The term arthritis literally translates to “joint inflammation.” There are actually three common types of arthritis. They are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It affects around 16 million Americans at an average age of 45. It usually attacks 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.
Extremely painful and inflammatory, rheumatoid arthritis strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties. Rheumatoid arthritis is also known as an autoimmune disease; gradually worsening over time.
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.
If you suffer from any of the different types of arthritis listed above, chances are you would be taking pain relief medications for it. However, too much reliance on the use of drugs is not a good idea as over time, you will find that your pain medications may become ineffective. You should consider complementary therapies or medicine as well for your pain management.
Have you considered using herbs for arthritis? There is a home remedy method called “Urtication,” that may be helpful for you. 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 ofarthritis 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 pan. 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 cancerherbs.
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 andthey strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a fewapplications. 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 thecalcium 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 themfor use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment. However, do consult your physician to make certain that the use of specific herbs does not interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.
About the author:
Sandra Kim Leong writes on rheumatoid arthritis. She believes that the use of complementarty therapies can help greatly help in pain management. For more information and resources, please refer to her site at http://www.rheumatoid-arthritis-relief.com.
