Anti-Aging - Anti-Inflammatory Support

Abnormal inflammation is a common root of many chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. It can be a component of other diseases such as multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. Besides eating an anti-inflammatory diet, you might want to give your body additional support with a few key anti-inflammatory herbs and over-the-counter drugs.

Antioxidants: Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (with or without acetyl-l-carnitine) decreases insulin resistance while augmenting the body's antioxidant defenses. If you have any degree of metabolic syndrome (low HDL cholesterol, high serum triglycerides, a tendency to gain weight in the abdomen, a tendency toward high blood pressure) or have a personal or family history of obesity or type 2 diabetes, consider taking ALA. Start with 100 milligrams a day; take up to 400 milligrams a day.

Grape Seed - A Super Antioxidant

Grape-seed extract helps prevent and treat age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration. If you're generally healthy, Dr. Weil suggest 100 milligrams a day.

Antioxidants: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, or Ubiquinone)

Coenzyme Q10 increases oxygen use at the cellular level, improves the function of heart-muscle cells, and boosts the capacity for aerobic exercise. The main problem with it is its bioavailability -- how much gets into your system and used. New softgel and emulsified forms are much better than other forms in this respect but still need to be taken with a meal that contains fat. Recommendation: 60 milligrams a day of CoQ10.

Slippery Elm to Soothe a Sore Throat

To soothe a sore throat, try slippery elm, which can help ease pain by coating irritated tissue. Look for slippery elm lozenges and suck on them as needed.

Bone Up on Calcium

Studies have found that supplementing with 500 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily may ease premenstrual symptoms. Other research suggests that getting calcium from foods (low-fat dairy, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, spinach, and beans) may also ease PMS.

Bloated? Chew Some Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are considered a carminative, a substance that helps relieve gas. Chew and then swallow about half a teaspoon of the seeds after meals.

Burn More Calories - Spice It Up!

Spice It Up - Just 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon added to your food can help prevent insulin spikes. The capsaicin in chilies gives your heart rate a boost and jump-starts your metabolism, so try some cayenne or chili powder. Ginger expands your blood vessels, which helps to increase the metabolism.

Green Tea to Burn Fat

A crucial compound in green tea is EGCG, which has been shown to speed up metabolism. The caffeine content helps with that as well. Green tea contains about five times the amount of fat-fighting EGCG as black tea. Kick off the New Year, and your metabolism with Green Tea!

Bad Breath Blues?

Don't get down...we have an easy solution! To combat bad breath, consider investing in this inexpensive plastic or metal device to remove bacteria from the back of your tongue. Some studies suggest that adding tongue scraping to your regimen may be slightly more effective at eliminating breath odor than just brushing your teeth.

Holiday Cheer Left you With a Sour Belly?

Ease occasional indigestion by sipping a cup of peppermint tea

after your meal. Peppermint improves the flow of bile, which moves food through the digestive tract more quickly. Use peppermint with caution if you have acid reflux; it can make that problem worse.

Get Your Daily D

Get your vitamin D level checked with a simple blood test. Vitamin D is at least as important as calcium for strong bones, and most Americans don't get enough. Get a minimum of 1,000 IU a day through supplements and food.

Cayenne Pepper to Increase Circulation

To warm up cold feet, sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into your socks. This folk remedy may help warm your toes by increasing circulation and improving blood flow. Others believe cayenne can not only kick up your kitchen creations but also kick up their metabolism for more calorie burn - good for your New Year's Resolutions!

Calendula for Your Skin Ailments

To ease acne, forgo benzoyl peroxide for lotion or soap made from calendula flowers, which may have antiseptic effects. Also good for other skin irritations due to sunburn, windburn and chafing or diaper rash. Calendula promotes healing of minor cuts and abrasions of the skin.

Hot Flashes? Consider Black Cohosh

Several studies have found that women who take the herb black cohosh during menopause may experience fewer and milder hot flashes. Many women experience reduced severity of hot flashes and mood enhancement as well!