In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified very hot drinks, above 65 °C, as probably carcinogenic to humans. That is the usual temperature of tea and mate in much of the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America. But it was not clear whether the risk also applied to the temperatures at […]
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A doctor in Colombia came across a very strange case: cancer cells that came from a tapeworm. The case is unique and had never been seen before. The 41-year-old patient came to his doctor in Colombia with fever, cough and weight loss lasting several months. He had previously been diagnosed with HIV but was not […]
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Patients have lately been asking a lot about laser teeth whitening. We asked dentist and oral surgeon Dr Zeinallah Talal al-Qari to explain. Laser whitening uses high-energy light, from a halogen or plasma arc lamp, to release hydrogen peroxide molecules without irritating the tooth's nerve, she says. First a wax-like layer is applied to protect […]
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Reuters: scientists in the United States say they have found a new treatment for chronic diseases, using the eggs of a parasite that infects pigs to treat people with diseases such as Crohn's disease (a chronic inflammatory bowel disease) and rheumatism. Patients take the first medicine of its kind designed to treat autoimmune diseases. Each […]
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American women are getting heavier, and 35% of them are trying to lose weight, but most fail in the long run. Many go through repeated cycles of losing and regaining weight, which leads doctors to say that dieting can be more dangerous to health than not dieting. A growing number of doctors are warning about […]
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common complaints. It is usually so mild that many people live with it without knowing they have it, but in many cases it can cause severe symptoms and intense pain. IBS has many causes, but most are directly linked to everyday habits, including: The main symptom […]
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Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) is a medicinal herb grown as a strong seasoning with a taste reminiscent of wormwood. It is a medium-sized herb about a metre tall with long, narrow, branching leaves and a lemony scent. Its small yellow flowers open in July and August. The leaves and flowers are used fresh or dried and […]
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Allergan says its gastric band helps a much wider group of obese people lose weight, according to documents published on Wednesday. Allergan, the biggest maker of Botox (injections for wrinkles), breast implants and other cosmetic products, plans to market its Lap-Band to people who are less obese than current users, which could boost sales. Allergan's […]
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Latin name: Melissa officinalis, of the mint family (Lamiaceae) A perennial medicinal herb, from leafy plant to small shrub, which may stay green all year depending on where it grows. In the Levant it grows wild in damp ground near water, and in fertile, sunny land. It is also cultivated as a kitchen herb. It […]
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