Arthritis: Holistic and Alternative Treatments
Holistic Treatments for Athritis Suffers!
It's also important to understand that just because an herb, supplement or other type holistic treatment is "natural" doesn't mean it is harmless. Foxglove is an all natural plant and the source of the now synthetically made dioxin. It can be very helpful for some heart conditions and it is a poison that can kill you used inappropriately.
Some herbal remedies can interfere with or increase the affect of prescribed medications such as Coumadin. It's important to be proactive in your own care and research any supplement or treatment you choose to use, especially if you are already on prescribed medication. Many doctors are not very receptive to the use of alternative modalities and you may have to search for a doctor who will support your desire to try them. Many of these remedies have been studied and found to have greater effect than placebos and can be useful as adjuncts or stand alone treatments. However, some have not been studied and it is not scientifically proven they help. Use your own judgment. For myself I have found many of these remedies have helped.
The following treatments, supplements, home remedies and herbs have been used to treat arthritis:
1) Vitamin B12 with folate in a study was found to be as effective as NSAIDs such as Ibuprophen without the side effects. The dose in the study was 20mcg of B12 with 6400mcg of folate.
2) GLA which comes from borage seed or primrose oil has been used to treat arthritis. The dose used in one study was 1400mg daily.
3) Glucosamine and chondroitin have been used to treat arthritis. Side effects have included heart burn, stomach upset and diarrhea. Also glucosamine is made from shrimp shells so probably should not be used by those allergic to shellfish and may increase blood sugar. It seems to be most effective when pain is severe and less effective as a deterrent when pain is mild.
4) Devils claw has been used as an anti-inflammatory. Devil claw is hard on the stomach and should not be used by people with ulcers, or gallstones. Devils claw also may decrease blood sugar so people on diabetic medication should be wary of its use.
5) White willow bark has been used for centuries for fever and inflammation and pain relief. Its effects are similar to aspirin but without the stomach effects as aspirin
6) Ginger has been used as an anti-inflammatory. It also decreases nausea and stomach upset. Ginger can interact with blood thinners and should not be used by people on them.
7) Omega three oils have shown anti inflammatory affects but also increase bleeding potential when taken with some medications.
8) Essential oils in a vaporizer or added to a massage oil can relief arthritis pain. Eucalyptus, helichrysum and ginger are felt to be helpful.
9) Magnetic therapy has many followers who claim relief from its use.
10) Parsley, carrots, broccoli, celery, garlic and cabbage make a healthy beneficial soup for arthritis suffers. Other beneficial foods include pineapple juice, black cherry and cherry juice. Pineapple juice has bromelain an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. In acute phases juicing celery and drinking up to a quart a day is recommended. Celery has 25 different anti-inflammatory compounds
11) Here's one that sounds downright pleasant! Cover 8 golden resins with gin in a three shot glasses. Let sit for three days then eat the resins from one glass each day until the pain is gone or you've finished the three glasses. I don't know if it will work but you'll no doubt be happy!
12) Place one ounce of alfalfa in a quart of water and boil for 30 minutes. Strain and drink throughout the day. Don't uses for over one week then take a week's break? Alfalfa is high in minerals that are helpful. Too much can be harmful though so don't use over 7 days. Other herbs that can be made into tea are angelica and black cohosh. With each of these it's recommended you only use 7 days then takes a 7 day break from use.
13) Other herbs that may be helpful for arthritis include feverfew, hop tea and rosemary and ginger. Ginger can also be boiled and the water used as a compress. All of these herbs have anti inflammatory properties. Tumeric, wildyam red pepper and winter green are other herbal teas and spices that may be useful
14) Omega three fatty acids may decrease the production of inflammatory causing chemicals in the body. Omega threes isn't made by the body and we must get them in our diet. Fish and flaxseed oils are good sources.
15) Dietary changes such as decreasing sugar, dairy and carbs may be helpful.
16) Try adding two tsp of lemon juice to a tsp of honey. This can be used alone or added to a glass of herbal tea and drank throughout the day.
17) Two tsp of apple cider vinegar added to a tsp of honey and to a glass of warm water and drank daily for several days may also be helpful.
18) SAM is an amino acid derivative similar in affect to glucosamine that has shown success in decreasing arthritis pain.
This is not a complete list of holistic treatments for arthritis, but a few of the many out there. Never give these remedies to children or take them if you're pregnant. Always check with your doctor if you have questions or are on prescribed medication.
This article is meant to be informational and is not medical advice.
Sources:
http://www.naturalnews.com/023045.html
http://www.morphemeremedies.com/homeremedies_arthritis.htm
http://vitaminlady.com/Articles/Arthr.asp
http://www.naturalnews.com/023045.html
http://www.morphemeremedies.com/homeremedies_arthritis.htm
http://vitaminlady.com/Articles/Arthr.asp
Published by Brenda Smithy
I am a student of life, enjoying learning and growing each day. My interest are varied and writing is my passion. View profile
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