed. 

Laxatives, purgatives, or aperients are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation. Laxatives vary as to how they work and the side effects they may have.

The liver is an organ about the size of a football. It sits just under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. The liver is essential for digesting food and ridding your body of toxic substances

The lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest (thorax). The trachea (windpipe) conducts inhaled air into the lungs through its tubular branches, called bronchi. The bronchi then divide into smaller and smaller branches (bronchioles), finally becoming microscopic.

Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

A small bean-shaped structure that is part of the body's immune system. Lymph nodes filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid, and they contain lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help the body fight infection and disease. There are hundreds of lymph nodes found throughout the body.

An eye disease that can cause blurred or lost central vision. It occurs when aging damages the macula, the part of the retina that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision. AMD is a common condition that's a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, but it doesn't usually cause complete blindness.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death. Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children.

The medulla oblongata plays a critical role in transmitting signals between the spinal cord and the higher parts of the brain and in controlling autonomic activities, such as heartbeat and respiration.

A chronic inner ear disorder that can cause severe and debilitating episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear

The point in a woman's life when her menstrual periods permanently stop, marking the end of reproduction. It's usually a natural process that occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen anytime from the 30s to the mid-50s or later. Smoking tobacco can cause menopause to occur earlier.

A severe headache that causes throbbing, pulsing head pain on one side of your head. The headache phase of a migraine usually lasts at least four hours, but it can also last for days.

A viral infection that causes a sore throat and fever. Cases often happen in teens and young adults. It goes away on its own after a few weeks of rest.

A controversial and poorly understood skin condition that's self-diagnosed and not scientifically proven. People with Morgellons believe they have non-healing skin lesions that contain fibrous material, and they may experience other symptoms: Skin rashes or sores, Intense itching, Crawling sensations on or under the skin, A burning sensation, and Fatigue.

A slippery aqueous secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. It is typically produced from cells found in mucous glands, although it may also originate from mixed glands, which contain both serous and mucous cells.

The nervous system is the highly complex part of an animal that coordinates its actions and sensory information by transmitting signals to and from different parts of its body.

Vividly realistic, disturbing dreams that rattle you awake from a deep sleep. They often set your heart pounding from fear. Nightmares tend to occur most often during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, when most dreaming takes place