Author Archives: marktsaloumas
Flatulence is caused by the production of gas in the intestines. A certain amount of gas arises from the normal activity of enzymes and micro-organisms in the digestive system; however, excess gas results from increased fermentation.
(more…)Haemorrhoids, otherwise known as piles, are varicose veins of the peri-anal area. Piles begin as superficial veins in the vascular tissues which enlarge and become twisted. They can form internally or externally, and while some remain blind, others eventually hang like grapes.
(more…)Oats first appeared as a domestic crop during the Bronze Age and have been valued ever since, due to their high nutrient content. The common oat (Avena sativa) has a tall, hollow stem with lanceolate leaves typical of the grass family, while the flowers and seeds form loose hanging panicles. The wild oats found growing along the roadsides and in paddocks belong to the same family and several species have been cultivated in Asia, Africa and Europe. The seed, husks and the fresh green straw of common oats are all used in herbal medicine.
(more…)Gall stones are formed in the gallbladder from bile salts, bilirubin, calcium, and cholesterol. The most common types are cholesterol stones followed by pigment stones. This condition affects up to 15% of the population, women more so than men, the prevalence increasing with age.
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an inconspicuous plant that can be seen flowering white or pink around the sheering sheds during Spring, or in the grass along the paddock fences. It has tall erect stems with finely notched leaves that give it the epithet millefolium, while the first part of its Latin name derives from Homer’s account of the warrior Achilles, who used the herb to dress wounds at Troy. It was used this way in the First World War when dressings were sparse, as with moss and garlic, honouring its use as a woundwort that probably dates back to the beginning of civilisation.
(more…)Hay fever, otherwise known as allergic rhinitis, is an inflammatory condition of the nasal membranes caused by IgE sensitisation. It can be triggered by inhaled allergens, pet fur, dust mites, pollen, grasses, food, or certain drugs.
(more…)Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) has been cultivated since the time of the Romans, and people of Mediterranean origin still often still grow this old-fashioned vegetable in their gardens in Melbourne, knowing its health benefits. In fact, the French herbalist Maurice Messegue says that it is ‘the best preventative medicine for people in their fifties.’1 Only the tender parts of the unopened flower are usually eaten once the heads have been steamed, and they are garnished with olive oil and lemon juice.
(more…)Gout is a painful inflammatory condition arising from the formation of needle-like monosodium urate crystals in joints, tendons and other tissues. It is popularly associated with over-eating and excessive drinking, the indulgences being punished with a very painful big toe (podagra). There is, however, considerable variation in sensitivity to diet among sufferers.
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The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub with small, dark-green leaves, and long protective thorns. It comes originally from the Himalayas or Iran and is found in the Mediterranean region and along the Silk Road towards Afghanistan and China. It is a hardy plant which can live for hundreds of years and produces red flowers and large berries the size of an apple. These have a tough, dry peel full of flesh-covered seeds. The pomegranate is mostly used to make sweet desserts or juice, but it is also made into syrups and wine.
(more…)Constipation refers to the infrequent passage of stool, where the norm is considered to be once per day. Constipation affects most people from time to time due to a temporary change of routine or diet; however, chronic constipation is a major problem affecting many people living on the modern urban diet and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Hypothyroidism, coeliac disease, diabetes, iron supplements, or pharmaceutical medication are other possible causes. Constipation is also a common complaint during pregnancy.
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