This article offers herbal remedies for Arthritis. The author says the symptoms of this painful and debilitating condition can be relieved and that its degenerative processes can also be slowed through simple measures, many of which can be found in most gardens and kitchens.
Suggestions include culinary herbs such as:
Rhizome of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) for joints. The curcumin in this herb is a first-rate anti-inflammatory ideal for the pain and swelling of arthritis. Turmeric also triggers better bile flow, improving digestive function, often poor in arthritis sufferers.
Rhizome of the Ginger plant (Zingiber officinale), a medicinal and culinary bulwark for thousands of years, also helps with ailing joints, as it contains zingibain and other phytochemical compounds which quench inflammation. It also keeps at bay pain-causing and tissue swelling substances. Ginger also improves digestion and its antioxidant properties also protect the body cells from free-radical damage.
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) also takes away the pain of inflammatory arthritis, as it contains capsaicin, which when applied topically works partly as a counter irritant, but it also has the ability to block pain impulses with its salicylate content. Clinical trials have confirmed this plant¡¦s value in alleviating pain and discomfort from both rheumatoid- and osteo-arthritis.
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) can also ease the ache of inflamed tissues as it contains Bromelain which helps quash arthritic flare-ups. Studies show that Bromelain simultaneously inhibits one body chemical involved in inflammation whilst triggering the release of another chemical which dampens down inflammation. It¡¦s also a protein dissolving digestive enzyme.
Celery stalk (Ampium graveolens) is also medicinal and celery seed extracts provide sufferers with some 25 anti-inflammatory substances, plus other natural diuretics. They are also known as joint cleaners as they remove waste products and excess fluids from arthritic joints. This seed can be taken as a refreshing tea, a single tincture or mixed with other effective plants.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) contains natural anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories which also combine with the minerals boron and silicon found in the leaf to help ease the pain of rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis. Nettle also cleanses the joints and can be taken as tea or in the form of capsule or tincture. Another pain-reliever is Willow tree as it contains salicylic acid, which can be taken as a tincture or extract. Ginkgo biloba also benefits aching joints and improves circulation to damaged joints. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) also boots immune system, speeds up healing of wounds and encourages new cell growth, and ideal for sore, eroded joints. While Borage plant (Borago officinale), highly prized by natural healers, contains GLA and its aerial parts can be infused to make tea that supports the adrenal glands. Overseas plants like Devil's Claw and Boswellia also help this condition.
