Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is among the best known of the savory genus. It is an annual, but otherwise is similar in use and flavor to the perennial winter savory.  It is used more often than winter savory, which has a slightly more bitter flavor.

This herb has lilac tubular flowers which bloom in the northern hemisphere from July to September.

It grows to around 30 to 60 cm (0.98 to 1.97 ft) in height and has very slender, bronze-green leaves.

Summer savory is a traditional popular herb ...

satureja hortensis

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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There are more than 30 species of savory (Satureja sp.), the most famous being the summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and the mountain savory (Satureja montana), also known as winter&nbsp;savory.

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A little-known fact is that&nbsp;savory is a good helper for those suffering from metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance) due to its numerous effects on various organs and systems affected by the condition. In this article we will consider what beneficial effects the savory has on your body and metabolism.

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 What is the relationship between PCOS, insulin resistance and infertility

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The information was taken from A Review of the Benefits of Satureja Species on Metabolic Syndrome and Their Possible Mechanisms of Action, 2015, Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary &amp; Alternative Medicine. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_of_the_benefits_of_Satureja_species_on_metabolic_syndrome_and_their_possible_mechanisms_of_action_25563729" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

What-is-Metabolic-Syndrome

What is Metabolic Syndrome

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Metabolic syndrome is also known as insulin resistance. The condition has a direct impact on cardiovascular disease and affects too many people. It is a set of metabolic disorders.

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In order for someone to be diagnosed with the disease, it is necessary to have at least three of the following 5 characteristics:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) &lt;40 mg/dL in men and &lt;50 mg/dL in women,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL.</li>
</ul>

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There are 6 components of metabolic syndrome that are associated with cardiovascular disease: abdominal obesity, atherogenous dyslipidemia (plaque formation in blood vessels), increased blood pressure, insulin resistance with or without glucose intolerance, pro-inflammatory state and prothrombotic state (propensity to blood clots).

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The critical consequences of metabolic syndrome are the development of&nbsp;<a href="/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_2_na_iedno_miasto_9b1be4d6_84a7_42c6_8e37_de3bd6480ba1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">type 2 diabetes mellitus</a>, hypertension, dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic vascular diseases, especially diseases of the coronary arteries.

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Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy nutrition and genetic factors contribute significantly to the development of the disease.

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In women, insulin resistance is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a common cause of infertility.

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Herbs to help conception: which herbs and supplements regulate the cycle in PCOS

Herbs-and-Medicinal-Plants-That-May-Improve-Metabolic-Syndrome

Herbs and Medicinal Plants That May Improve Metabolic Syndrome

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A number of medicinal plants are being studied because of their potential to regulate various aspects of the disease, including:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia) have been studied to cope with hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">dill (Anethum graveolens), garlic (Allium sativum), rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and mulberry (Morus alba) have been tested for their hypotensive (lowering blood pressure) and hypolipidemic effects (lowering lipids in the blood).</li>
</ul>

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Savory-Has-Many-More-Effects

Savory Has Many More Effects

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All of the above herbs have their limitations and relatively narrow spectrum of action, unlike the savory, which seems to possess an entire arsenal of weapons specifically aimed at manifestations of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.

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It has the following actions:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">аntioxidant,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">controls the lipids in the blood,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">lowers blood glucose,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">inhibits lipid peroxidation,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anti-inflammatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">analgesic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antiproliferative,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">against diarrhoea,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">releases blood vessels (vasorelaxant),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antifungal and antibacterial,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antiviral,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antispasmodic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anticoagulant action (against blood clotting).</li>
</ul>

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Here we will consider some of them in more detail.

Antioxidant-Properties-of-Savory

Antioxidant Properties of Savory

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According to several studies, savory has remarkable antioxidant activity - it neutralizes free radicals. Probably this is due to the substances it contains: triterpenoid, carvacrol, tannin, steroid and flavonoid components.

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What are the benefits of antioxidants for health and which foods are richest to them

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Savory-May-Lower-Blood-Sugar

Savory May Lower Blood Sugar

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Some studies have found that the savory can lower the blood sugar level when it is too high (hyperglycemia). The antioxidant activity of the herb is thought to play a role in this. [<a href="https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2009.140.145" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Savory-May-Lower-Blood-Lipids

Savory May Lower Blood Lipids

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Several studies have shown that savory can lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while raising the level of good cholesterol (HDL).

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Three main substances in the plants of the savory family - Lamiaceae, suppress cholesterol synthesis: isopropanoids, carvacrol and tymol.

Anti-inflammatory-Action-of-Savory

Anti-inflammatory Action of Savory

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The anti-inflammatory action of savory can be due to the presence of flavonoids, steroids and thanin, since they have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

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Another reason may be the antioxidant effect of the savory, which neutralizes the free radicals formed during inflammation. Also, flavonoids can inhibit the release of histamine and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by mast cells.

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Anticancer-Properties-of-Savory

Anticancer Properties of Savory

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According to a 2016 study, essential oils of two types of savory - S. thymbra and S. parnassica,&nbsp;exhibit significant antioxidant and antiproliferative actions (inhibit the multiplication of cancer cells), mainly due to their main components: carvacrol and thymol. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Antioxidant_and_Antiproliferative_Properties_of_the_Essential_Oils_of_Satureja_thymbra_and_Satureja_parnassica_and_their_Major_Constituents_27793897" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

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Another study has found that these substances exhibit numerous other beneficial biological activities: antimicrobial, diuretic, anti-HIV-1, anti-diarrhea.

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Very often, the biological activity of herbal products is attributed to the most dominant components. However, the effect of plant products as a result of the synergy of all components present in the plant can be more significant than the activity of each individual component. And the body's reaction to the extract is not the same as the reaction to individual components, and this should be taken into account when using herbs for treatment.

How-to-Use-Savory

How to Use Savory

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There are different ways you can use savory.

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For tea (infusion): the leaves are poured with boiling water and allowed to steam for 2 to 15 minutes depending on your taste, then strain and drink.

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To prepare a decoction: pour the leaves with cold water, which is left on the hob to boil. Boil for 15 to 30 minutes, then strain.

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Maceration: savory leaves remain in cold water for several hours to extract the active ingredients, then strain.

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In the kitchen: savory wonderfully complements dishes of fish, appetizers of raw vegetables, stews, sauces and much more.

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Savory is becoming of great interest and is being examined more thoroughly as a medicinal plant. And while we wait for the results - what's better than a good old gypsy pie with oil, paprika and savory?

Savory: a Herb with Numerous Health Benefits

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 Savory: a Herb with Numerous Health Benefits

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Author: Yana Nencheva, Biochemist, PhD candidate in Biophysics

Even if you think that they are not a big deal, that everyone has them, that they are something normal and harmless, which you should not be afraid of, in fact hemorrhoids lower your quality of life. Even if you don't have much trouble with them now, the condition could worsen if you don't pay attention to it in time.

Is there a cure for them, can you stop them from worsening, and prevent their occurance in the first place? In the article, you will leran what are the classic (conventional) ways of treating and preventing hemorrhoids, what type of drugs are applied and whether there is herbal treatment to help you.

What is alternative medicine and what are its benefits?

Risk-factors-for-getting-hemorrhoids-and-consequences

Risk factors for getting hemorrhoids and consequences

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As we have discussed in the previous article, <a href="/p/kakvo_sa_khiemoroiditie_i_kogha_da_izvikamie_liekar_3d7d369e_8379_45e7_a3cb_efe766bb0f74" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">What are hemorrhoids and when to call a doctor</a>, in most cases they are not dangerous. Evolutionarily, the organism could not afford to have a weak spot of this type if it were really so dangerous. Of course, there is always a possibility of complication, for example a complication of <a href="../p/aniemiia_kolko_vida_sshchiestvuvat_kakvo_da_iadiem_kak_da_kombiniramie_khranitie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anemia</a>.

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In the classic case, rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids has a clear red color and leaves some spotting on the underwear. Blood can be seen on the feces in red color, on toilet paper when wiping and on the underwear or sanitary pad. It is normal for the blood to leak for up to 5 minutes and then it is expected to stop [<a href="/p/kakvo_sa_khiemoroiditie_i_kogha_da_izvikamie_liekar_3d7d369e_8379_45e7_a3cb_efe766bb0f74" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">ref.1</a>].

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<h4>Besides weakness of the blood vessels wall, other risk&nbsp;factors, which can lead to hemorrhoids, are:</h4>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">sedentary lifestyle,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">heavy physical activity,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">pregnancy,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">diet poor in fiber,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">chronic constipation,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">heavy diarrhea and others.</li>
</ul>

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<a href="/p/5_bilki_poliezni_za_diabietitsi_i_khora_izlozhieni_na_risk_ot_boliestta_a1be3113_4acb_48b7_98d1_885314093e78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">5 herbs useful for diabetics and people at risk of the disease</a>

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<a href="/p/kakvo_ie_boliest_na_kron_i_kak_sie_diaghnostitsira_f1bbb289_7915_4718_983b_21a0ff00feaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">What is Crohn's disease and how it is diagnosed</a>

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<a href="/p/gastrit_simptomi_i_liechieniie_6738966e_97ec_4c3d_96e6_168c9f91571c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Gastritis - symptoms and treatment</a>

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<a href="/p/zashcho_chrievniiat_mikrobiom_ie_tolkova_vazhien_za_nas_i_nashieto_biebie_f1c8c877_5195_4564_831e_1e2eef76df59" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">The intestinal microbiome is extremely important to us and our baby</a>

Treatment-and-prevention-of-hemorrhoids

Treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids

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Treatment is complex and affects several parameters to obtain the desired effect. In this case, the following organs and structures are interrelated:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">the digestive system,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">the circulatory system,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">the musculature in the small pelvis.</li>
</ul>

The-digestive-system---fibers-are-a-friend

The digestive system - fibers are a friend

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One of the factors for the formation and irritation of hemorrhoids is the pressure that occurs with bowel movements, so nutrition should be balanced. Peristalsis should be accelerated or delayed so that the release of waste products is not too common or rare for the individual organism. On the other hand, the consistency f fecal matter should not be too rigid, since this mechanically irritates hemorrhoids, but the same applies for the opposite case, as well.

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The ways of dealing with this problem are individual, according to the needs of the body. There is no panacea, but a varied diet with enough carbohydrates, fats, proteins and the required amount of fiber [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Health_benefits_of_dietary_fiber_19335713" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>] is a prerequisite for balance in this regard as well.

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<h4>Many herbs support the activity of the intestinal tract, thereby having a beneficial effect on the treatment of hemorrhoids:</h4>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Thyme tea (Thymus vulgaris) soothes the mucous membrane of the stomach, thus promoting the initial processing of food without causing diarrhea;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Chamomile tea (Matricaria chamomilla) is a known remedy for calming and regulating irritated intestines, which is why many doctors recommend it for this type of problems, and the same applies to mint tea (Mentha spicata);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Often doctors recommend the crystalline form of the aloe vera plant, since it is a known regulator of normal bowel movements, it is perscibed against constipation;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"> Spearmint tea (Mentha crispata) soothes the stomach and turbulent peristalsis, it is used in the diet treatment of worsened gastritis and colitis, respectively irritated hemorrhoids;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is also recommended, but only as a spice to dishes, because it irritates the stomach, it increases the acidity of gastric juice, therefore it is not recommended for people with gastritis, ulcer and colitis, but accelerates peristalsis.</li>
</ul>

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The-digestive-system---fibers-are-a-friend_2_6

<a href="/p/7_bilki_koito_obliekchavat_loshoto_khranosmilanie_i_dispiepsiiata_60bc6c30_0949_4ed7_933c_460f9104d318" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">7 herbs that relieve indigestion and dyspepsia</a>

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<a href="/p/kak_da_razpoznaiem_iazvata_na_stomakha_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_aca42d14_75a4_49dc_900a_1ec74f04c479" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">How to recognize the ulcer of the stomach - causes, symptoms and treatment</a>

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<a href="/p/losho_khranosmilanie_dispiepsiia_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_295123d1_141a_4a34_b5b4_38236707b61c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Indigestion (dyspepsia) - causes, symptoms and treatment</a>

The-circulatory-system---when-is-surgery-needed?

The circulatory system - when is surgery needed?

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Surgical intervention usually means the removal of this "modified" blood vessel - the hemorrhoid. In the animated video below are presented the steps of such a procedure.

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<h4>The medical strenghtening of the vascular wall is among the classic methods of treatment:</h4>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">There are preparations with hyaluronic acid, which besides strength, improve the elasticity of the vessels;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Your physician might prescribe you a medication that only strenghtens the blood vessels;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Local products usually contain an analgesic (lidocaine), a proper antibiotic (to fight inflammation) and an antifungal ingredient. The doctor assesses whether it is more appropriate for the particular patient to use cream or suppositories;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Immunostimulants are also used very often to support the body as a whole.</li>
</ul>

Musculature-strenghtening

Musculature strenghtening

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The veins have a very thin layer of smooth muscle cells, which is why they rely on the surrounding muscles to maintain their shape and tone. In the case of the venous plexus in the anal canal (respectively the hemorrhoids), the muscles of the small pelvis are responsible for this. The set of exercises that keep the veins in good condition should cover the lower limbs and torso. Here herbs will not help, of course, movement is needed.

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I have selected a set of easy exercises from the YouTube channel of the physiotherapist Dr. Joe. She stresses that they may not be suitable for your individual situation, so if there is pain and discomfort, it should be <a href="/p/krvonosna_sistiema_razshirieni_vieni_i_uprazhnieniia_za_profilaktika_5c96eb74_033d_416c_9aa2_7ca7b3558fb2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> discontinued.

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The video clearly shows several exercises for the pelvis, which would help the normal blood circulation of the venous plexus. It would be very useful to combine this complex with the complex of exercises that she recommends for varicose veins. On the one hand, these are exercises for the lower extremities, and on the other - people with weakness in the walls of blood vessels have problems with both hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

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Another type of appropriate exercise is callanetics, and naturally the level of activity that the body allows at this stage should be monitored. Workouts that include the lower limbs and abdomen are also suitable - aerobics, for example. If you suffer from external hemorrhoids, swimming pools are not suitable, especially during a crisis, because of the preparations used for disinfection.

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In conclusion, we will again emphasize the fact that this is a complex disease that requires a complex solution. It is best to assess whether there are prerequisites in your daily life that will lead to this problem and do something about them.

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<a href="/p/krvonosna_sistiema_razshirieni_vieni_i_uprazhnieniia_za_profilaktika_5c96eb74_033d_416c_9aa2_7ca7b3558fb2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Circulatory system, varicose veins and exercises for prevention</a>

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<a href="/p/diabiet_po_vriemie_na_briemiennost_simptomi_riskovie_i_svieti_245acb17_9bf9_4af8_a562_bd8e4664e6e5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Diabetes during pregnancy: symptoms, risks and advice</a>

Musculature-strenghtening_4_9

<a href="/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_1_na_iedno_miasto_751da342_2d55_43af_ae7f_1e1c89cd3800" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">All about type 1 diabetes in one place</a>

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<a href="/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_2_na_iedno_miasto_9b1be4d6_84a7_42c6_8e37_de3bd6480ba1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">All about type 2 diabetes in one place</a>

satureja hortensis

Hemorrhoids - how to get rid of them with conventional and herbal treatment