Skin inflammation symptoms typically indicate an infectious, autoimmune or allergic condition affecting the skin. Common allergic skin conditions include hives (urticaria), contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Examples of autoimmune-inflammatory skin disorders are lichen planus, dermatitis herpetiformis and psoriasis.  Purely inflammatory skin conditions caused by a severe reaction to microorganisms living on the skin include acne, rosacea, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Prescription treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions range from topical corticosteroids and oral or injected immunosuppressants to benzoyl peroxide and oral antibiotics. For many people, prescription skin medications cause unwanted side effects such as severe drying of the skin, nausea and...

SMART BOTANICALS:  3 Reasons Why Turmeric is the Perfect Anti-Inflammatory Do you know what the mother of maladies is? Chronic inflammation. Chronic, low-grade or systemic inflammation has been linked to a vast range of medical conditions from Alzheimer’s and depression to the joint pain of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Left unchecked, chronic inflammation inhibits the body’s ability to repair healthy tissue in arteries, joints, muscles and various organs. The good news? Healthy lifestyle choices help manage chronic inflammation, and first among those choices?  An anti-inflammatory diet.  But even the most health-conscious, need to supplement their diets.  And just as there...

  Dogs and people have more in common than just bonds of companionship. They are prone to some of the same age-related illnesses as humans, including inflammatory joint pain and arthritis. While many veterinarians are quick to offer prescription medication for the pain and stiffness that accompanies arthritis, you may be surprised to know that a safe alternative to pain meds for dogs may be hiding in your spice cabinet.  Turmeric, a genetic relative of ginger, is a spice commonly found in curry and yellow mustard. For centuries, it's been a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory processes in the human body....