Arthritis treatment is dependent on the cause of which there are several possibilities. Sexual infections such as syphilis and gonorrhoea, rheumatic fever and even the lung disease tuberculosis can all cause arthritis. Physical injuries such as sports injuries or even the simplest problem of how comfortably you place your hand at your computer's keyboard (for those who type for long hours). Other problems such as uric acid and the loss of calcium can also contribute to arthritis.
What is arthritis? Simply put, it is an inflammation of the joints. It is characterised by pain in the joint that is accompanied by the inflammation and sometimes reddening. In more severe cases it can affect mobility to the point that it may become extremely difficult to move the affected limb due to the arthritis.
The term arthritis is limited to inflammation of the joints, but there is also rheumatoid arthritis that affects the joints plus the muscles, cartilage and tendons in close proximity to the affected joint.
Nature has brought us natural remedies for almost every affliction and I honestly believe nature has a cure for every disease, it is just a matter of finding it. Over time man has found herbs that can cure their ailments. For some sicknesses, there are many different natural herbs that help to either prevent, treat, stabilise or cure them. Most herbs have several uses and chances are you will hear the names of some common herbs and not be aware of all their medicinal and curative properties. Some may be common seasonings or vegetables that we use everyday. We will however only state the benefits for arthritis sufferers and largely ignore the numerous other health benefits from the use of these herbs.
Please consult your doctor before taking any of these herbs.
The following herbs can help in arthritia treatment and relieve some of the discomfort from arthritis:
Alfalfa - in addition to being a good tonic that stimulates the appetite, alfalfa helps to relieve arthritis when a decoration of the ground seeds is used in combination with alfalfa sprouts.
Angelica - has anti-inflammatory effects that makes it effective in combating arthritis. This is obtained from an extract from the root diluted with water, taken orally. Care must be taken when using Angelica as the fresh roots are toxic and have to be dried properly before being taken orally. In addition people who take angelica and spend time in the sun have been known to develop a rash.
Comfrey - has more protein in its leaf structure than any other known member of the vegetable kingdom, the most notable protein of which is alantoin, which helps in cell division. It is found in the roots as well as the leaves. Alantoin stimulates the healing of both internal and external injuries as a result of it being a catalyst for cell division.
Flax - the seeds of this plant is best known for being high in natural omega 3 oils. In addition, when the seeds are prepared as a poultice, it helps alleviate rheumatoid arthritis and serves as an emollient.
Laurel (Bay) - ever since we were kids, my grandmother used to rub on bay rum whenever we had a fever. It turns out it also has anti-inflammatory properties. The oil extracted from the fruit as well as the leaves can be used as an ointment to help relieve rheumatoid arthritis.
Parsley - famous for its culinary uses in salads, soups, fish dishes to name a few. Parsley can also help in relieving arthritis through an infusion of the entire plant, taken orally. It is not recommended for pregnant women, but pregnant women need to consult their doctors before taking anything beyond normal meals.
Red Clover - an annual plant that is also used to relieve arthritis. This is achieved through an infusion of the entire plant.
All these herbs have many other uses, so using each brings several other benefits. I prefer natural remedies simply because the prescription drugs may have long term side effects or lead to dependence after a period of use. Natural remedies from herbs can even end up being a cure for your illness or disease. They contain so many chemicals, one may just be the one to end your problems.
Using the herbs listed as arthritis treatment may give you the relief you need; you may already have them in your home or garden so now you have found another use for them. Just remember not to consider them a substitute for your doctor.
No comments:
Post a Comment