Arthritis Treatments from Nature

Nature has provided a boundless variety of helpful herbs to deal with Arthritis. Diet can be the most important thing you change if you are diagnosed with Arthritis.

The term Arthritis literally translates to “joint inflammation.” The four most common 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 causes sever swelling with or without pain. It afflicts over two million Americans beginning as early as their 20's thru the early 50's .
Spondyloarthropathies (which includes psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's syndrome) 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. This group tends to affect the spine, causing pain, stiffness, inflammation and posture changes.
Gout effects approximately one and half million men over 40. I believe this number is growing steadily to correspond with the rising rate of obesity. Gout is well know for the sudden onset of extreme pain and swelling in a big toe. It can however affect other joints.

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.

Arthritis Treatments - Old Home Remedy

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.

Arthritis Treatments - Tried and True Herbs

Here are a few more herbs that are used effectively for Arthritis treatments:

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, osteoarthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general. This should never be used during pregnancy. Some studies show that it also lowers blood pressure so be sure to talk with your physician if you are on any medication for blood pressure or cholesterol.

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.

Chaparral

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. This is a great pain relieving herb but do not use during pregnancy.

Nettle

The is the herb 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, iodine, magnesium, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and vitamins A and C. It is available in capsules. Sulfur is needed for the rebuilding of bone and cartilage and it aids in calcium absorption.

Saffron

A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritic joints 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 arthritis sufferers. The extract from this plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism.

Turmeric

This is the anti king - antibiotic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. You can buy curcumin capsules. Turmeric is also found in curry powder.

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 best in teas and others will be used for creating topical ointments. Of course, almost all will be available in capsules but teas are usually quicker in the short term.

No matter what natural remedies you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your choices do not interfer with any perscriptions you are taking. Herbs are powerful and can negate or intensify your perscriptions.

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