The horse chestnut has been used as a traditional remedy for arthritis, rheumatism and the management of varicose and hemorrhoids. The seeds are toxic, and many methods have been used to rid them of toxicity. The herb is more popularly used in Europe.

The useful constituents of horse chestnut are derived from the seeds and bark of the Aesculus tree. Aescin seems to provide some weak diuretic activity and may decrease the permeability of venous capillaries. It also has a tonic effect on the veins and prevents collagen breakdown by inhibiting glycosaminoglycan hydrolases. Sterol content may have some anti-inflammatory activity. The toxic glycoside, aesculin, is a hydroxycoumarin with potential antithrombotic activity; however, the toxin is removed during preparation. Horse chestnut is available as capsules and as creams made from an aescin/cholesterol complex, in products such as Arthro-Therapy, Cell-U-Var Cream, Varicare, Varicosin, Venocare Ultrajoint Response, and Venastat.

Diverticulosis, the formation of small pouches in the intestinal walls, is a precursor of diverticulitis, a condition in which the pouches become infected because they're filled with debris. Your best bet, then, is to treat diverticulosis so you don't develop diverticulitis. Many of the following remedies are helpful for both conditions:

Take psyllium (a high-fiber seed) or wheat bran with lots of fluids daily to keep your bowels moving comfortably and to help prevent diverticulitis.

Use generous amounts of raw garlic, an antiinfective, in dishes such as salads. Or take 3 garlic capsules 3 times daily.

Drink slippery elm tea to calm inflamed intestines. To make the tea, simmer 2 teaspoons of powder in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily until symptoms subside.

Whether we realize it or not, we have immediate power over certain aspects of our health. Sure, you're thinking. Tell THAT one to my doctor. Well, your doctor would agree with you. What we eat, how much we sleep, what kinds of stress we're under, how much we exercise, all of these things are under our control. If we're looking for better health, then we have to start the process and be willing to take the initiative and make a commitment to taking better care of our body.

Picture this scenario: if you're suffering from musculoskeletal pain you'll go to your doctor, and he or she will make a diagnosis. There are usually four options you'll get from them: therapy, medication, surgery, or a combination of all three. After the initial diagnosis your doctor will become more of an evaluator, checking up on your progress and deciding whether the treatment should be increased, changed, or stopped.