Herbal Remedies for Arthritis

10 Jun

Posted by Dr John Anne as Arthritis

The word arthritis literally means inflammation of the joint. The most common forms are rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding a joint, and osteoarthritis, where the cartilage in the joints become damaged. Conventional treatment is with steroids and painkillers, the most common being non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There are more than 24 million prescriptions written for NSAIDs in the UK each year. They help reduce inflammation and pain, but can have a number of side effects such as stomach problems, heartburn, indigestion, rashes, kidney problems and wheeziness.

Herbal remedies for arthritis offer an alternative for those who want to avoid the potential side effects of over-the-counter as well as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs such as Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra and others. Since two of the most popular of these NSAID medications, Vioxx and Bextra, were pulled from the market due to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and lethal skin conditions (Bextra), more and more people are seeking a natural arthritis remedy to treat the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions.

Herbal Remedies for Arthritis

The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The traditional method of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place the slices overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes. A medium-sized potato should be diluted with a cup of water and drunk first thing in the morning.

One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil.Dosage: Once daily for two-three months.

Alfalfa is a folk remedy for arthritis in southern Appalachia. Alfalfa tea is rich with nutritive minerals. It is a perennial plant with a smooth, erect stem that grows 2-3 feet.

It looks like a large clover. Its violet-purple flowers grow in racemes from June to August, producing spirally coiled seedpods. Its dried whole herbs including blossoms are gathered at the beginning of flowering season. Alkalizes detoxifies the body and helps to fight diuretic, lower cholesterol, balances hormones, promotes pituitary gland function. It is an antifungal agent. It is best if used in raw form.

One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, diverse in equal size with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is superior for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the gathering of deposits around the joints and in extra tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also precious, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This is one of the best herbal remedies for arthritis.

Guggulu (a herb) is very helpful in curing arthritis. If available, eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water. •Paste of 1 teaspoon red chilies and fresh ginger mixed in half a cup of sesame oil and strain. Gently rub this oil on the affected joints.Camphor, wintergreen and cinnamon oils are also beneficial for external application.