Women are familiar with bloating, as many of us feel it around the time of our menstrual cycle. I call it the stuffed sausage feel.

Everything you put on seems to turn your middle into an inner tube. A perfect analogy in my mind, because you do feel like you're retaining enough water to float to China.

Men can feel this way to, and obviously, it has nothing to do with the onset of their menses. So, what is this "stuffed sausage" syndrome, and what can you do about it? Much of this can be attributed to a dirty colon - plain and simple - many believe.

What is the Colon & What Does It Do

Herbal and dietary supplements have gained great popularity over the last few years.Herbal and dietary supplements might be popular but are they safe?

What are Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are called a form of dietary supplement by the FDA consequently they are not regulated like prescription drugs are in this country. Herbal supplements are sold in many forms these include:

powders
tablets
capsules
teas

Many herbal supplements are also added to vitamins, minerals, and other food products.

Herbal Supplement Regulations

Characterized by symptoms including rapid heartbeat, troubled breathing, trembling muscles and fatigue or irritability, anxiety is a complex medical condition that often has no identified cause. While we all feel anxious from time to time, anxiety that's persistent or interferes with your day-to-day activities may be cause for concern. If you suspect that your constant worry, insomnia or other symptoms are caused by anxiety, ask your doctor if a natural herbal remedy is appropriate for you.

Calming Yourself With Chamomile

There is an herbal remedy for just about everything from a simple cold to back pain and headaches. But what if you have a medical condition that requires prescription medication? Most people are not aware of possible harmful interactions that can lead to more serious problems in the long run.

According to the Department of Pharmacy at the National University of Singapore, the interactions between herbal remedies and prescription medication depends on many factors. Most importantly the factors concerning the herbal remedy, the prescription medication and the patient themselves should be taken into consideration before allowing a person to take the herbal remedy in conjunction with their prescription medication. While herbal remedies do help, a need for greater awareness is needed as well as the herbal supplemental itself should be properly labeled to alert of potential interactions.

Many Americans are learning of the importance that minerals play in preventing and curing disease. Unfortunately, just as many have been left disappointed when they experienced the unpleasant effects often observed when they took any form of minerals including colloidal ones and/or trace minerals. Some developed severe headaches, red eyes, upset stomach and other maladies. It's been said repeatedly that nutrients should be delivered through foods and drinks, not from man's chemically processed substances.

With today's growth in the supplement world, more terms are getting used that you may not understand. Do you know the difference between an extract and a tincture? Between enriched and fortified? Below are 10 herbal supplement words that you need to know.

Antioxidant - a substance that can lessen damage or prevent the damage to cells that is caused by oxidation. Antioxidants are the vitamins E, C, and beta carotene.

IU - International Unit - this unit measures a vitamin's activity. Only 3 vitamins have this measurement: A, D, and E.

Mg- milligram - This is a unit of measurement that means 1/1000 of a gram.

Mcg- microgram- This is a unit of measurement that means 1/1000 of a milligram.

Enriched - Where a product loses nutrients via the cooking process or preparation and have them added back to the final product.

Middle age brings many changes for women and their bodies. One of them is a natural part of aging called menopause. It usually takes several years for the process to reach completion and women suffer from discomfort during the meantime from several uncomfortable symptoms. Mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms and can really make your life miserable if you suffer from one or more of these symptoms.

Echinacea has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy, helping to strengthen the immune system and provide better body health in a variety of ways. Recommended as a supplement for overall health and wellness, Echinacea can be found in nearly any health and nutrition store, and many supermarkets and pharmacies. As society continually looks for better ways to improve their health, they are turning to Echinacea herbal supplements, taking them daily.

Echinacea as an herbal supplement is not terribly expensive, but it can be difficult and confusing to determine which brand of Echinacea herbal supplements to purchase, since there are ever-increasing varieties available as herbal supplement popularity grows. Here are some of the top choices for Echinacea herbal supplements on the market, all for under $20, some considerably less.

Echinacea has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy, helping to strengthen the immune system and provide better body health in a variety of ways. Recommended as a supplement for overall health and wellness, Echinacea can be found in nearly any health and nutrition store, and many supermarkets and pharmacies. As society continually looks for better ways to improve their health, they are turning to Echinacea herbal supplements, taking them daily.

Echinacea as an herbal supplement is not terribly expensive, but it can be difficult and confusing to determine which brand of Echinacea herbal supplements to purchase, since there are ever-increasing varieties available as herbal supplement popularity grows. Here are some of the top choices for Echinacea herbal supplements on the market, all for under $20, some considerably less.