Many herbal remedies are useful for arthritic sufferers. Depending
on your condition, and the availability of herbal products, some
remedies might be more suitable than others. Fresh juices are more
easily absorbed by the body and capture the whole synergistic complex
of healing ingredients locked in the plant. Find the one that works
best for you.
Boswellia has unique anti-inflammatory
action, much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) used by many for inflammatory conditions. Unlike
NSAIDs, however, long-term use of boswellia does not lead to irritation
or ulceration of the stomach.
Cayenne (Capsaicin) Capsaicin,
the "burning" substance in cayenne creams has been used
topically to relieve pain from osteoarthritis. The benefit from
cayenne creams, generally containing 0.025-0.075% of the active
ingredient capsaicin, has been confirmed in double blind research.
Devils claw (Harpagphytum procumbens)-an
analgesic and anti-inflammatory
Dosage: one to two grams, three times daily
Ginger (zingiber officinale)-acts
as an anti-inflammatory
Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of powdered ginger daily
Ginger Tea- Add one grated teaspoon of fresh ginger to a cup of
hot water. Take two times daily.
Horsetail: The silicon content
of horsetail is believed to exert a connective tissue strengthening
and anti-arthritic action in traditional medicine.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)-an
anti-inflammatory. Long-term use can elevate blood pressure and
increase potassium loss.
Dosage: one-eighth to one-quarter teaspoon of a 5: 1 solid extract
up to three times daily
Turmeric (Curcumin (Curcuma
longa))- an effective anti-inflammatory
Suggested Dosage: 400 mg three times daily; take on an empty stomach
and combine with 1,000 mg of bromelain
White willow has anti-inflammatory
and pain-relieving effects. Although the analgesic actions of willow
are typically slow-acting, they tend to last longer than aspirin.
One double blind study found that a product featuring white willow
(though also containing black cohosh, guaiac [Guaiacum officinale],
sarsaparilla, and aspen bark) effectively reduced osteoarthritis
pain compared to placebo. White willow products providing approximately
100 mg salicin per day are generally recommended by doctors of natural
medicine.
Yucca-has long been used to
reduce arthritic pain.
Cherries, hawthorn berries and blueberries: Cherries, hawthorn
berries, blueberries and other dark red-blue berries are rich sources
of anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins. These compounds are flavonoid
molecules that give them their deep red-blue color. These compounds
are remarkable in their ability to enhance collagen matrix integrity
and structure.
Celery seed extract-acts as
an anti-inflammatory
Castor oil hot packs-apply to
affected joint.
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