Treating Arthritis With Herbs, Spices, & Roots - Which Ones Are Most Effective?

Herbs and spices have been used to treat various diseases and ailments for thousands of years, both herbs and spices are excellent antioxidants with many containing excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

Listed bellow are some of the best herbs and spices known to help arthritics. You should try to incorporate some of these herbs into your everyday life. Herbs and spices should where possible be used in their natural form & taken as a tea, or added to food.

In my opinion it is best not to take herbs & spices in capsule form, due to the diminished properties of the extract when diluted with additives, such as capsule binding agents.

The following herbs & spices are listed in order of their superior properties when used to treat arthritis.

Some herbs and spices are known to interfere with certain prescribed medications, it is therefore always wise to consult with your doctor or a professional, before introducing any of the following herbs into your diet.

Turmeric

Has long been used to treat arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property.

Turmeric is also known to contain an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals.

Ginger

Asian & Indian have been using ginger to treat arthritis for over 2000 years due to its anti-inflammatory property.

Why not try making tea with ginger, put one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger into a cup of boiling water allow to cool and drink.

Devils Claw

Devil's Claw native to parts of South Africa, where it is thought to have been used to treat arthritis for centuries, two active ingredients called Harpagoside and Beta sitosterol are found in devils claw which are thought to posses excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

Devil's Claw is claimed to be beneficial for treating arthritis, rheumatism, arthritis and diseases of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and bladder,.

Cats Claw

Cats claw has been used for over 2000 years by the the indigenous peoples of South and Central America to treat rheumatic disorders. Ingredients appear to act as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer agents. Cats claw is found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America. Research has also indicated cats claw may help in the treatment of intestinal ailments such as Crohn's disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome,

Cayenne Pepper

Known to support the body's immune system

Used for treating: arthritis, backache, heart disease, ulcers, indigestion, pain, psoriasis, and shingles.

Use caution when introducing cayenne pepper into your diet, although it is known to benefit many arthritics, in some cases it may actually trigger symptoms.

Cloves

Can kill intestinal parasites and act as an anti-microbial agent against fungi and bacteria.

Helps relieve pain, digestive problems, and anti-fungal, antibacterial problems.

Chewing a clove once a day may be beneficial to arthritics.

Golden seal

Known to contain a powerful detoxifier.

Parsley

Commonly used as a diuretic, & to reduce inflammation, treat rheumatism & arthritis, clear toxins in the body, inhibit tumor growth, & combat urinary tract problems.

Licorice (root)

Contains phytoestrogens. Used to treat ulcers & known to have anti-viral, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory properties.

Do not use licorice (root) if you have high blood pressure as large doses or prolonged use may increase blood pressure.

Do not use if you retain water easily.

Choosing the Right Joint Supplement - Know Your Options

As a consumer, it can be hard to choose which medicinal and nutritional supplements are best for you.  Many, if not most, supplements do deliver on their promises; however, some are certainly better than others and knowing what to look for when choosing a supplement is extremely important.
 
For the purposes of this article, we will focus on one common ailment - joint pain and stiffness.  Joint pain, disability, and restricted mobility affect more than 40 million Americans.  As the U.S. population ages, it is expected that this number will more than double over the next decade.  These symptoms, once considered an unavoidable consequence of aging, are now being successfully treated by joint support products.  This is particularly true in the case of osteoarthritis. 
 
While some people are genetically predisposed to developing this most common form of arthritis, many people will develop degenerative osteoarthritis due to injury or overuse of joints.  The most commonly prescribed treatment for osteoarthritis pain is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ("NSAIDS"), which provide temporary relief from inflammation in the joints.  This common treatment generally works for a while, and many people will experience no complications from the drugs. For some, however, the side effects are significant.  Increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and digestive disorders are only a few of the serious risks associated with taking NSAIDS. 
 
Nutritional supplementation offers hope for osteoarthritis suffers, without the risk of the potentially deadly side effects of NSAIDs.  The acceptance of joint support products by consumers has been steadily increasing due to their proven effectiveness, as well as their ability to promote and maintain joint health with little or no side effects.  Millions of people have experienced some relief and pain remediation through regular supplementation with various dietary products. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and calcium have been popular choices for regular supplementation for joint problems and bone strength, but each has drawbacks with respect to effectiveness, bioavailability, and tolerability. The often overlooked mineral silica is an attractive alternative providing similar benefits but without many of the drawbacks associated with glucosamine, chondroitin, and calcium. 
 
Glucosamine:  In general, glucosamine is an amino sugar that has shown moderate ability to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and restore partial movement to affected joints. However, taking glucosamine derived from sea creatures may cause allergic responses in individuals who are allergic to shellfish.  Individuals with diabetes may experience elevated blood sugar levels if they inject glucosamine which may even raise blood sugar for individuals who do not have diabetes.  Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also advised to avoid taking glucosamine because little is known about its effects on this patient population. 
 
During research studies, gastrointestinal complaints such as constipation, diarrhea, and nausea were attributed to taking glucosamine.  Some study participants who took glucosamine sulfate also reported drowsiness or headache. In addition, glucosamine may increase the risk of excessive bleeding when it is taken in conjunction with warfarin; other anticoagulants or anti-platelet drugs; aspirin; or herbal products that reduce the blood's ability to clot.  Finally, injecting it may increase blood sugar levels, thereby interfering with insulin and drugs or herbals that lower blood sugar.
 
Chondroitin: Chondroitin is a sulfate molecule that occurs naturally in the body and is believed to provide a different chemical from glucosamine that is important in the formation of cartilage; however, its effects are not understood as well as glucosamine's. Some people believe that it may help keep cartilage healthy by absorbing fluid into the connective tissue. However, studies have not shown conclusively that chondroitin helps repair or grow new cartilage or even helps prevent cartilage from further deterioration.
 
Many chondroitin supplements are made from cow cartilage.  If you are a vegetarian or otherwise object to the use of animal based products, look for a supplement made from algae instead.  There have been occasional reports of mild side effects which include nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, stomach pain, and heartburn. Chondroitin is similar in chemical composition to heparin, a drug used to thin the blood; accordingly, it is theoretically possible for chondroitin to increase the effects of blood thinners. 
 
Chondroitin is often combined with glucosamine in many popular supplement products such as Osteo Bi-Flex, Cosamin and Estroven. The Arthritis Foundation recommends exercising caution in taking glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Moreover, due to the popularity of glucosamine-chondroitin supplements and the apparent lack of reliable information about their usefulness in treating osteoarthritis,the National Institutes of Health funded a study to test the effects of chondroitin and glucosamine on osteoarthritis of the knee.  This multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, six month long trial found that glucosamine plus chondroitin had no statistically significant effect on symptoms of osteoarthritis in the overall group of osteoarthritis patients.
 
Calcium:  Calcium supplements are widely popular and come in several forms including calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.  The primary difference between these two types of calcium supplements is the amount of elemental (or actual) calcium they contain. Calcium carbonate contains almost twice as much as citrate, which generally makes the carbonate form less expensive.  Calcium citrate is often recommended for the elderly because it may be easier for their digestive systems to absorb.  A recent review of calcium and bone mass studies found that calcium citrate malate has high bioavailability in all age ranges including young girls as well as postmenopausal women. 
 
Side effects of calcium supplementation include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain, thirst, dry mouth, and increased urination.  Although it is well accepted that calcium supplements reduce the risk for osteoporosis, there is concern that high calcium dosages may increase the risk for hardening of the arteries and kidney stones.  High calcium intake can result in calcium deposition into soft tissue and can also impair absorption of other minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron.  If taking calcium supplements, you should not eat large amounts of bran or whole grain cereals and breads because they may reduce absorption of calcium.  Similarly, consuming alcohol, large amounts of caffeine or vitamin D, or using tobacco products may also impair the absorption of calcium.
 
Silica: Silica, also called silicon, is an essential mineral and potentiator of other minerals like calcium for bones; glucosamine for joints; and antioxidants for healthier arteries and cardiovascular function.  Silica is a trace mineral required for the formation of healthy connective tissue, bone, skin, hair, and nails.  Silica is also essential for collagen formation, healthy arteries, and regulation of calcium deposition in the bones.  Absorption is critical to its effectiveness because dietary sources of silica such as those found in food, horsetail, and colloidal gel (silica) products are very poorly absorbed because of their insoluble, polymerized forms.  For optimal absorption to occur, dietary silica must first be converted to organic silicon (monomethylsilanetriol). This form of silica has excellent bioavailability and is found in premium product offerings such as Orgono Living Silica. Unlike the other nutritional supplements discussed for joints, silica has no known side effects.
 
In addition to knowing the differences between each option available, here are a few other considerations to keep in mind when selecting a nutritional supplement.
 
Quality: Is the company committed to observing Good Manufacturing Practices? Does the product contain pharmaceutical-grade ingredients?  Does it contain the recommended amount of each ingredient to be effective?
 
Delivery: Form is important. Powders, pills, tablets, and capsules all have little "extras" that can interfere with the body's ability to absorb supplements.  Liquid delivery of the supplement ensures your body can absorb the active ingredients quickly and effectively, without extra binders, fillers, and additives found in powders, pills, tablets, and capsules. 
 
Tolerability:     Is the product safe? Are there any side effects associated with the product? Have there been any drug interactions reported?
 
Reputation: Is the company reliable? Does the company feature testimonials from satisfied customers?  Does it have a negative reputation?
 
Customer care: This is particularly important in nutritional supplements, as many companies use independent sellers to distribute their product.  Is the company you purchase your supplements from an authorized distributor?  Do they stand behind their product?  Do they ship quickly? 
 
As you can see, there are many factors and options to consider when choosing a nutritional supplement for joint health. Being informed is the best way to decide which one is right for you.

McAlindon TE, et al. "Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Quality Assessment and Meta-analysis". JAMA 283: 1469-1475, 2000.

Clegg DO, et al. "Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis". New Engl J Med 354 (8): 795-808, 2006.

Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis on the Body

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes chronic inflammation of the joints such as knees, hips, ankles and hands. It is accompanied by high levels of pain and can cause severe disability issues. More likely to strike women than men, the condition is commonly occurring in those over the age of 40 although it also affects much younger people. It affects about 1% of the population and can be dependent on a host of factors that include weight, environment, smoking and genetics.

Contrary to common belief, the affects of rheumatoid arthritis go beyond merely affecting joints and causing restrictions on a person's mobility. In fact the condition can have significant and widespread effects on the whole body. One such effect can be seen on skin with the development of rheumatoid nodules. These are lumps of tissues that can occur, usually under the skin in areas such as the fingers, forearms, elbows and heels. They can even occur in the lungs and heart or appear as ulcers.

Rheumatoid arthritis's effects on the body can be detected in the eyes as well. Inflammations in the eyes, especially in the white area, can turn the eye red and cause pain. Vision loss and an increase risk of Sjogren's syndrome are some of the other ways the disease can take its toll on the eyes. The heart and blood vessels are yet another set of organs that could be affected by this condition and thereby place people under heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks and stroke. Inflammation of blood vessels is another common complication that could also prove to be of a serious nature.

The effects of rheumatoid arthritis can also extend to blood cells. It can affect the body by lowering levels of red blood cells, causing a condition known as anemia, which in turn causes fatigue, accelerated heart beat, dizziness and insomnia. Lung problems are yet another way in which we can witness the effects of rheumatoid arthritis on the body. Inflammation of the lungs that can be attributed to the condition may cause pleuritis and fluid collection. Some complications that may arise as a result include collapsed lungs, infections and coughing up of blood. What is worse is the tendency for some rheumatoid arthritis medication to cause lung problems that could result in shortness of breath, cough and fever.

Most medication available for its treatment tends to suppress the immune system and this could in turn cause complications by increased disease and illness arising from a suppressed immune system.

Life can be difficult at best for those living with this condition. The constant pain coupled with the inability to move about freely and enjoy life as well as the pain and difficulty in getting the most basic chores done without pain or restrictions can, and often does, lead to high levels of depression in a significant percentage of people living with this condition. Thus rheumatoid arthritis doesn't only take a toll on a person's body; it also takes a toll on a person's mental health.

Is Arthritis Genetic?

There is some debate among experts about the causes of arthritis. There are just so many different types that it is hard to pinpoint what actually will cause this disease. However one factor comes across as a prevalent one when it comes to considering this issue.

The one question you should ask when considering this issue is whether arthritis is genetic? There are many indications to prove that genetics have a large bearing on whether a person will develop certain forms of arthritis. There are so many types of arthritis that we cannot discuss all of them here. These are a few of the common ones.

Rheumatoid arthritis and the HLA-DR4 gene: Research shows that the HLA-DR4 gene is one of the main factors in whether a person will develop arthritis and how severely they will suffer from the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is especially affected by this gene. This is partly due to the fact that this form of arthritis is linked with the malfunctioning of the immune system. This disease will create swollen and deformed joints.

Osteoarthritis also runs in families: I have personally seen this in my own family and research has shown this to be true. This form of arthritis is the wearing away of the cartilage and drying of the synovial fluid around the joint and is caused by wear and tear, but you will find some active people are more prone than others to this disease. Scientists have discovered that one of the factors affecting this is a genetic mutation in type II collagen that is present in some families. This leads to a faster breakdown of the joint cartilage. Because of these genetic factors you will find this type of arthritis running in families.

Ankylosing spondylitis: this form of arthritis affects people in their teens, 20's and 30's. It is a progressive disease that fuses the spine making it difficult for the patient to bend or stand up straight. The TASC or Australo-Anglo-American Spondylitis Consortium, identified genes ANTXR2 and IL1R2, IL23R and ERAP1 as being responsible for this type of arthritis. This proves the fact that genetics also play a role in whether some people will develop this type of arthritis.

In view of this evidence gene therapy is being researched widely to find permanent cures for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The first documented trials were done in 1996 and were done with rheumatoid arthritis patients, further research was then done with osteoarthritis.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis And How Will It Affect Me?

Approximately one million men and women of all ages in the US are living with Psoriatic Arthritis. This lifelong condition can cause deterioration, pain, and stiffness in one's joints. Regardless of age, anyone with psoriasis and joint pain can have also known as PA.

PA is most common in the neck, back, knees, ankles, fingers and toes. Almost 90% of those diagnosed with PA first notice symptoms in their nails. Their fingernails and toenails will pull away from the nail beds and often develop pitting, form rough ridges, and even appear discolored such as a yellowish-orange color. It is not uncommon for pain and stiffness in the joints of hands and feet to appear as early indicators of psoriatic arthritis.

The severity of PA can vary. It can be mild effecting one finger or toe, or in contrast can be so severe that it is considered disabling. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 20% of psoriatic arthritis patients have more than five totally damaged joints that significantly impair the quality of life, both professionally and personally.

If left untreated, joint degeneration can develop quickly and is irreversible. More than 50% of people living with psoriatic arthritis have some limitations and more than 60% lose time from work. If you or someone you know has a family history of psoriasis and experiences stiffness and swelling of joints, take control by making an appointment to see the doctor or dermatologist.

If left untreated destruction of joints occurs, making it painful, if not impossible to perform daily activities such as walking or even brushing your teeth. However, early treatment and proper diagnosis can prevent awful joint pain from progressing into deformities and disability.

If you or someone you know has a history of psoriasis and experiences joint discomfort, consult a dermatologist immediately. Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition effecting people of all ages. PA can begin as mildly uncomfortable and become devastatingly disabling if it persists untreated. For most people, appropriate diagnosis and treatment will relieve pain, protect the joints, and maintain mobility.

So When Your Hip Hurts, What's Going on and What Do You Do?

There are many different causes of hip pain. And among the various problems requiring arthritis treatment, this ranks near the top.

This article will discuss the three most common types.

Osteoarthritis... the major culprit

The first is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a disease of cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones, and which cushions joints to allow gliding. When cartilage wears away, in other words, deteriorates, it causes the bones in the hip to rub against each other.

The pain of osteoarthritis is generally felt in the groin. It also may be felt in the buttocks. Patients may have difficulty getting their shoes and socks on and off the affected foot. Getting in and out of a chair may be difficult. Going up and down stairs may also be a problem.

On examination range of motion of the hip is abnormal. In particular, internal rotation tends to be affected early.

If osteoarthritis of the hip is suspected, the doctor will often order x-rays. The x-rays will show narrowing of the joint space as well as bone spurs and cysts in the bones next to the joint.

The treatment will vary depending on the extent of symptoms. Patients may respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, intra-articular steroid injections, and stretching exercises.

While patients may eventually require total joint replacement, if the arthritis is not that severe, a stem cell procedure may be considered.

Hip tendonitis... a major player

Another cause of hip pain is tendinitis. Tendinitis causes inflammation in the tough fibrous band that connects bones to muscles. The most common cause of tendinitis is overuse.

There are many different tendons in the hip region. The tendons in the front of the hip, if affected, will cause pain in the groin. This is particularly evident when a patient climbs stairs or gets up from the chair.

Tendinitis on the outside of the hip will cause pain with stair climbing. Also, the patient may experience discomfort at night if they try to lie on the affected hip.

Tendinitis involving the hamstring tendons in the hip may cause pain in the buttocks with walking or running.

The diagnosis is suspected by history and confirmed by physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed to confirm the extent of damage.

The treatment of choice is rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy, early on.
Sometimes, steroid injections are required for acute problems.

For more chronic tendon problems, a percutaneous needle tenotomy using ultrasound guidance followed by platelet rich plasma (PRP) is generally advised. Surgery is rarely required.

Last... but not least

The final common problem that may affect the hip is bursitis. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, the small sacks of fluid that cushion bones and tendons.

The pain is felt along the outside of the hip. It is extremely painful when examined.

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications, ice, physical therapy, and stretching.

If non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective, steroid injection may be required.

Again, this is a situation where percutaneous needle tenotomy with platelet rich plasma (PRP) may be needed.

There are obviously other causes of hip pain, but these are the three most common problems requiring specific arthritis treatment.

Canine Arthritis Treatment - A Natural Cure For Your Dog's Arthritis

Have you noticed that as your dog is getting older, it is slowing down and may not be as active as it once was? An aging dog can suffer from arthritis much the same as it's human companions do. Your dog's joints can become stiff and inflamed making life uncomfortable.  As with human arthritis, arthritis in animals cannot be cured. Canine arthritis treatment does not have to be very expensive and there are some quick and easy things you can do to help ease the pain of this condition.

One of the first things you can do is move his bedding to a warm place. A dog that sleeps on the cold, hard ground or on hard flooring will be much more uncomfortable. A soft, fluffy pillow-like bed will ease his pain and you will probably notice a difference right away.

Another step would be to use supplements in his diet that will lessen the inflammation in the joints. One of the best solutions would be to give your dog Omega3 fatty acids or fish oil. These can be found in any store that carries vitamins and are quite readily available. Omega3 lubricates the joints making movement much easier.

The larger breed dogs seem to be more susceptible to canine arthritis than smaller breeds. It is believed that their extra weight puts more pressure on the joints, but that doesn't mean that small dogs cannot have arthritis.

Keeping your dog healthy and active will prolong it's life and regular exercise is essential even for older dogs. A dog with arthritis will not want to move about so keeping the joints in top condition will go a long way in making him happy and comfortable as he gets older.