The thyroid gland, which is housed just below your voice box, derives its name from the Greek word for shield due to its shape. A healthy thyroid is just a little bigger than a quarter and cannot be felt under the skin. It has two lobes. A swollen lobe may just feel like a lump in your throat.

A swollen lobe is called a goiter that is normally caused due to iodine deficiency. There are, however, other abnormal conditions of thyroid, out of which, thyroid cancer (thyroid carcinoma) is the most serious.

Often, thyroid cancers in early stages produce no thyroid cancer symptoms. As the cancer grows, a small lump or nodule can be felt in the neck. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are caused by benign conditions – only about 1 percent of these types of nodules actually signify the presence of thyroid cancer.

If it is indeed thyroid cancer and begins to spread, it can cause thyroid cancer symptoms that include:  Read more...

Menstrual migraines affect only women and are quite debilitating. The migraines are affected by hormones fluctuating through the menstrual cycle. Women suffer from migraines 3 times more frequently then men and those which are controlled by hormones are classified as menstrual headaches and PMS headaches. Menstrual migraines and PMS headaches occur in 60% of all women who suffer from migraines.

Menstrual migraines are a complex problem that requires a significant amount of skill to diagnose and treat successfully. Women shouldn’t be satisfied with the first answer or even the second one but should seek out care for menstrual migraines until they are satisfied that their particular menstrual migraines are adequately treated.

Serotinin is involved in the trigger of many menstrual migraines. Some researchers believe there is also a genetic link in the way that people metabolize serotonin and then the way in which the hormone interacts with the female hormones.

The symptoms of menstrual migraines are similar to those of migraines. The headaches usually start on one side, are throbbing and accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to bright lights.  Read more...

Rose oil is one of the most popular essential oils. It has a rich floral fragrance conjuring up images of romance, luxury and pampering. More importantly its properties are said to be:

* Antidepressant
* Calming, Soothing, Relaxing, Restful
* Sensuous, Aphrodisiac
* Uplifting
* Balancing
* Improves confidence
* Reduces fatigue, stress and exhaustion

Rose oil is made from rose petals. As you can imagine it takes a lot of petals to produce a very small amount of oil. Estimates suggest that it may take a ton of petals to produce 300 grams of Rose Oil.

Unfortunately the real McCoy is very expensive, however you can buy the more affordable Rose Geranium (also known as Rose-French oil) which seems to work almost as well at one-tenth of the price. It contains many of the same ingredients as Rose – geraniol, linalool and citronellol – and it has similar properties and scent.  Read more...

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Here is some info on a few herbal essential oils that are a very helpful addition to your family’s first aid kit

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

* Clary Sage is used in aromatherapy in preference to Sage (Salvia Officinalis) because Sage can be quite toxic. Clary possesses the positive effects of Sage without the danger. One should avoid the use of alcohol while using Clary Sage because the combination can bring on severe nightmares. Clary produces a heightened state akin to euphoria and relaxation. It is used in treating asthma, and during convalescence of the flu. It is used in abdominal massage for digestive problems. (Source: A-Z Aromatherapy by Patricia Davis)
* Most valuable uses: Muscular fatigue, menstrual problems, PMS, fertility, exhaustion, insomnia, menopausal problems, calming, stress, depression, cramps, excessive perspiration.
* Therapeutic properties: Antiseptic, calmative, tonic, emmenagogue, anti-infectious, anti-spasmodic, anti-sudorific, aphrodisiac, nerve tonic, nervine, estrogen-like
* Main chemical components: Linalol, Linalyl Acetate, Germacrene, Ceranyl acetate
* Contraindication: Avoid during pregnancy.

(Source: Essential Aromatherapy: A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Susan Worwood Valerie Worwood)  Read more...

Between 1918 and 1919 over 20 million people died from the influenza virus. There were not many ways known to treat the virus and as a result it spread quickly and killed many. The influenza virus is spread through respiratory secretions, from coughing and sneezing, and will usually run its course within one to two weeks.

Symptoms include chills, fever, headache, soreness, backache and fatigue. Individuals who are at higher risk for developing more severe disease often have an underlying medical condition that affects their immune system, such as AIDS, diabetes or asthma, or they are greater than 65 or younger than five.

For the largest majority of people, however, the flu causes uncomfortable and irritating symptoms that resolve on their own. The best way to treat the flu is to prevent getting it in the first place. That is accomplished by keeping your immune system in good condition and practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus.  Read more...

Do you know the difference between the flu and the stomach flu?

While “stomach flu” is a popular term, it isn’t a correct medical diagnosis. These are actually two different diagnosis caused by two different types of irritants. The correct term for the stomach flu is gastroenteritis. Gastro meaning stomach, enter relating to the intestines and itis meaning inflammation.

People who are suffering from gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, will have irritation or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenteritis can be caused by either virus, bacteria or a parasite and does not necessarily need to be caused by an infectious process. Triggers for gastroenteritis can include lactose intolerance or other allergic reactions to specific food types.

On the other hand, the flu is caused by a virus known as influenza. The flu often mimics the same symptoms as a respiratory cold except that it begins much more quickly with symptoms of fatigue, fever and respiratory congestion. Individuals who suffer from an upper respiratory infection, also known as the common cold, may also suffer from a low grade fever but individuals who are experiencing the flu will generally have a fever greater than 100 Fahrenheit.  Read more...