What follows are recommendations on the best herbal remedy for arthritis, other arthritis herbal remedies, and general alternative treatment for arthritis.
But first a brief discussion on types & causes of arthritis, prevention and traditional treatment approaches.
Types, causes, prevention & nonherbal treatment of arthritis
TYPES
Osteoarthritis (OA): Breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint and bony overgrowth causing pain & stiffness. Mostly affects knees, hips, hands and spine. Causes are not well known.
Onset is gradual and usually begins after the age of 40.
Treatment usually consists of pain management.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An inflammation in many joints of the body. Affects the lining of the joints (synovial membrane) & other organs. Cartilage and bone erode causing joint deformity (see photo left).
Pain, swelling, and redness are common.
Causes not known but may be the result of immune dysfunction. Can begin at any age. No cure. Medication helps manage disease.
Gout: Results from uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) nesting in tissues and fluids. This is caused by too much uric acid. Acute flare-ups are treated with anti-inflammatory medicines.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease. The immune system produces antibodies to cells within the body causing inflammation and tissue damage.
Causes are not well known. May experience fatigue, pain or swelling in joints, skin rashes, and fevers. Many organs are often affected.
Fibromyalgia: Characterized by muscular pains and fatigue. Causes are not well known. Symptoms overlap other illnesses. Improving lifestyle pattern is a good start.
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WHAT CAUSES ARTHRITIS
What causes arthritis is not well known.
Genetics: Family history of arthritis makes one more likely to develop it.
Age: Aging & arthritis are related. Reasons are not clear.
Weight: Excess weight may stress joints leading to development of arthritis.
Previous Injury: Damaged joints can develop into chronic arthritis if not properly treated or fully healed.
Occupational Hazards: Specific occupations can lead to arthritis including construction & repetitive motion workers on assembly lines. Certain sports may also lead to joint injury and development of arthritis.
Illness or Infection: Certain medical conditions, like joint infection, can result in development arthritis of the.
Dehydration: Pain occurs because there is not enough water to wash out uric acid and toxins from specific body areas.
The cartilage deterioration comes from dehydration of cartilage. The cartilage also signals its need by producing pain.
The acidity also sensitizes the nerves resulting in pain.
Ostheoarthritis occurs when there is no cartilage left and bone rubs bone. This friction causes inflammation.
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ARTHRITIS PREVENTION
1)Maintain a healthy weight
2)Exercise regularly. Walking is a great choice.
3)Proper nutrition makes your body work better in all ways including washing out acids and keeping cartilage full and supple
4)Shift body positions regularly, especially when sitting for long periods
5)Warm up before exercising, cool down, stretch gently. Improve your posture.
6)Be fully hydrated at all times. Constant chronic dehydration, even if mild, results in gradually increasing joint acidity and deterioration of cartilage resulting in arthritis in later years. The best time to treat arthritis with water is at the preventive stage because this is where the dehydration arthritis link is strongest.
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Arthritis herbal remedies & best herbal remedy for arthritis
The following remedies are listed from roughly best to good to worth a try.
1)Cayenne & other peppers contain capsaicin which acts as an pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Apply .25 - .75 % cream daily. Eating the capsaicin in red peppers also helps the body release endorphins which are powerful pain relievers.
Considering that peppers containing capsaicin work on arthritis as a rub & eaten, these peppers may be the best herbal remedy for arthritis.
2)Ginger is a great anti-inflammatory. Roughly 2 - 4 tsps per day should help.
3)Evening primrose contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is an anti-inflammatory. Either 12 capsules daily or ½ tsp of oil.
4)Flaxseed reduces inflammation. Two tbls per day in food.
5)Stinging nettle: steam fresh leaves and make into a side vegetable dish.
6)Oregano is a great antioxidant and antioxidants relieve inflammation. Add to pizza, soups, sandwiches & salads.
7)Devil’s Claw is anti-inflammatory. Take 6 capsules daily or 30 drops of tincture 3x per day.
8)Feverfew may relieve arthritis pain. Take 3 400 mg capsules daily or 25 drops of tincture.
9)Yucca extract may reduce swelling, pain & stiffness. Can be consumed (4 x 500mg daily) or applied to affected areas.
10)Pineapple: the most delicious herbal remedy for arthritis contains bromelain which is anti-inflammatory. Eat or get capsules from health store.
11)Angelica, chamomile, fenugreek & turmeric may also relieve pain and swelling.
For effective, natural, organic herbal mixtures for arthritis click here.