This Info graphic is about the various purported health benefits of the health supplements on offer, their popularity and their effectiveness at actually helping.

Is Vitamin C worth taking or not? Does Echinacea kill colds? Missing out not drinking litres of Goji juice, wheatgrass extract and flaxseed oil every day?

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A generative data-visualisation of all the scientific evidence for popular health supplements by David McCandless and Andy Perkins.

A number of natural sleep aids are discussed here, which can help you get good rest and prevent a number of health ailments as well, which most of us may prefer to prescription drugs:

• Chamomile tea should be taken at bedtime to relax and soothe one to sleep. It is said to contain a compound called apigenin, which is a natural sedative.
• Valerian is used to be called nature’s valium and before sleeping pills became so common in the United States this was a popular natural sleep aid. And valerian is said to be as effective too.
• Hops, which are normally associated with the process of beer making, are also thought to be beneficial for promoting sleep. You can either take it in tea form or rest your head on a pillow case with some hop inserted.
• Catnip is also relaxing and won’t make you groggy the next day.
• Passion flower is thought to be a natural sleep aid due to its ability to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
• Verbena or holy herb or vervain is also seen to help with insomnia.
• Skullcap leaves in your pillow case or taken in tea form can also help.

Something that is found routinely on Asian kitchen shelves and is increasingly now found in kitchens all over the world, is turmeric.

Long known and revered for its natural antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties, it is now increasing in popularity the world over both as a condiment as well as a medical aid.

If brides in many south Asian countries are routinely anointed with turmeric paste because it is said to make skin glow, and if it is commonly applied on minor cuts and grazes as a healing aid, this is not inconsistent with what scientists are increasingly discovering about turmeric.

Turmeric is well known for treating minor cuts and wounds since it is known to have antibacterial properties.

Since it is a natural antiseptic, among the less advanced societies, this is something that is widely used to treat minor ailments because of its efficacy as well as its ready availability.

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent. One traditional remedy for a sore throat and cough is turmeric mixed with warm milk.

It may not taste great, but generations have sworn to efficacy of this in treating a bad throat due to the way that the turmeric acts to ease pain and reduce inflammation.

It is also used to ease gastrointestinal discomfort and is sometimes effectively seen to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Turmeric is widely used in Ayurveda. Traditionally turmeric is an important ingredient in the Indian medical tradition of Ayurveda.

It is also used in a lot of cosmetics. Not only in traditional societies, but even modern, western societies are making use of turmeric for cosmetics.

And this is not just for things such as antiseptic creams, but also is used in making sunscreens because of antioxidant and skin lightening properties.

Modern medicine is exploring the use of turmeric in treating a variety of ailments. Curcumin, found in turmeric, which is principally responsible for turmeric’s restorative properties, is being experimented with in order to find possible curative uses for it.

Modern researchers are investigating the possibility of using turmeric and its medicinal properties to treat Alzheimer’s, arthritis and other biological disorders.

Trials have been conducted to see if turmeric has a beneficial effect on cancers of the pancreas, multiple myeloma, colorectal cancer etc.

One study even found that curcumin is able to destroy cells of esophageal cancer. Turmeric is seen to support nerve growth. It is also seen to be useful in treating snake bites.

This MSN health write up bemoans the fact that Americans have forgotten the natural cures that their grandparents used in favor of modern medicine, and in effect have lost out on a host of effective remedies.

We are reminded that even modern medicine has its basis in herbs. The write up lists a number of natural plant based remedies:

• Lemon Balm to banish anxiety, boost memory, and aid sleep and digestion.
• Onions have been a cure all in a number of different cultures; to aid in controlling diabetes, improving athletic performance,  etc.
• Cayenne peppers are used as aphrodisiacs as well as pain relievers.
• Plantain, or Plantago is widely used for skin ailments.
• Parsley has been seen to help in infections of the urinary tract.
• Hawthorn is seen to increase cardiovascular health.

While we have seen that homeopathy can be defense against swine flu, now naturopaths and other alternative healers such as practitioners of Ayurveda are coming forward with several natural and herbal substances that can help build up and strengthen a person’s immunity or defense mechanism in order to resist swine flu.

• Black Pepper: This common kitchen ingredient is seen to be a means to increase one’s immunity and to shore up the body’s defense mechanism against infection.
• Ginger, another spice commonly found in kitchens also is seen to boost immunity against problems such as swine flu against which the body may not ordinarily have sufficient antibodies if one is exposed to the virus for the first time.
• Asafetida is a strong smelling condiment whose roots contain a compound that killed the H1N1 swine flu virus in a lab test carried out. The swine flu outbreak of 1918 saw Chinese medicine using asafetida as an effective anti viral so the anti viral properties of this condiment are well established.
• Basil has been seen to be effective against Swine Flu, eating the leaves or wearing a garland made from the leaves helps the body defend itself against the virus entering by way of the mouth or nasal track.

The disgusting liquid just sitting on that tablespoon waiting to be gulped down now, it turns out, may be extremely beneficial.

Perhaps more so than was believed during childhood ages when kids were being forced by moms to take it, fish oil has a surprising number of health benefits.

Fish oil comes from fish like tuna, cod and salmon and has omega 3 fatty acids in it. These acids are vital for brain development and many other body functions. They can help improve memory and concentration. Deficiencies in omega 3 have been thought to cause depression, Alzheimer’s, ADD and ADHD.

It can help regarding heart health and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. It aids in raising good cholesterol levels, thus lowering the chance for a heart disease. Omega 3 makes the blood less likely to clot, thereby also helping to prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Inflammation is linked to several health issues, such as arthritis, heart disease and Crohn’s Disease, and the omega 3 in fish oil also helps with the cycle of inflammation in the body, so it can help with these health problems as well.

Fish oil has been linked with helping to reduce the chances of certain cancers, such as prostate, colon and breast cancers by stopping the development and growth of the cancer cells in the body as well as killing the cancer cells already existing.

Because of fish oils’ ability to reduce inflammation it also aids in the production of elastin and collagen, which are key components to youthful skin, hence reducing wrinkles.

It can also aid the immune system because it helps the production of serotonin, a hormone that makes people happy and can also help lower stress.

The fish oil is always recommended for the diet of the pregnant mothers because not only can it lower the chances of having a child prematurely but it also helps in the baby’s mental, physical and behavioral development.

It’s amazing how this one pill can either repair or reduce the risk for a variety of illnesses, diseases and outward physical appearance. When taking this pill though, it is best not to overdo it as it can cause nausea and an upset stomach.

Also, make sure to find the best brand of fish oil as some contain mercury, which can be deadly and also cause infertility among other health issues.

Shop around to find which brand is best and also consult a doctor, particularly if you are already on medication or suffer from any illnesses or diseases. That being said, this pill may very well be the immediate cure for a variety of health issues.

The disgusting liquid just sitting on that tablespoon waiting to be gulped down now, it turns out, may be extremely beneficial.

Perhaps more so than was believed during childhood ages when kids were being forced by moms to take it, fish oil has a surprising number of health benefits.

Fish oil comes from fish like tuna, cod and salmon and has omega 3 fatty acids in it. These acids are vital for brain development and many other body functions. They can help improve memory and concentration. Deficiencies in omega 3 have been thought to cause depression, Alzheimer’s, ADD and ADHD.

It can help regarding heart health and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. It aids in raising good cholesterol levels, thus lowering the chance for a heart disease. Omega 3 makes the blood less likely to clot, thereby also helping to prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Inflammation is linked to several health issues, such as arthritis, heart disease and Crohn’s Disease, and the omega 3 in fish oil also helps with the cycle of inflammation in the body, so it can help with these health problems as well.

Fish oil has been linked with helping to reduce the chances of certain cancers, such as prostate, colon and breast cancers by stopping the development and growth of the cancer cells in the body as well as killing the cancer cells already existing.

Because of fish oils’ ability to reduce inflammation it also aids in the production of elastin and collagen, which are key components to youthful skin, hence reducing wrinkles.

It can also aid the immune system because it helps the production of serotonin, a hormone that makes people happy and can also help lower stress.

The fish oil is always recommended for the diet of the pregnant mothers because not only can it lower the chances of having a child prematurely but it also helps in the baby’s mental, physical and behavioral development.

It’s amazing how this one pill can either repair or reduce the risk for a variety of illnesses, diseases and outward physical appearance. When taking this pill though, it is best not to overdo it as it can cause nausea and an upset stomach.

Also, make sure to find the best brand of fish oil as some contain mercury, which can be deadly and also cause infertility among other health issues.

Shop around to find which brand is best and also consult a doctor, particularly if you are already on medication or suffer from any illnesses or diseases. That being said, this pill may very well be the immediate cure for a variety of health issues.

Edema, simply put, is water retention. It is also known as dropsy or hydropsy, and is an abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin, or in one or more cavities of the body.

Edema or oedema is characterized by puffiness, swelling, fuller looking veins, weight gain and high blood pressure which are the main symptoms of the condition.

Sometimes edema is caused by organ malfunction and in that case should receive immediate medical attention.

Edema could be brought within control by one of several different methods to control the swelling and to induce dieresis to rid the body of excess fluids.

Dandelion is known to be the best natural diuretic, which will cause excess fluids to be flushed out of the body. Cilantro is also seen to help in controlling edema if it is an allergic form of edema.

Drinking Cilantro juice or applying it locally to the swollen area has been seen to be beneficial in reducing edema caused by an allergic reaction.

Edema can also be helped by massaging of the area because this helps improve circulation and consequently reduce swelling. Some experts recommend the use of coconut oil to relieve edema and using massage strokes inward and upward from the extremities and towards the heart.

Certain changes in habits and one’s diet can also help controlling edema. It is important to be active and get regular exercise for circulation to improve and edema to remain in control.

Additionally it is important not to sit in one place or stand in one place for too long without moving, since this can cause the boy’s fluids to pool around the lower extremities and cause water retention.

Elevating the feet above heart level by placing them on a pillow or other elevated surface can have the effect of draining the excess fluids, particularly from the legs and bringing down swelling.

Sometimes support stockings can also help in preventing water retention, particularly in the feet and ankles region.

Salt is one of the main known culprits for water retention: where salt goes in the body, water follows. So, dietary changes to reduce salt intake helps to greatly improve water retention problems.

Increasing intake of whole grains and limiting alcohol intake will also help. Sometimes a vitamin or mineral supplement may be required to control edema.

Sometimes medication could be the cause of edema and changing the brand of formulation can sometimes deal with the problem effectively.

A combination of massage, healthy eating habits and herbal remedies could actually go a long way to dealing with edema, failing which one would need to consult a doctor for treatment and to rule out other more serious underlying problems.

A hot flash or a hot flush is perhaps the most characteristic symptom of menopause, when the face flushes, there is the feeling of strong heat in the body, and there is profuse sweating and the feeling of mild to extreme discomfort.

Some women also experience rapid heartbeat, anxiety, nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness, or a feeling of being suffocated.

While many women may be able to take hot flashes in their stride, many are subject to the kind of severity when having hot flashes that may require medical intervention.

Menopausal women as well as medical practitioners lean more towards a natural or herbal remedy for hot flashes, prior to considering any kind of hormonal treatment.

The woman’s health fitness site lists the following natural remedies for alleviating symptoms of menopause, many of which also aid in relieving hot flashes:

• Black Cohosh extract;
• Wild Yam extract;
• Sage extract;
• Chaste tree berry extract;
• Bilberry extract, a powerful antioxidant that treats a variety of disorders;
• Black Cumin extract;
• Gotu Kola extract;
• Mahonia Grape extract;
• Olive-Leaf extract;
• Red Clover extract;
• Turmeric extract;
• Isoflavones;
• Ginger extract an effective antibiotic agent and potent antioxidant;
• Gingko biloba extract which is of course a very famous natural herb for enhancing memory, mental acuity, and focus;
• Green Tea extract which is also an extremely potent antioxidant that holds promise for many forms of cancer and heart disease;
• Commiphora Gugulipid extract, an ancient herb from India clinically proven to lower cholesterol safely &;
• Hawthorne Berry extract, natural herbs noted for its powerful heart health benefits.

In addition, Motherwort has been seen to control the length of severity and the frequency of a hot flash and can also counter sleeplessness and soothe the frazzled nerves and anxiety of a woman undergoing menopause. Licorice root has also been seen to alleviate hot flashes because of its estrogenic properties.

A doctor can also be consulted for a multi vitamin that will help ease menopausal problems.

Some medical practitioners also recommend calcium, magnesium or potassium to help in countering the problems encountered due to menopause.

It is widely recommended that soy should be added to the diet for properties that make it rich in isoflavones, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, folic acid, iron and other vitamins and minerals.

Many homeopathic remedies are seen to be very effective for countering hot flashes and since homeopathy is administered in very small doses and has no side effects, it is also a safe option.

Homeopathic medications like Lachesis, Sepia, Valeriana, Ferrum Metallicum, Sulfuricum Acidum, Sanguinaria, Belladonna have all been seen to alleviate hot flashes in one or another way: by countering problems like heavy perspiration, restlessness, agitation, emotional distress, exhaustion, nausea headache or palpitations.

Salt could possibly be linked to curing depression.

Recent studies have shown that salt triggers the mind to release a pleasurable response, thus relieving any depression that you are suffering.

You are often told that too much sodium in the body is harmful; however, if you do not eat salt your body will crave it.

Salt contains nutrients and minerals vital to the body’s functioning and keeps it healthy.

When we eat salt, our brain lets us know that it is great because we feel delight and pleasure in it. This pleasure also shuts off any depression.

In relation, the lessened consumption of salt can affect a person’s mood and can cause worry and concern.

Today many people who suffer from depression are given a number of drugs that inhibit the brain from producing stress hormones or stimulate the brain to produce “feel-good” hormones.

Everyday people turn away from natural cures and go towards manufactured cures. These antidepressant drugs can seriously inhibit someone’s normal day-to-day functioning. People often feel like they are sleep walking through life.

However, studies have shown that natural salt can do the same work that antidepressant drugs do, without the feeling as if you were stumbling around, unable to concentrate and take joy in life.

Right in your cupboard there is a natural antidepressant. Salt has been shown in studies to increase the participant’s attention and speed of reaction.

Salt has also been shown to elevate mood, and you know this when you eat a bag of salty potato chips, because you feel better afterwards.

The lack of salt, however, increases anxiety and tension. Salt intake creates a state of mind related to freed inhibition and abandonment. It makes you feel pleasurable and as if you were free to do anything.

Depression and bad mood can be linked to not having enough salt because it is shown that salt stimulates brain reaction, while lessened salt intake shows less brain activity.

Remember that, although it can help with depression, salt can also cause health problems and damage the body.

High blood pressure has been caused by salt, but in a regular diet, can abate any depression and increases our stimulation and attention. Increased salt intake should be carefully monitored and the raise in salt consumption should be discussed with your doctor.

Although salt may cure depression, too much can harm you, always use caution when trying new diets or cures. The type of salt may be a factor as well. Table salt contains less nutrients and minerals than sea salts that have not been processed.