HERBS AND CURES

OSTEOARTHRITIS

 

INTRODUCTION:

 Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the oldest and most common diseases in humans and the most common form of joint disease in the world.

The term "osteoarthritis" means "joint inflammation." Because OA does not present clinically as an inflammatory disorder, some have suggested that the term "osteoarthritis," or "joint disease," is more appropriate. Although OA is considered a non inflammatory form of arthritis, there can be a small inflammatory component. However, this inflammation is much less intense than that seen in rheumatoid arthritis, which is considered an inflammatory form of arthritis.

 

DEFINITION:

 

Osteoarthritis is primarily a non inflammatory disorder of movable joints characterized by an imbalance between the synthesis and degradation of the articular cartilage, leading to the classic pathologic changes of wearing away and destruction of cartilage.

 

MEDICINES FOR OSTEOARTHIRITIS

 

There is a range of medications for osteoarthritis, which aim to:

 

* Relieve pain

 

* Optimize joint function,

 

* Limit deterioration in the joints.

 

Pain relief is the main reason people seek help for their osteoarthritis.

 

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS:

 

Patients with OA are encouraged to exercise as a way of keeping joint cartilage lubricated. Exercises that increase balance, flexibility, and range of motion are recommended for OA patients. These may include walking, swimming and other water exercises, yoga and other stretching exercises, or isometric exercises. Physical therapy may also include massage, moist hot packs, or soaking in a hot tub.

 

ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT:

 

Treatment of OA patients is tailored to the needs of each individual. Patients vary widely in the location of the joints involved, the rate of progression, the severity of symptoms, the degree of disability, and responses to specific forms of treatment. Most treatment programs include several forms of therapy.

 

HERBS FOR OSTEOARTHIRITIS:

 

There are a number of herbs that work synergistically to reduce chronic joint inflammation such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Boswellia:

 

Boswellia has unique anti-inflammatory action, much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used by many for inflammatory conditions.

 

Cayenne:

 

Cayenne (Capsaicin) Capsaicin, the "burning" substance in cayenne creams has been used topically to relieve pain from osteoarthritis. The benefit from cayenne creams, generally containing 0.025-0.075% of the active ingredient capsaicin, has been confirmed in double blind research. 

 

Devils claw:

 

Devils claw (Harpagphytum procumbens)-an analgesic and anti-inflammatory

Dosage: one to two grams, three times daily

 

Horsetail:

 

The silicon content of horsetail is believed to exert a connective tissue strengthening and anti-arthritic action in traditional medicine. 

 

White willow:

 

White willow has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Although the analgesic actions of willow are typically slow-acting, they tend to last longer than aspirin. One double blind study found that a product featuring white willow effectively reduced osteoarthritis pain compared to placebo.

 

Yucca:

 Yucca has long been used to reduce arthritic pain. 

Cherries, hawthorn berries and blueberries: Cherries, hawthorn berries, blueberries and other dark red-blue berries are rich sources of anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins. These compounds are flavonoid molecules that give them their deep red-blue color. These compounds are remarkable in their ability to enhance collagen matrix integrity and structure.

 

Celery:

 

Celery seed extract-acts as an anti-inflammatory medicine.  It acts as a pain relief medicine in osteoarthritis.

 

Castor:

 

Castor oil hot packs-apply to affected joint.

 

SOME OTHER HERBS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS:

 

The following herbs help to cure Osteoarthritis Problem.

 

* Alfalfa (Medicago saliva)

 

* Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

 

* Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

 

* Chaparral (Larrea tridentata)

 

* Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

 

* Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

 

* Hops (Humulus lupulus)

 

* Licorice

 

* Mustard Plaster (Brassica Alba)

 

* Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

 

* Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum)

 

* Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

 

* Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

 

* Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

 

* Wintergreen (Gaulteria procumbens)

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