The Medicinal Herb Info site was created to help educate visitors about the often forgotten wisdom of the old ways of treating illnesses. Many of today's drugs and medicines were originally derived from natural ingredients, combinations of plants and other items found in nature.

We are not suggesting that you ignore the help of trained medical professionals, simply that you have additional options available for treating illnesses. Often the most effective treatment involves a responsible blend of both modern and traditional treatments.

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Arthritis / Rheumatism

Definition

Rheumatism: A general term for acute and chronic conditions characterized by inflammation, soreness and stiffness of muscles, and pain in joints and associated structures. It includes arthritis (infectious, rheumatoid, gouty); arthritis due to rheumatic fever or trauma/ degenerative joint disease: neurogenic arthropathy; hydroarthrosis; myositis; bursitis; fibromyositis; and many other conditions.

Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling and frequently, changes in structure. Other forms of arthritis include ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
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Causes

May result from or be associated with a number of conditions including: infection (gonococcal, tuberculous, pneumonococcal; rheumatic fever; ulcerative colitis; trauma; neurogenic disturbances; degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis; metabolic disturbances such as gout; neoplasms such as synovioma; hydrarthrosis; para- or periarticular conditions such as fibromyositis, myositis, or acromegaly, psoriasis, Raynaud’s disease.
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Symptoms

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation and/or pain in a joint(s). It may appear suddenly or start gradually. Chronic arthritis symptoms are: pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity of one or more joints. Some people feel sharp burning or grinding pain. Others compare the pain to the toothache. Movement of the joint usually hurts, although there may only be stiffness.
There are many different forms of arthritis. The most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is related to the wear and tear of aging and involves deterioration of the cartilage at the ends of the bones. The once smooth surface of cartilage becomes rough, resulting in friction. The tendons, ligaments, and muscles holding the joint together become weaker, and the joint itself becomes deformed, painful, and stiff. There is usually some pain, but little or no swelling. Any disablement is usually minor. Osteoarthritis rarely develops before the age of 40 and inflicts 15.8 million Americans. It typically runs in families, but afflicts almost 3 times as many women as men.
Rheumatoid and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are types of inflammatory arthritis that attack the synovial membranes (supply the joint fluids) surrounding the lubricating fluid in the joints. The cartilage tissues in and around the joints and often the bone surfaces are destroyed. The body replaces this damaged tissue with scar tissue, causing the spaces between the joints to become narrow, to develop folds, and to fuse together. The entire body is affected instead of just one joint as in osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis creates stiffness, swelling, fatigue, anemia, weight loss, fever, and often crippling pain. It often occurs in people under 40 years of age, including young children. Currently, 2.1 million Americans are afflicted; twice as many women as men. Juvenile arthritis affects 71,000 young Americans (18 and younger); six times as many girls as boys.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) affects certain joints of the spine, which become inflamed, stiffen, become rigid, and then fuse together.
Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) is a malfunction of the body’s immune system. For reasons unknown, the body produces antibodies that act against itself. Although it mimics rheumatoid arthritis and results in painful and inflamed joints, SLE is not a crippling disease.
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Treatment

There is no specific therapy. There are poultices and teas used to relieve tenderness, swelling, and pain.

Mix equal parts of the following herbs: black cohosh, gentian root, angelica, columbo, skullcap, valerian, rue, and buckthorn bark. Use a heaping tsp. to a cup of boiling water; steep and drink 3 or more cups per day, as the case may require. Drink a half-cupful at a time.

An excellent poultice for swollen joints is made as follows:
2 tbsp. mullein, 3 tbsp. granulated slippery elm bark, 1 tbsp. lobelia, and one small tsp. of cayenne; mix thoroughly together, then mix with enough boiling water to make a stiff paste. Spread a layer of paste about 1/4 inch thick on a cloth. Cover the swollen joints with this poultice and it will bring great relief.

Alternating hot and cold treatments are many times very helpful in relieving pain of arthritis. This treatment is mainly for arthritis in the hands, wrists, or feet. Have two containers large enough for hands or feet. One of the containers should be filled with hot water at 105 degrees to 110 degrees F. and the other should contain bold water at 60 degrees to 70 degrees F. This is about the temperature of water that comes from the cold water faucet.

  1. There should be enough water in each container to reach nearly to the elbows or knees.
  2. Us a bath thermometer to determine the water temperature.
  3. The extremity should be placed first in the hot water for 3 minutes and then in the cold water for 30 seconds.
  4. Seven complete changes should be made, ending with the hot water.
  5. This can be done 2 or 3 times a day.
  6. If the hot water causes increased swelling, the temperature can be reduced to 105 degrees F. or the time in the hot water can be reduced to 2 minutes and the time in the cold water increased to one minute.
  7. If there is poor circulation, the hot water should never be more than 105 degrees F.
  8. For extremely painful joints, an ice pack can be used until the swelling subsides and then the alternate hot and cold treatments may be used.

Arthritis Liniment: Mix in equal parts, wintergreen and yerba santa. Put any amount of mixture in enough olive oil to cover. Simmer for 30 to 60 minutes. Strain, and apply to affected parts when cool.
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Nutrients

Primrose or salmon oil, 2 capsules twice daily, helps control arthritis pain and inflammation.

Superoxide dismutase, taken as directed on the label (injections have excellent results, or sublingual (under the tongue) form is also good.

Calcium, 2,000 mg. per day, is needed to prevent bone loss (chelate form is the most effective).

Magnesium, 1,000 mg. per day, to help with calcium absorption.

Coenzyme Q10, 60 mg. per day, increases tissue oxygenation, with is needed to aid in repairing connective tissues.

Garlic tablets, 2 capsules 3 times per day, inhibits the formation of free radicals, which can damage the joints.

Kelp, 8 tablets per day, is a rich source of minerals.

Multienzymes, taken with meals as directed (avoid brands containing hydrochloric acid (HCL) if ulcers are present.

Niacin (B3, niacinamide plus vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)), 100 mg. 3 times per day, increases blood flow by dilating small arteries.

Vitamin B complex with PABA, 100 mg. per day, PABA is good for swelling.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid, take lozenges daily, is needed for proper digestion, the formation of cells, and the production of myelin, the protective coating surrounding the nerves. Also prevents nerve damage.

Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 3,000-10,000 mg. daily in divided doses for the vitamin C, bioflavonoids 500 mg. daily, these are powerful free radical destroyers.

Germanium, 200 mg. per day, is a powerful antioxidant that also relieves pain.

Multienzymes, taken as directed with meals.

Proteolytic enzymes, taken as directed between meals.

Multivitamin complex plus vitamin A and beta-carotene, 10,000 IU daily, helps repair tissues and cartilage.
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Herbs

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Recommendations

Check for possible allergies. Avoid milk; vitamin D causes sore joints. Avoid red meat, sugar products, citrus fruits (tropical fruits, cold weather fruits may be eaten), green peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, paprika, cayenne pepper, tobacco, and salt. Chocolate, cocoa, coffee, tea, soft drinks (carbonated), white flour products and alcohol should be avoided.

Exercise is essential for reducing pain and retarding joint deterioration. Hot tubs and baths provide relief. Raw lemon rubs and hot castor oil packs are also extremely beneficial. If there is inflammation in the joints, do not massage those parts.

A free form of amino acid complex should be a part of the program to help repair tissue. Some form of fiber, such as oat bran or rice bran, should be eaten daily, and the diet should be low in fats. Foods that should be consumed include: eggs; onions; garlic or asparagus (sulfur content of these two helps to remove metals); green leafy vegetables, fresh vegetables; nonacidic fresh fruits (cold weather fruits, not tropical fruits); whole grains; oatmeal; brown rice; and fish. It is important to drink steam-distilled water.

The nightshade vegetables (green pepper, eggplant, tomatoes, white potatoes) contain a toxin called sotanine that some people, particularly those suffering from arthritis, are highly sensitive to. Sotanine interferes with enzymes in the muscles, and may cause pain and discomfort.

Do not take iron. It is suspected to be involved with pain, swelling, and joint destruction. Do not take a multivitamin containing iron. Consume iron naturally in blackstrap molasses, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, fish, lima beans, and peas.
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Suggestions

A joint afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis sounds more like crinkling cellophane, while an osteoarthritic joint makes popping, clicking, and banging noises.

Over 250,000 people have used supplements in arthritis treatment; they correct 80-90% of all arthritis cases according to Robert Bingham, M.D., in the journal of the Academy of Rheumatoid Diseases.

Latest research has linked rheumatoid arthritis to diet. Victims had lower blood levels of folic acid, protein, and zinc. Researchers concluded that drugs brought about new biochemical changes, creating a need for certain nutrients.

Researchers report that the ulcer drug, Carafate, can give the same relief as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs without damaging the stomach lining. The drug Suprol (also known as suprofen) can harm the kidneys. There have been 100 reported cases of kidney damage from this drug. If side effects occur, stop the use of the drug and notify the doctor.
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Bibliography

Buy It! Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994

Buy It! Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Buy It! Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992

Buy It! The Herb Book, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.

Buy It! The Old Herb Doctor, by Joseph E. Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, copyright 1984, sixth printing 1994.

Buy It! Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, by Richard Lucas, Parker Publishing Company, Inc., West Nyack, NY, 1987.

Buy It! Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020

Buy It! Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

Buy It! Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY

Buy It! The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993

Buy It! The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991

Buy It!The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. (Out of print)

Buy It! The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.

Buy It! The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book), edited by William H. Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. Emmaus, PA, 18049., 1974

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