There are actually three common types of arthritis. These
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 actually attacks two million Americans in their
twenties.
Psoriatic Arthritis 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.
The term Arthritis literally translates to "joint inflammation."
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." 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.
Here are a few more herbs that are used effectively for the
treatment of arthritis:
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, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological
pain. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly
improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in
general.
Bogbean
Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the
walls of the colon and digestive juices.
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.
Chapparal
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.
Nettle
The is the herb we 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, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.
Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and
oils), thus helping arthritics 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 arthritics. The extract from the plant has been
used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism
sufferers.
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 to ingest
in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical
treatment.
No matter what natural remedies you choose please
consult your physician to make certain that your course of
treatment does not interfere with medications that your
doctor subscribes for your treatment.
