Obesity affects more than one-third of adults in the United States, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A major health threat, obesity is known to increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer. To help protect against obesity-related health troubles, some individuals turn to sterculic oil (a natural substance extracted from the seeds of the wild almond tree).

Also touted as a natural weight loss aid, sterculic oil is thought to fend off metabolic health issues associated with obesity. Indeed, some animal-based studies suggest that sterculic oil may boost metabolic health by regulating blood sugar, reducing abdominal fat, lowering cholesterol levels, decreasing inflammation in the liver, and fighting insulin resistance.

More research is needed before sterculic oil can be recommended for any health condition. Along with following a balanced diet and exercising regularly, you can support your weight-loss efforts by managing your stress levels and improving your sleep quality. Read the full article: Sterculic Oil - What You Need to Know.

Almost 67 million Americans have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. To help bring your blood pressure down and boost your heart health, it's crucial to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, follow a balanced diet, limit your intake of salt and alcohol, and avoid smoking.

Preliminary research also suggests that ylang ylang essential oil (a substance long used in aromatherapy) may be of some benefit to people with high blood pressure. For instance, a small study published in 2012 found that breathing in the scent of an aromatherapy blend containing ylang ylang essential oil led to a decrease in blood pressure and stress-hormone levels.

While it's too soon to recommend ylang ylang essential oil for blood pressure control, incorporating ylang-ylang-based aromatherapy into your self-care routine might offer stress-reducing benefits that could enhance your overall health. Read the full article: Ylang Ylang Essential Oil - What You Need to Know.

To help tame their tension and nervousness, many people with anxiety turn to supplements like mulungu (an herbal remedy extracted from a tree native to South America). Said to act as a sedative, mulungu is thought to calm the central nervous system.

Although research on mulungu's health effects is fairly limited, some preliminary research suggests that the herb may help lessen anxiety. In tests on animals, for instance, several studies published in the last decade determined that mulungu may aid in the treatment of anxiety-related conditions.

Other herbal remedies for anxiety include passion flower, kava, and valerian (all found to offer anti-anxiety benefits in a number of scientific studies). In addition, taking up mind-body practices like yoga, meditation, and guided imagery may help promote relaxation and reduce your anxiety levels. Read the full article: Mulungu - What You Need to Know.

An enzyme found naturally in papaya, papain is often touted for natural relief of pain. Sold in supplement form, papain is thought to alleviate pain in part by curbing inflammation.

Although research on the pain-reducing effects of papain is very limited, there's some evidence that it may help treat certain pain-causing conditions. For instance, studies show that papain can aid in the treatment of shingles, as well as soothe sore throat.

If you're seeking a natural approach to pain management, a number of remedies have been found to possess pain-relieving properties. For instance, herbs like white willow bark, devil's claw, and boswellia each appear to help tame pain. In addition, studies suggest that taking up mind-body practices like tai chi, yoga, meditation, and guided imagery may be beneficial to people struggling with chronic pain. Read the full article: papain.