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.
What can be done about arthritis?
For more information visit the improve my
circulation page. Here you will see much more information about improving circulation and the benefits for arthritis.
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 - 2009 P. Topham:
U.S. Nutritional and Herbal Researcher - All Rights Reserved
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