Arthritis – you really don’t need to suffer so much
There are many theories as to what causes arthritis such as an inherited predisposition, getting older (even though children can have arthritis), obesity or a previous trauma or injury. The various kinds of arthritis have some degree of auto-immune involvement and the mechanism for maintaining healthy joints is compromised. Like most conditions there is an element of both psychological and emotional involvement. It has been known for years to alternative practitioners that in cases of arthritis there is some degree of liver involvement. So treatments will probably involve prescribing herbs that are good for the liver (if the case study reveals there is a need).
Read MoreFenugreek seeds ease muscle spasm and helps arthritis
It is one of the oldest medicinal herbs held in high regard by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The seeds smell a little like celery but have a mild bitter/sour taste and are often used in curries.
Studies have shown fenugreek seeds help to stabilize blood sugar levels, very useful when you are trying to change to a healthy diet. This helps reduce cravings for certain foods enouraging you to make better food choices. A very important aspect in reducing pain and inflammation.
It helps lung congestion aiding in bringing up mucus, this is why opera singers use to use it to clear phlegm.
Read MoreBoldo is good for your liver, hence good for Arthritis
Any thing that is good the the liver will help your arthritis condition.
The plant is an evergreen tree that grow to about 18 feet with small berries, but it is the leaf that is of most interest and been used for centuries medicinally. In this case the plant is either male or female, so will need to plant one of each for it to produce.
Legend has it that a Sheppard in Chile noticed when his sheep ate a certain plant (now known as boldo) they were healthier in general and had less liver problems. It’s hard to imagine sheep having too many liver problems – maybe it’s from too much Chilean wine!!!
Anyway the plant is now particularly well known for helping with liver conditions, or as a preventative measure maintaining the health of the liver. Besides its positive effect on the liver it also encourages the gall bladder. Boldo is also known to intestinal worms, rheumatism, cystitis, colds, hepatitis, constipation, gout, and jaundice. In a general sense it helps to protect the liver and encourage the production of bile. This in turn can lower cholesterol and improve digestion.
Boldo contains many plant compounds but one alkaloid in particular is boldine has shown in recent studies to have properties that protect the liver and encourages the production of bile something people have known for centuries. This alkaloid has shown during studies to have encouraged digestive juices. In other research boldine has been shown to be a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and reduce uric acid plus an anti-oxidant with blood thinning properties. Some very new research is indicating that boldine increases heart flow, improving the heart function in general.
However, boldine is one of many plant compounds in boldo that work synergistically, this means it is better in the whole form with all it components in tack. This herb should not be used in high doses or for a long time without a break. If you have a sluggish digestion that makes you feel bloated and full then boldo might be the herb for you. Buy a couple of scrubs and plant in your garden. Make a tea pot of three heaped teaspoons of leaves to three large mug full of boiling water – leave to brew for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink one mug full and put the rest in the refrigerator, drink another cup around lunch time and one in the evening. Those other two cups can be warmed up or just drink cold. The taste is not too bad, the smell is quite distinctive and for this reason some people prefer drinking it cold. Do this for about 6 weeks and then take a break. If this does not appeal, tea bags are easy to find in most supermarkets.
Caution – avoid if you are pregnant as it has abortive properties. Avoid if you are taking a blood thinner like warfarin.
Read MoreKombucha Tea
Kombucha tea is an ancient health remedy that has been around for nearly 2000 years or so. Kombucha Fungus japonicus, it is often referred to as a mushroom, but is actually a colony of yeast and bacteria that looks like a jelly-like substance. First used in China to help relieve digestive problems. Advocates believe kombucha can reduce symptoms of arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis and shingles. In addition some say the tea turns gray hair dark, increases energy and curbs excessive alcohol consumption. I have to say I haven’t used or prescribed this tea to anyone, so I have no first hand experience of this tea.
Brewing the tea requires a starter containing the kombucha culture. The gelatinous pancake is floated on top of a mixture of brewed green tea. After a week or 10 days of fermenting, the culture replicates itself or “has a baby” and creates a carbonated drink that resembles cider. The tea is strained and put into the fridge and stored for daily consumption. It is not a taste that most people like it is probably an acquired taste.
Along with the health benefits of kombucha, researchers are analyzing its potential to cause health problems. There have been reports that caution is needed do not drink large amounts. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) cautioned the necessity to know how very important it is to prepare this tea properly. Since the tea is produced in individual homes under varying conditions, contamination with pathogenic organisms is possible. The FDA have advised people to make the tea in glass or ceramic containers, not to store the tea in enameled and lead crystal containers. The finished tea is acidic in nature which can encourage leaching of toxins into the tea.
Lastly, kombucha tea can trigger low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in those susceptible or with yeast problems (candidia). Though, kombucha tea has been extensively touted as immune enhancing. If you have an immuno-compromised disease or a serious illness like diabetes, you should not consider taking this tea without professional advice.
Read MoreCan Herbal Medicine Help Arthritis?
Medicinally, herbs (spices) are any plants or plant parts that are used in a therapeutic way. Herbal medicine is the art and science of using plants for promoting health and preventing and/or treating illness. It has endured over the centuries as the world’s primary form of medicine (today 75% of the population), since the beginning of time. There is written evidence that is more than 5000 years old!
Most pharmaceutical drugs are single chemical entities that are highly refined and are often synthesized. In contrast, herbal medicines are prepared from living or dried plants and contain hundreds to thousands of interrelated compounds. Science is beginning to demonstrate that the safety and effectiveness of herbs is often related to the synergy of its many constituents. Modern medicine is brash, bold and fast in contrast herbal medicine is understated, profound, and slow acting.
The focus of the herbalist (and many other practices like acupuncture or naturopathy) is to treat people as individuals irrespective of the name of the disease or syndrome they have been labeled with. The practitioner has to figure out how they will encourage that person’s innate healing power through the use of such interventions as herbs, diet and lifestyle.
In contrast focus of conventional physicians is to attack diseases using strong chemicals that are difficult for the body to process, or through the removal of organs. Not only does this ignore the unique makeup of the individual, but many patients under conventional care suffer from side-effects that are as bad as the condition being treated. The philosophical difference between herbalists and conventional physicians has profound significance. I firmly believe that we should have choices and if you choose medication that is fine. However, if you are someone who is seeking a different approach herbal medicine can help, as long as they discuss nutritional changes with you.
Like all Alternative treatments herbal medicine can be used in three different ways
1) to help prevent disease
2) to help treat disease like arthritis
3) to maximize your general health
Take arthritis for instance – the success of herbal treatment always depends upon a variety of factors including how long the condition has existed, the severity of the condition, the dosage and mode of administration of the herb/s and how diligently treatment plans are followed.
Most herbs sold as dietary supplements are very safe. When used appropriately, the majority of herbs used by practitioners have no adverse side-effects. A review of the traditional and scientific literature worldwide demonstrates that serious side-effects from the use of herbal medicines are rare. Bear in mind some people have adverse reactions to peanuts!
If you decide to self prescribe then read product labels very carefully, most manufacturers provide appropriate information. If they don’t, then don’t buy their product.
Most visits to an herbalist begin with a consultation about your past and current health history, your dietary and lifestyle practices, or other factors related to your health issue, like family history. The herbalist, then with your involvement, will develop a comprehensive herbal and lifestyle program that addresses your specific health problems.
Various herbal traditions have developed worldwide. In the West there are a number of different traditions which include folklore herbal practices, clinical Western herbal medicine, naturopathic medicine, practitioners of Ayurveda or Chinese medicine and numerous Native American herbal traditions.
All of these disciplines look at treating the causes and not just the symptoms, improving the quality of your life.
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