Many people are now realizing the health benefits that tea can bring to their bodies. Herbal teas and remedies have been used for many years by past civilizations, but we are now just acknowledging their benefits and true value. One such product is Essiac herbal tea.
Essiac herbal tea contains a mixture of herbs that is believed to have properties that help the body fight off cancer. The herbal remedy was discovered by Rene Caisse, a nurse in Canada. Caisse allegedly obtained the formula of the tea from one of her patients who used it to treat her breast cancer. The formula is believed to have come from the native Canadian medicine known as Ojibwa. Caisse then used the product to treat hundreds of patients who had cancer in her Ontario clinic. Caisse named the product Essiac, which is her last name spelled backwards.
The exact formula of Essiac tea was never published; thus, the original formula is unknown. The ingredients being used nowadays are all native to Canada. The primary components are Slippery elm, Burdock root, Rhubarb and Sorrel. Other Essiac teas have additional ingredients, which include Kelp, Blessed Thistle, Red clover and Watercress. Each of the herbs has different effects, making them useful for different conditions. For example, Slippery Elm is used to soothe mucus membranes and help in eliminating toxic byproducts of the body. Burdock Root can help stimulate the body’s digestion, and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Rhubarb has the ability to cleanse the gut and purges the body of intestinal debris. Finally, Sorrel can enhance the immune system of the body and can break down foreign tissue, such as cancer.
Essiac herbal tea is used in the management of a number of health issues. It is most controversial for its purported anti-cancer properties, which are associated to its ability to boost the immune system, cleansing the blood and repairing damaged cells. It also helps in digestion to relieve constipation, stops hemorrhage, and works as a sedative by calming the body down. It is also used to manage diseases, such as arthritis, asthma, allergies, diabetes, gout, hypertension, obesity, colds, kidney problems, chronic pain and cancer, to name just a few. Aside from these, it has also been used to improve one’s immunity and enhance the individual’s overall health and well-being.
Essiac herbal tea is generally safe, with only a small portion of users experiencing nausea and diarrhea as an adverse effect. Also, it is important to remember that taking Essiac herbal tea is not a guarantee that cancer will be treated.
Essiac can be bought already brewed. However, in order to get the maximum benefits from the tea, it is recommended that you buy the mixture instead and brew it yourself. The instructions for brewing are already included in the packets of Essiac herbal tea. The tea is typically taken cold. Some users find the tea to be slightly bitter, and choose to add some form of sweetener to make it more palatable. At present, there are more than 40 brands of Essiac herbal tea available in the market. Choose wisely in order to get the best value for your money.
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- Dec, 09
Essiac Herbal Tea: The Story of the Product
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- Dec, 09
The Use of Tea For Home Remedies
The Chinese are well known for their tea, they equivalent have a ritual when it comes to making teas and have tea houses especially for the drinking and brewing of tea. Along with this they introduced the world to herbal tea, herbal teas is perhaps best kind known as a remedy for sleep problems but it also is used for many other small ailments.
There are differing teas that are gladly available in the supermarket and health store or you can choose to use one of the many plants and herbs that grow in most gardens. Making your own herbal tea is simple, use 1 teaspoon of dry herb or 2 of fresh with 1 cup of water. Always use hot not boiling water, but boil the water first and allow to stand for a minute or thereupon before pouring the water onto the herbs and let stand for a further 5 to 15 minutes.
For those who want to pick their own and brew their own here are some of the most popular forms of plant and herb material that are readily available for picking.
Persimmon tea is made from finely crushed leaves and which makes a strong bust that can be used at anytime, it is particularly rich in vitamin C and as such is useful when used as a tonic.
Sassafras tea is made from fresh washed roots, it is important to wash until the drench turns to a reddish brown color and then it can be sliced and dried. It is thought to be particularly helpful for those who suffer from bronchitis, used regularly as a tonic and a blush purifier and thinner.
Birch tea can be taken from yellow or white birch and the leaves when dried and stored can be used all year round. 1 or 2 cups a day is thought to be a great cure for headaches and rheumatism. It is very effective when brewed and left to go numbed as a mouthwash and verbal to be an excellent plan of pain reliever.
Blackberry or raspberry tea is made from matured leaves of the brambles and makes a tea that can be used to successfully control diarrhea. It is also drunk to help purify the blood and used as a tonic.
Alfalfa tea is made from the flower heads and dried powdered leaves. It is a nutritious tea that is thought to help arthritis although the brains is a insufficient bland.
Strawberry leaf tea is useful for a number of ailments including eczema, stomach problems and diarrhea. The best way to parent this tea is to pout boiling water on a handful of leaves at night then stash and allow to steep overnight. This tea should then be drunk cold.
Rose original tea although having a very tart taste can be used all year round and is thought to be special successful in reducing the symptoms associated with colds, flu and a sore throat. The tea should be steeped for roughly ravishing toilet paper then agonizing or can be placed in cool water overnight then left to steep, strained and then reheated in the morning.
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- Dec, 09
Natural Remedies Explored – Joint Problems
Would you believe doctor’s recommend a good diet and exercise. Seems to be a recurrent theme with all our ailments! Be careful with the exercise though, jogging for example can jar the knees and hips. Most gyms have low impact cardio equipment such as bikes and cross-trainers. So, if you think pounding the tread mill is doing more harm than good, get on your bike! Rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to food allergy or intolerance. If you suspect this is the cause of your condition then you need to follow an exclusion diet to pinpoint the allergen(s). Your GP should be able to give advice on this and there are medical sites, which will help. The usual suspects are wheat and dairy products, but there are others, such as soya and citrus fruits.A word of warning though on reading articles and accepting their advice about which foods you should exclude from your diet. For example the nightshade family of foods: potatoes, tomatoes, aubergine and peppers are often quoted. By all means experiment and see if your symptoms improve by eliminating them for a short period, but it seems extreme to remove foods supplying important nutrients, without knowing for sure they are a problem for you. It also seems an irony to suggest removing peppers, given cayenne pepper is often recommended as an aid to reducing inflammation in joint conditions.
Green lipped mussels, fish oils and Evening Primrose oil are widely recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties, and apparently pomegranate can ease arthritic pain. Also try the following herbs for the same reasons:
Ginger and turmeric are also recommended, but my understanding is that an awful lot of both need to be consumed to be effective, which makes it impractical unless you buy concentrated capsules. Curcumin is the ingredient in turmeric, which is useful in this and other conditions.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are touted everywhere as cures for arthritis, but the current scientific evidence does not support the claims, although some small, and so not scientifically reliable, studies have shown the latter two salts, in sulphate form, may help where the condition is not too advanced or serious.
Gout – Is caused by the body not metabolizing uric acid and is a form of arthritis. Anyone suffering should avoid aspirin, as it causes retention of uric acid. Eating 8 oz of fresh or tinned cherries a day can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Drinking plenty of fluids, up to 8 glasses of water per day, and eating plenty of fresh fruit and green leafy veg will also aid the excretion of uric acid. Omega-3 fatty acids, from flaxseed oil for example, will give some relief for swollen painful joints and doctor’s recommend avoiding high purine foods such as: poultry, fish and pulses. Alternative medicine also suggests the use of leeks, cat’s claw, devil’s claw, nettle, bromelain and celery for their anti-inflammatory properties.
I have a keen interest in using natural remedies and have had years of experience in using herbs and homeopathy.My site The Apothecary was set up to discuss natural remedies and related subjects. Please feel free to use the forum.
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- Dec, 09
Arthritis – Symptoms of Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis may vary from person to person, however there is normally a common theme running behind the symptoms which will make it easier for you to spot if you are developing arthritis or if in fact you just have some aches and pains, and that is what we are going to look at now.
On the whole, the main symptoms of arthritis tend to be pain and limited function of joints. Also another characteristic of arthritis is to have inflammation of the joints that are stiff and this could also be accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth. Sometimes these symptoms may occur and then, for some unknown reason, they may not return for several years. One thing to be aware of though, is that if your pain is accompanied with fever, then you need to see a doctor as soon as you can, as this kind of arthritis can sometimes be deadly..
Osteoarthritis is more prevalent in people as they start to reach older age, and they start to feel the joint inflammation which causes pain and swelling. Joints are surrounded by a capsule, which work as their protection. A tissue called synovium, lines the capsule and produces synovial fluid that aides the joint tissues by nourishing and lubricating them, and it is the breakdown in this process that can lead to joint inflammation. Arthritis symptoms may flare up suddenly or appear gradually over a period of time.
Joint stiffness and pain may be mild one day but become so severe the next day that it is impossible to move that particular area without being in a great deal of pain. Now if you couple this with issues such as being overweight, then you are going to put extra pressure on the affected area, especially if the arthritis is in the hip knee or spine area. Joint problems can become a major long-term symptom. Other possible features of this form of arthritis include inflammation of the outer lining of the heart (pericarditis) or the lungs (pleuritis); anemia and high white blood cells and platelets (cells that help with clotting); and enlarged lymph nodes, liver or spleen.
Researchers have identified several risk factors for developing arthritis. For example, osteoarthritis is often blamed on genes that cause weakness in the cartilage. Researchers at Tufts University found that bone and cartilage deteriorated faster in those with a low vitamin D status. Research has shown that it does matter for certain medications. When you take your medications may impact their effectiveness.
Medications can be used to treat the pain and inflammation, but there are many natural remedies that have been more successful in treating the cause of the inflammatory arthritis. However, as with most things these days there is a growing demand for natural remedies to treat arthritis. Now opinions vary as to which is the most effective, natural or medical and personally I really think that it comes down to your own beliefs which way to go, but which ever route you choose, you may want to get the advice of someone that specializes in that field, such as a homeopath for sake of argument
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- Dec, 09
Home Remedies for your Healthy Life
Home remedies are now a days becoming popular day by day. It has lots of benefits. First of all the availability of all the material required to make or prepare a remedy is easily available in out house and kitchen or may be present in our surroundings. Secondly there is no side effect. This is also a major concern these days as the contemporary medicine casts a large amount of side effects. These home remedies are herbal based hence do not cause any side effects as these are the things that are very close to the nature and hence does not disturbs our bodies homeostasis.
One more benefit is also there. One saves a huge medical bills and doctors fee. These two things are very high and totally disturb the pocket size. Just by following these small-small remedy makes huge differences and you can get cured from most of the diseases. Below are some of the home remedies that are very effective in treating various ailments that other wise may be very tedious in treating.Home Remedies for Backache
· Consuming garlic is one of the best remedy to treat back ache of every kind of pains in the body
· Boil 8 to 10 tulsi leaves in water. Boil till the water is left to half its amount. Let it to cool down and then add a pinch of salt in it. Consume this 3 to 4 table spoon of this twice daily. It helps in relieving from back pain.
· Consuming Guggul is very effective remedy in treating and avoiding the pain.
· Five black pepper, almost one gram of ginger and 10 Tulsi leaves are used to prepare an herbal tea. This tea is consumed twice daily. This tea is very helpful in reducing pain in the body.
· Ice is very helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation of the affected area when rubbed locally on that area.
· Consuming garlic flake is also very effective in treating the pain in back and arthritis condition.Home Remedies for Headache
· Ashwagandha is very effective in treating headaches as it helps in suppressing vata dosha that is the main cause of pains in the body.
· Brahmi is another herb that is also very effective in treating the headache as it directly affects in releasing the spasm in the muscles especially in head region. Brahmi is also effective in enhancing the memory skills.
· Betel leaf commonly known as leaf of pan is highly recommended in head aches as it has both analgesic and cooling nature.
· Powder of sunthi (dried ginger) is extremely important in treating headache.
· The seeds of ajwain are also very effective in treating headaches.
· A towel dipped in cold water and rubbed on fore head is also very effective remedy in removing headache.Home Remedies for Obesity
· Honey when taken with lime juice with hot water empty stomach is very effective in reducing the weight.
· Consuming tomato is also another good remedy to reduce the weight.
· Triphala is another herbal combination that is very effective in reducing the fat content in the body.
· Consuming cabbage is also very helpful in reducing weight. Whenever you eat food cabbage should definitely be included in diet.
· Two spoon of freshly derived lime juice in warm water is also a good remedy to decrease the weight.
· Consuming lemon tea is also a good method to reduce weight.
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- Dec, 09
Home Remedies for Acne, Arthritis, Backache, Cold, Constipation, Obesity
Fed up from the side effects of the drugs, people are now shifting towards alternative therapies for the cure and treatment of common problems. Home remedies are one of the alternative methods that have been proven inexpensive and can be easily made at home without many efforts. Since ages our ancestors were using these home remedies for the treatment of diseases but the latest inventions and discoveries in the field of medicines darkened the benefits of these home made treatments. In the recent times the people have again shifted towards these home remedies.Home Remedies for Acne, Arthritis, Asthma, Anaemia, Backache, Common Cold, Constipation, Eczema, Hair Loss, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Obesity, Sore Throat, Stress
Home remedies for some of the most common diseases and problems are: Home Remedies for Acne
Application of cucumber leaves or grated pieces of cucumber to the affected areas.
Paste of fenugreek leaves applied overnight on the affected area and washed off next morning is also effective.
Mix one tablespoon of besan flour and one teaspoon of lemon juice till a smooth paste is formed. Apply on neck and face and wash off when it gets dry. Home Remedies for Acidity
Drink a glass of cold milk to get quick relief from acidity.
Drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda for immediate relief.
Chewing bubble gum will also provide relief from acidity in few minutes. Home Remedies for Arthritis
With an empty stomach take 3-4 walnuts (akhrot) or 1 fresh coconut.
Spread warm mustard oil on a madar leaf and apply to the affected area for a few hours .
Drink some radish juice with sugar added to it. Home Remedies for Asthma
Drink a cup of black coffee, the warmth will break up the flem and the caffeine will help to remove tightness from the chest and throat.
Add 30-40 leaves of tulsi in one liter of water, strain the leaves and drink the water throughout the day.Home Remedies for Anaemia
Eat 2-3 apples daily without peeling to increase the iron stores in the body.
Intake of beet juice is highly beneficial for the anemic person’s. Home Remedies for Backache
Drink some hot milk or water with powdered sonth, meetha soda, and salt.
Massage the back with turpentine oil.
For temporary and quick relief heat can be applied at the back with hot water bottle. Home Remedies for Common cold
Drink a cup of water with a few drops of garlic oil and a teaspoonful of onion juice.
Rub the chest and throat with camphor water or oil.
Drink honey and lemon juice in hot water to get relief from sore throat. Home Remedies for Constipation
Drink a tablespoon of corn syrup in a cup of water.
Drink a glass of prune juice to facilitate bowel movement.
Drinking a cup of coffee will also provide relief from constipation. Home Remedies for Eczema
Mix one teaspoon of camphor and one teaspoon of sandalwood to form a paste and apply on the affected e areas.
Drinking Aloe Vera juice will help cleanse the system. Home Remedies for Hair loss
Wash hair with peppermint or spearmint tea to prevent hair loss and to promote hair growth .
Wash hair with white vinegar periodically to prevent falling of hair. Home Remedies for High blood pressure
Mix half onion juice and half honey. Take 2 tablespoons once a day for 1-2 weeks.
Eat two cloves of garlic every early morning.
Eat one Papaya on an empty stomach daily for a month.
Home Remedies for High blood cholesterol
Drinking onion juice daily for a week will lower the blood cholesterol.
Eat a few garlic cloves every day to reduce blood cholesterol.Home Remedies for Indigestion
Drink aloe vera juice, papaya juice, or chamomile, comfrey, red raspberry, or peppermint tea.
Drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of baking soda will provide immediate relief. Home Remedies for Obesity
Eat 10 fresh curry leaves in the early morning for three or four months.
Drink a cup of water with 3 teaspoons limejuice, one-fourth teaspoon powdered black pepper, and a teaspoon of honey every day for three months.
Eat freshly sliced tomatoes with onion and lemon juice.
Drink lemon juice with honey and warm water every morning. Home Remedies for Sore throat
Gargle every hour with vinegar water or salt water.
Drink hot milk with honey at bedtime for immediate relief from sore throat.
A teaspoon of honey will provide relief from sore throat. Home Remedies for Stress
Chewing 12 tulsi leaves twice a day, morning and evening is the highly beneficial treatment of stress.
Various seeds such as alfalfa, sunflower and pumpkin are highly beneficial in the treatment of stress.
The use of these home remedies is highly effective and causes no side effects on one’s physical body.
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- Dec, 09
Arthritis and Treatments
Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a form of the disease that happens in children. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. There is emerging evidence that abnormal anatomy may contribute to early development of osteoarthritis.Other types or cause of arthritis include
Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, which joints are affected, severity, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Gout ,scleroderma ,psoriatic arthritis ,ankylosing spondylitis ,reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis) ,adult atill’s disease ,viral arthritis and gonococcal arthritis. Exercise for arthritis is necessary to maintain healthy joints, relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen — these nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs are often effective in combating arthritis pain. Second-line drugs used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include hydroxychloroquine, gold, penicillamine, azathioprine, sulfasalazine and methotrexate.
Nutritional supplements helpful in treating rheumatic diseases. Cold therapy can involve cold packs, ice massage, soaking in cold water, or over-the-counter sprays and healing salve that cool the skin and joints. Aerobic or endurance exercises (e.g., walking, bicycle riding) to improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall well-being. Relaxation therapy helps reduce pain by teaching people various ways to release muscle tension throughout the body. Heat therapy increases blood flow, tolerance for pain, and flexibility. Cold therapy numbs the nerves around the joint (which reduces pain) and may relieve inflammation and muscle spasms. Capsaicin cream is a preparation put on the skin to relieve joint or muscle pain when only one or two joints are involved.
Arthritis Remedies Tips
1. Chamomilla – Useful when the person is angry and restless.
2. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, is a mild painkiller and strengthens connective tissue between joints.
3. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can be used internally and externally.
4. Nettle strengthens and supports the whole body and improves elimination of waste via the kidneys.
5. Boswellia has been used for thousands of years as a natural anti-inflammatory.
6. 1 tbs juice of fresh leaves of bathua, drink every day on an empty stomach for 2-3 months.
7. Devil’s claw is useful for a wide range of joint and muscular problems as it’s an anti-inflammatory herb.
8. Hepar sulphurls calcareum: 6, four d when suppuration has taken place.
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- Dec, 09
Ayurvedic Remedies Helps you to Solve your General Health Problems
Ayurvedic remedies are the time-tested procedures that were devised after observing their effect on the body. Ayurveda is an age-old health science that has a history of 5000 yeas in developing. Various learned men in ancient India made certain remedies and processes that were very much applicable in providing cure to a variety of diseases.
All these procedures were made as per the availability of things in the surroundings especially vegetations. They after observing all the actions of a particular herb or a plant applied it to various diseases. Hence a full references and data was generated and then documented in various ancient texts. Some of these texts are Charka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Ashtaang samgraha.
These three books possess the complete ayurvedic remedies along with the complete references of diseases and their various sign and symptoms. In these texts there is a complete explanation of diseases along with their diagnostic methods. After this there is a complete treatment with single herbs and certain herbal combinations.
Below are certain ayurvedic remedies that are very helpful in treating a number of diseases with the remedies available around us:
· Constipation – for getting relieved from constipation one can use triphala powder three to five grams daily with warm water or hot milk. One more remedy is also very effective in treating constipation. Take castor oil one to two table spoons at night with warm water or milk. This will not only helps in relieving the constipation but will also improve your digestion. You can also take three to five grams of Haritaki powder that is also a good laxative agent.
· Indigestion – ayurveda has lots of remedies that deal in treating indigestion. Mint or pudina paste is very effective in treating all kinds of indigestion. One table spoon of pudina paste helps in relieving from all kind of digestive disorders and a condition of hyperacidity. Cumin seeds are another herbal drug that is very effective in treating indigestion. 8 to 10 seeds with plane water increasing the peristaltic movement and is also very helpful in avoiding the feeling of nausea.
· Arthritis – ayurveda has great herbals remedies in treating arthritis. Ashwagandha is considered as the greatest herb that is very helpful in treating pains and inflammation in any part of the body. 3 to 5 grams of powder of Ashwagandha is taken twice daily with warm water. Guggul is another ayurvedic herb that’s immensely used in treating the arthritis. A dose of 3 grams of Guggul is enough to get relived from pains. Various Guggul preparations are available in the market. Some of the Guggul preparations that are used are yoga raja Guggul, mahayograja Guggul, kaishore Guggul, triyodashang Guggul etc. Shallaki is another herb which is very similar to Guggul is also widely used to suppress pain and relive from inflammation.
· Skin problems – whenever there is a talk of skin related problems there is only a single herb that is most extensively used. It is neem or azadirachita indica. This is also known as margosa in common language. 3 to 5 grams of neem powder with cold water or milk is to be taken twice daily. Neem has an antibacterial property that helps in curbing any kind of infections that occurs in the body. Turmeric is another herb that is widely used in skin related problems. It is known as curcuma longa in technical terms is very effective in curing all skin problems. It is antimicrobial agent and helps in purifying blood. Khadir is another herb that is also very good in treating skin problems and irritation. It also relives from allergies and infection. It can be applied locally on the skin as well as can be used orally.
· Ear problem – ayurveda has certain oils and juices that are very effective in curbing ear aches and their various other troubles. Bakuchi tail is a wonderful remedy for treating ear aches and its problems. Even sarso oil is also useful in treating ear problems.
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- Dec, 09
Natural Vitamin And Herbal Alternatives For Joint Health
Joint tissue breaks down and arthritis sets in for a number of reasons, and there are several natural alternatives for joint health that can be use to prevent this and to treat affected joints.
Thyroid problems can slow down the production of adrenal hormones that are responsible for the production of cortisone and cosrtisol. These are anti-inflammatories, that when unavailable or in low supply can result in joint inflammation. If you suffer joint pain in the mornings that tends to improve as the day goes on, then it is likely that is the cause since adrenal activity can improve as the day progresses.
One of the main reasons for joint tissue breakdown is osteoarthritis whereby the cartilage wears down until it fails to provide the necessary protection against impact between the bones in a joint, or against the friction generated when two bones rub together. Injuries to joints can have the same effect, whereby an injury to a hip or knee can appear to clear up and then later the cartilage wears out sooner than expected. This can take several months or many years, depending on the severity and nature of the injury concerned.
Continual wear and tear can also cause joint tissue to break down. Athletes and other sportspersons often suffer twenty years or more after retirement from their sport due to the gradual wearing down of cartilage while they were active. Once they stop, this continues to a lesser extent until the cartilage is eventually worn away sufficiently for it to stop protecting the joint.
Problems with the auto-immune system can lead to rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of the joints. This weakens them and can eventually completely destroy the tissue. In such cases the tissues in the joint tend to swell and become extremely painful. Gout can also damage joints, especially in the big toe. This is caused through a built up of needle sharp uric acid crystals. Another cause is a deficiency in sodium and potassium in the diet that are needed to help maintain calcium in solution. When these metals are in deficiency due, for example, to an adrenal problem or some other reason, calcium can deposit right in the joints, causing undue pain.
Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are commonly associated with arthritis sufferers, and protein deficiencies are also believed to be a contributing factor of rheumatoid arthritis, and it is also true that degenerative arthritis can accompany rheumatoid arthritis. This occurs in almost 40% of cases, and diet and nutrition are now being recognized as a major cause of both types. Deficiencies in folic acid or its natural form of folate, vitamin E, zinc and selenium have all been associated with degeneration of joint tissue, so it makes sense that a supplement of these substances can help to avoid these conditions.
Standard medical treatment, however, is for the relief of pain and reduction of inflammation through the prescribing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Typical NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Although it relieves pain, paracetamol is not an anti-iflammatory. An alternative to blocking the inflammatory reponse is to help to regenerate the damaged joint tissue.
However, reducing the inflammatory response to tissue damage does not address the underlying problem, but masks it. Not only that, but there are side effects associated with the use of NSAIDs. Excessive doses can create serious gastrointestinal problems, such as bleeding, ulcer perforation and even death is possible in severe cases. Anti-inflammatories cause gastric problems in up to 20% of cases
The newer Cox-2 inhibitors act on the enzyme that causes the inflammation within the joint, and while these can be very effective, they are still masking the underlying problem. Incidentally, the Cox-2 inhibitors should not be used with NSAIDs, and both increase the possibility of a myocardial infarction or heart attack. Also, if you are taking aspirin to reduce the risk of heart problems, you should be careful not to use other NSAIDs since they can interfere with the effects of the aspirin.
More effective in the long run is to treat the conditions with substances that deal with the cause of the problem. Vitamin C, for example, improves the lubrication effect of the synovial fluid in the joints, and vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that can help to repair damaged tissue and improve the circulation within the joints. Joints have very low blood circulation levels, which is a problem when trying to direct drugs to the joint tissues. Vitamin C is also good for improving the integrity of connective tissue. Zinc, manganese and copper are also instrumental in developing strong connective tissue and helping to repair the damage done to the joints.
Horsetail is a commonly used herbal remedy that can be taken as a tea, tincture or in capsules. It is the richest natural herbal source of silicon, which is used by the body to form connective tissue and collagen. Damaged connective tissue is rapidly repaired by horsetail, and its strength and elasticity significantly improved. It is commonly used in the treatment of arthritis and osteoporosis.
Cat’s Claw is used for its beneficial effect on the immune system, and frequently used successfully to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, this treatment is used more to help reduce the inflammatory effects of the condition than to effect a long lasting cure. Gotu Kola, also called Indian pennywort, is traditionally used for treating arthritis. The fresh leaves are effective in reducing the inflammation and pain, and help to improve the quality of life of arthritis sufferers. In Australia, it is referred to as ‘the arthritis herb’ and two leaves a day are said to be effective.
Another popular remedy is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), although it is claimed to provide pain relief rather than a cure. Amino acids also seem to help, and L-cysteine helps promote collagen and connective tissue. It appears to work best when taken in combination with vitamin E and selenium that are powerful antioxidants. L-arginine has a similar effect in the reconstruction of joint tissue, again helping to repair damaged connective tissues.
There are therefore two approaches to treating both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, one providing pain relief and reducing inflammation, and the other repairing the damage done to the joint tissues. Vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and herbal remedies are used in both, though it is better to use a combination that provides pain relief and also helps to regenerate strong connective tissues in the joints.
When using combinations of remedies it is important that possible interactions are understood, and you should always seek the advice of your physician when using non-prescription remedies of any kind.
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- Dec, 09
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PETS | LEARN ABOUT
Want to learn about natural remedies for pets and money saving ideas? In this article we are going to cover natural remedies and home remedies for both cats and dogs. Natural remedies for pets by definition are in addition to or separate from conventional vet medicine. Natural remedies are being used for a variety of reasons but primarily to avoid harsh side effects resulting from conventional veterinarian treatment.
You already know that trips to the vet are expensive and that it is more comfortable for your pets if you can treat them at home. Additionally, many times the vet’s office is closed when we need to treat minor illnesses and ailments. Imagine being able to treat and home and save money in the process.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PETS|CATS AND DOGS
Natural home remedies have some great benefits. Additionally, the use of natural home remedies has become more popular due to the cost and hassle of conventional medicines.
EXAMPLES OF NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PETS
Supplements are another form of natural remedies for pets and are being used more and more. Some advantages of supplements are that many come in the form of tablets which some pet owners prefer to use because of ease of use.
Herbal remedies are another form of natural remedies for pets and many times are made from herbs we use every day in our homes. Many home remedies are made from natural ingredients we use in our homes daily.
To learn about other home remedies and treatment secrets that can save you a ton of money in vet bills read on through the last paragraph. Natural remedies for pets are easy to use and our pets will love us for using them.