Treating Arthritis - Naturally
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are
Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16
million Americans with an average age of 45. It usually will
attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but
has been found in the fingers, neck and spine. Each of our
joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like
substance. Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually
wears it down.
Another type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Extremely
painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints
and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties.
Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two,
but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as
psoriasis on the skin.
The term Arthritis literally translates to "joint inflammation."
If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis
listed above, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the
effects or tried other "home remedies." If you haven't yet tried
"Urtication," it might be helpful. The term "Urtication" comes
from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000
years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is "Stinging Nettle. The
treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the
sore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but the
practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of
arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window
sill.
Here are a few more herbs that are used effectively for the
treatment of arthritis:
Black Cohosh Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot,
Rattleweed, Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is
a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with
easing painful menstrual cramps. Ovarian cramps will be relieved
as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle. It is also
effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis,
rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses, appetite
and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for
the nervous system in general.
Bogbean Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the walls
of the colon and digestive juices.
Celery Seeds Use dried ripe fruits to use as an
anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic.
Great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
Chapparal Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic
backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches. Also one of the
best cancer herbs.
Feverfew Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis,
dizziness and tinnitus.
Nettle The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one
of those "universal" plants. They are found all over the world
and they strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis,
eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a
few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron,
potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.
Saffron A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits
and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid
which holds the calcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces
lactic acid build up. Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and
perspiration.
Yucca Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been
used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism
sufferers.
All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your
local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare
them for use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while
others may facilitate creating a topical treatment.
No matter what natural remedies you choose please consult your
physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not
interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your
treatment.