Arthritis Symptoms with Natural Remedies

Arthritis

Is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation within a joint. As part of normal life, the joints are exposed to a constant low level of damage. In most cases, providing the diet is nutritious and healthy, the body will repair the damage itself. Usually, the repair process will pass unnoticed and there will be no symptoms. Some people with arthritis experience varying levels of pain which can be constant and extreme. They often find their fingers and joints stiff, unable to straighten out as they should. Arthritis can lead to severe deformity in only 3-5 years. The most frequently affected joints are in the hands, spine, knees and hips.

Arthritis, at the most basic level, is the manifestation of cell damage and cell death when cellular functions break down. The symptoms experienced are the body’s response to the type of cells that are being damaged or lost. Joint damage does not cause arthritis. Arthritis occurs only when the cells are unable to repair the damage or are unable to reproduce to replace the cells that are being lost.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ARTHRITIS

All cells need essentials like phytonutrients, minerals and oxygen to survive. The cells will always become damaged and die if deprived of these essentials supplies. Smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs and an imbalanced diet will serve to increase and exasperate the symptoms of arthritis because all expel or reduce the essential supplies of vitamins, minerals and oxygen.

Extensive scientific studies breaking down the triggers behind arthritis and in-depth analyses of the components of herbal treatments have clearly shown that specific herbs can address factors causing inflammation and arthritis. Because of this, and the limited or absence of side effects of most medicinal herbs, many researchers have recommended that it is essential to conduct further studies on the mechanisms behind these natural foods to provide new medicinal solutions for arthritis.

Meanwhile, there is no harm in trying out natural foods known to provide relief to find one that suits the arthritis sufferer. Because human bodies differ so much in size, shape and metabolism, there will never be one size fits all so it is a matter of experimenting.

Green Tea

Arthritis is consistently mentioned in researches as among the many diseases that are due to harmful free radicals resulting from metabolic processes. Green tea has been found to work in synergy with other herbs to promote excellent anti-oxidant activities. These herbs include grape seed or ginkgo biloba. Because green tea works best when complemented with other low doses of herbs, researchers suggest this also prevents any potential side effects arising from high doses of a single herb.

Adding lemon juice to green tea increases it’s beneficial effects tenfold.

Try adding any of the following remedies to a pot of green tea to provide an even more powerful remedy against arthritis.

Basil Tea

Very good for arthritis, rheumatism and joint pain as it is analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Cayenne Pepper 

This herb is known for its capsaicin content which is scientifically proven to be effective in inhibiting pain transmission and inflammation. Capsaicin in cayenne is a highly potent pain reliever and reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis. Cayenne pepper is also proven to be effective in easing some symptoms of arthritis like loss of joint function, stiffness, swelling, pain and inflammation. Cayenne actually reduces the concentration of a substance which the nerve cells use for the transmission of pain signals. Cayenne is also proven to be rich in salicylate compounds which make it an excellent in delivering analgesic effects.

Dandelion

Commonly used as food, dandelion also makes an excellent herb for arthritis. A rich source of nutrients like potassium, iron and Vitamins A, B, C and D, dandelion also contains anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in dealing arthritic pain. Dandelion is believed to be effective in dealing with symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism and other chronic joint pain conditions as this herb is capable of flushing toxins that causes the joints and muscles to inflame. Also, it plays a vital role in reducing the level of uric acid in the body which results to reduced pain and stiffness in the joints and increased joint mobility.

Devil's Claw 

Found abundantly in South Africa, devil's claw has long been used by traditional societies in treating a number of arthritic symptoms. Uncaria guianensis, a species of devil's claw helps people with osteoarthritis by relieving knee pain when active. U. tomentosa is known to be effective at reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The secret of devil's claw is found on its secondary root which contains harpagosides which provides anti-inflammatory effects. In a study published at Rheumatology Journal, it was revealed that the use of devil's claw extract is as effective as many kinds of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Flaxseeds 

Originally used as a laxative, modern researchers have found more uses for flaxseeds. This herb contains powerful compounds and nutrients that help combat arthritis and its symptoms. Flaxseeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega 3 fatty acid, that is useful in treating arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. 57% of flaxseed's omega 3 fatty acid content is ALA. Alpha-linolenic acids are then converted into EPA and DHA which forms resolvin, a kind of anti-inflammatory fat. One study revealed that consumption of flaxseeds for four weeks significantly reduced the production level of anti-inflammatory compounds.

Flaxseeds are also effective in dealing with arthritic inflammation. Its omega 3 fatty acid content actually helps in stimulating the body to produce adequate level of prostaglandin, hormones which are considered as gatekeepers for anti-inflammatory responses.

Ginger

1 teaspoon of ginger root powder or a 1 inch knuckle of ginger taken 4 times a day can provide considerable reduction in knee pain and inflammation, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis after 3 months of continued use with no side effects. Ginger can be taken as a tea, in soups and with meals and applied as a compress.

NOTE: as ginger has natural blood thinning properties, medications that artificially thin the blood should not be taken in conjunction with ginger.

Liquorice Root

Liquorice is found to act like cortisone but without the latter's common side effects. Repeated scientific evidence shows the phytochemicals contained in this herb have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic characteristics. Liquorice has also been demonstrated to inhibit enzyme production responsible for inflammation causing arthritis

Nettle

Nettle has been one of the most potent herbal home treatments for arthritis for centuries. It is also used to treat anaemia, gout, eczema, enlarged prostate, urinary tract infections, hay fever, strains, sprains, insect bites, tendonitis, joint pain, painful muscles and, of course, arthritis. Some studies claimed that topical application of nettle leaf onto the painful area significantly helps in reducing the intensity of pain experienced by the sufferer. Nettle has fine hairs that release irritating chemicals once they come in contact with the skin. Normally, the hair is painful to touch but it actually reduces the pain when it reaches the skin. Scientists believe that nettles actually reduce the amount of inflammatory substances in the body and interfere in the transmission of pain signals.

One study revealed that the use of nettle extract inhibits the growth of dendritic cells which  play major roles in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Stinging nettle also works by reducing the amount of protein genes that are associated with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nettle can be taken as a tea by steeping leaves for 20 minutes then strained and sipped or simmered and consumed as a vegetable similar to spinach.

Savoury Herb

The savoury plant, especially the flowering shoots, have anti-septic, carminative (anti-flatulence), digestive, expectorant (helps clear the throat) and anti-rheumatic (relieves joint pain) properties.

Prolonged cooking may result in the evaporation of savoury's essential oils so it should be added at the end of cooking meals. Fresh summer savoury leaves can be used in salads. It can be steeped in hot water for 20 minutes and consumed as a tea. It can also be used in soups, sauces and to marinate chicken, fish and meat dishes.

Turmeric

This spice, present in curry, contains a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient curcumin which, as two long term studies have shown, can improve arthritic conditions, making it an effective pain reliever. Another demonstrated how curcumin can inhibit specific molecular activities linked to onset of arthritis along the joints. Unlike most medications, which can be threats to liver functioning, curcumin has been found to be actually helpful for the liver.

1 tablespoon of turmeric powder per day is sufficient but extra can be consumed with no adverse side effects.

NOTE: as turmeric has natural blood thinning properties, medications that artificially thin the blood should not be taken in conjunction with turmeric.

Willow Bark

Concentrated willow extract is effective in reducing pain and inflammation for osteo-arthritic relief. Willow bark tea is known as the "original herbal aspirin" and this is not surprising because acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) was originally discovered and made from an extract of willow bark.

Raw Juice Therapy can alleviate symptoms of arthritis. The best natural foods to juice are: sour cherry, pineapple, sour apple, lemon, grapefruit, cucumber, beetroot, carrot, lettuce and spinach.

Lack of selenium in the body has proven to be a contributing factor in developing rheumatoid arthritis. Selenium is an essential nutrient which works with other nutrients to help fight oxidative stress, an imbalance which damages the joints. Crab, clams, halibut, oily fish, prawns and shrimps are some of the highest sources of this essential mineral.

Phosphorus rich foods lessen arthritis pain. Phosphorous rich foods are: brazil nuts, brown rice, cheese, nuts, egg yolk, flax seeds, goat's milk, milk, legumes, lobster, oats, oily fish, organ meats, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, rabbit, sesame seeds, shellfish, soya beans, squash seeds, sunflower seeds, venison, watermelon seeds, whole grains

Lactoferrin found in cottage cheese, cow's milk (organic unpasteurised), goat's milk (organic unpasteurised) and whey has been found to not only prevent osteoporosis but also can reverse it by increasing bone density. The following have also been proven to increase bone density in those who have developed thin or porous bones hence reversing osteoporosis:

Prunes

Green tea

Olive oil

Onions

Sage (as a tea or condiment)

Soya

Whey

Oat straw heals osteoporosis, mends bones, relieves cramps and strengthens teeth.

Basil tea is good for arthritis, rheumatism and joint pain as it is analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Frankincense can alleviate the pain in joints rapidly with its anti inflammatory properties but may cause acid reflux. To combat this take with ginger. Ginger is also a natural anti-inflammatory, but it increases stomach acid secretion, so it will help with digestion of the frankincense. Daikon can also assist with absorption of frankincense and is high in calcium and other phytonutrients beneficial to the bones.

Red berries are particularly good at easing rheumatoid arthritis

Sulphur containing natural foods are valuable in treating rheumatic and arthritic conditions such as:

carrots, cabbage, cheese, eggs, legumes, oily fish, organ meats, nuts, shellfish and radishes.

Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may have a zinc deficiency. Foods rich in zinc are:

calf's liver, chicory, beef, egg yolk, flax seeds, goji berries, lamb, legumes, milk, nuts, oats, oysters, peanuts, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, butternut squash seeds, venison, watermelon seeds and whole grains

Fennel can provide relief for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The roots of the quisqualis indica are used to treat rheumatism.

Green-lipped mussel extract, pomegranates, cherries and turmeric all help to alleviate joint pain by reducing inflammation.

Vitamin D

Is responsible for intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate which assists in bone growth and the integrity of bone and promotes strong teeth.

10-15 minutes of midday sunshine on the skin can  provide all the vitamin D the body needs. It is not the same as sunbathing; the skin simply needs to be exposed to sunlight. Through a window is not enough. Over exposure of the suns rays can be dangerous for the skin but no exposure at all can be equally detrimental to the bones and teeth. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays in sunlight convert cholesterol in the skin into vitamin D. During the winter months (October-April) when it is too cold to expose the skin to the sun and in the northern hemisphere there is not enough UVB rays from the sun anyway, it is advisable to raise your weekly intake of oily fish and cod liver oil. Other sources of vitamin D are: goat's milk, wild mushrooms and eggs.

Raw Juice Therapy can successfully treat boe disorders and rheumatism. The best organic natural foods to juice are: grapes, orange, lemon, grapefruit, tomato, cucumber, beetroot, carrot and spinach.

Posted in: Arthritis