Arthritis and joint pains - symptoms and information.
Is there arthritis pain relief?
The following article gives information about arthritis and
joint pains. There are many things that can be done to help
ease the discomfort and bring about some arthritis relief.
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Easing the pain caused by arthritis
Arthritis comes from the Greek word "arthron" meaning
joint. Arthritis literally means 'joint inflammation'. According
to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 different
diseases that produce joint pain and inflammation - everything
from the flu to certain cancers. The two most common forms
of 'arthritis' are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
What can cause arthritis?
Other diseases and infections which cause arthritis include:
gout*, psoriasis*, tuberculosis*.
*gout is a metabolic disease characterised by painful inflammation
of certain joints, especially of the big toe and foot. One
of the main causes is sodium urate which is deposited into
these parts of the body. This is often caused by a diet being
too rich in sugar, wine or junk foods.
*psoriasis: a skin disease characterised by the formation
of reddish spots and patches covered with silvery scales: tends
to run in families.
*tuberculosis: a communicable disease caused by infection
with the bacterium tubercle bacillus, most frequently affecting
the lungs.
Our circulation formula or detox
& cleanse products should be considered.
Osteoarthritis symptoms and pain relief
Osteoarthritis (osteo - bones or bones) is a degenerative
disorder in which the cartilage between the joints wears away.
The body attempts to repair this damage by producing bony outgrowths
at the margins of affected joints, but these, in fact, cause
pain and stiffness.
It is usually age-related and affects the
hips, knees, spine and shoulders in particular. Obesity is
an aggravating factor and excess weight can make it much
worse.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Rheumatoid* arthritis is a chronic, progressive disorder.
The synovial* membrane lining the joint becomes inflamed, spreading
over and eroding the cartilage, causing the characteristic
pain and stiffness. Anaemia*, joint infections and pericarditis*
are all complications of rheumatoid arthritis.
Definitions:
*rheumatoid: from latin rheumatisums catarrh,
from Greek rheumatismos,
from rheum
: a watery discharge from the eyes or nose.
*synovial: a transparent lubrication fluid, secreted
by the membranes lining the joints and tendon sheaths, etc
*anaemia: a deficiency in the number of red blood cells in
the blood or in their reduced haemoglobin content.
*pericarditis: inflammation of the membranous sac enclosing
the heart.
Ginger
Ginger is a fantastic herb. It has been used for the treatment
of many aliments. Studies show it is very beneficial in relieving
arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a well
know arthritis
treatment.
Ginger contains zingibain, a special proteolytic*
enzyme. Research shows that proteolytic enzymes have anti-inflammatory
properties. Taken as a tincture, capsule, as a tea or fresh,
it does not have any reported side effects to high dosages.
A
dish
prepared with ginger will actually give you a medicinal dose
of the herb.
*proteolytic: the hydrolysis of proteins into simpler
compounds by the action of enzymes.
Cayenne
Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper ( Capsicum frutescens ) is another
wonderful herb, with a wide range of medical properties to
heal the body. Considered one of the best local and circulatory
stimulants, cayenne may be used externally for poor circulation,
unbroken chilblains and pains associated with arthritis and
lumbago Capsicum creams are readily available or you can add
a few drops of cayenne tincture to an ointment. If you do add
to a cream, use sparingly at first gradually increasing the
dosage.
Cayenne can be very hot and some people are sensitive. So
test it first. Taken internally cayenne stimulates the heart,
regulating the blood flow and strengthening the arteries and
capillaries. Cayenne also contains capsaicin, a pain-relieving
chemical. This also triggers the body to release endorphins,
natures own opiates. Take cayenne as a tincture for fast acting
absorption, and include the spice in your food.
Garlic and Ginkgo Biloba
Both garlic and ginkgo biloba have been shown to help with circulation
and improve blood flow. This is important where arthritis
is concerned. You have to try to improve your circulation.
This will help bring oxygen to the affected area and take
away harmful deposits which have built up.
All of these herbs may help. We have produced a special formula which
includes all four of these herbs: ginger, cayenne, garlic
and ginkgo biloba. You can see more information about the
circulation formula here (click).
Other things which may help:
Bromelain a proteclytic enzyme present in pineapples helps
prevent inflammation. Bromelain helps the body get rid if immune
antigen complex compounds that are inflicted in some arthritic
conditions In addition to zingibain and bromelain there are
other proteclytic enzymes that have similar effects. Kiwifruit,
paw paw and figs are excellent sources. Calcium is always needed
by the body and especially to aid in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Food and herbs high in calcium are : Alfalfa, Liquorice, Red
clover shoots, Camomile, Chives, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Horsetail,
Meadowsweet, Nettle, Plantain, Watercress, Cabbage, Thyme and
basil.
Devils Claw a tuber found in South Africa contains a glycoside
called harpagoside that helps to reduce inflammation in joints.
Best taken in the tincture form especially for inflamed joints.
Also good for itchy skin with no obvious cause. One caution,
this herb should be avoided during pregnancy.
Additional herbs that will assist in treating arthritis are:
Turmeric, Willow a natural pain killer, Liquorice which has
anti-inflammatory qualities, rosemary, oregano, basil, camphor,
celery seed, meadowsweet.
Stinging Nettles have been used for thousands of years!
Nature provides us with many plants that will aid in the
relieving of joint pain. The most radical and perhaps the most
daunting is Stinging Nettles. It is called
urtication - from nettles botanical name, Utrica dioica- and
dates back to the biblical times. Quiet simply the plant is
grasped in a gloved hand and the stiff, swollen joint is swatted,
thrashed with the sting. Urtication often provides considerable
relief. The tiny stingers of the nettle plant actually provide
microinjections of several chemicals, one of which is histamine.
The theory is, these chemicals, as well as causing the sting,
trigger anti-inflammatory action by the body and so relieve
arthritis. This is an ancient folklore, that seems to work
for many people all over the world. Nettles grow in may countries
and in each stinging nettles has developed a reputation as
a treatment for arthritis. For the less adventurous of us,
a fresh nettle tea or eating nettles will offer the same long
term benefits. Gently steam the young tender leaves, and enjoy
as a vegetable. They do lose the stinging effect when cooked!
Related Articles see: Circulation, Exercise
Copyright © 2000 - 2005 P. Topham:
U.S. Nutritional and Herbal Researcher - All Rights Reserved
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