Anti-Arthritic Medicine Chest

[Guest guest]

Homeopathic rhus tox, ruta grav, calc phos, calc carb and silicea

can also be of immeasurable benefit...

Be Well,

Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

Antiarthritic Medicine Chest

 

http://www.healthwell.com/delicious-

online/D_Backs/Feb_01/arthritis_s1.cfm?path=hw

Antiarthritic Medicine Chest

 

 

Boswellia

(Boswellia serrata)

 

Boswellia, an extract from the Boswellia serrata tree, has been

extensively studied in humans and found to have several powerful

antiarthritic effects. It inhibits inflammatory factors, acts as an

analgesic and may also improve circulation to damaged joints and

inflamed tissue. In one placebo-controlled study, 70 percent of

rheumatoid arthritis patients had a reduction in pain and stiffness.

A standardized dose of 200 mg, twice daily, was given to research

subjects (Agents Action, 1986, vol. 18).

 

Bromelain

(Anas comosus)

 

Bromelain, taken between meals, inhibits " bad " prostaglandin

production and reduces inflammation (Japanese Journal of

Pharmacology, 1972, vol. 22). It is measured in milk-clotting units

(mcu) or gelatin-dissolving units (gdu). If you are allergic to

pineapple, do not take bromelain because it is a pineapple

derivative.

 

Chondroitin

 

Chondroitin sulfate is a natural body lubricant that provides

cartilage with its elasticity and provides protection for bones that

are in contact with one another. It acts as a shock absorber for

joints and helps to transport nutrients to joint spaces. Chondroitin

sulfate is most often sold in nutritional supplements along with

glucosamine sulfate. Studies comparing chondroitin sulfate to NSAIDs

found chondroitin to be more effective at halting inflammation and

edema (Journal of Rheumatology, 1996, vol. 23).

 

Devil's Claw

(Harpagophytum procumbens)

 

In the past 20 years, studies have confirmed that devil's claw is a

potent anti-inflammatory. When standardized devil's claw was studied

in 50 arthritis patients, results found symptoms and severity of

pain were markedly decreased. Controlled clinical research in Europe

compared the efficacy of a standard antiarthritic drug,

phenylbutazone, with devil's claw. The results revealed devil's claw

to be more effective in reducing pain and inflammation without the

unpleasant side effects associated with the prescription drug

(Journal of Medecine Actuelle, 1985, vol. 12).

 

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

 

is a hormone produced by the body that acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Stressful events cause a release of cortisol that cause our DHEA

levels to drop. Low DHEA levels are also seen in those with

inflammation and high levels of IL-6 and IL-1, both known to cause

inflammation and pain. By increasing our DHEA levels, it may be

possible to control cortisol, IL-6 and IL-1. Plant sterols and

sterolins help control cortisol and are used by the body to make

DHEA naturally. Have your DHEA tested by your doctor to make

certain you are in the normal range. DHEA supplements are not

available in Canada.

 

Glucosamine Sulfate

 

Touted as the " arthritis cure, " glucosamine sulfate has been shown

in more than a dozen human trials to be as good as, or better than,

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in controlling

inflammation and pain (Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 1994, vol. 2).

Glucosamine normalizes cartilage metabolism while preventing its

breakdown and acts as a shock absorber, lubricating and repairing

joint tissue. Cartilage repair generally takes two to three months.

 

MSM

 

According to authors Stanley W. Jacob, MD, Ronald M. Lawrence, MD,

PhD and Martin Zucker of MSM, The Natural Solution for Pain (Berkley

Books, NY), MSM relieves pain and reduces inflammation, scar tissue

formation and muscle spasm. Research reported in The Journal of Anti-

aging Medicine (Summer 1998 ) found that when eight patients were

given 2,250 mg of MSM daily and six patients were given placebo,

those treated with MSM indicated they had better than 80 percent

reduction in pain after six weeks of treatment.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or algae control inflammation by

decreasing IL-1 and inhibiting enzymes that cause inflammation. A

tremendous amount of research has evaluated the anti-inflammatory

effects of fish oils, though the dosage varies from study to study

(Arthritis and Rheumatism, 1994, vol. 37).

 

Plant Sterols and Sterolins According to a paper published in 1998

by PJD Bouic, PhD (Arthritis Trust of America Newsletter, Summer

1998), plant sterols and sterolins were able to control the release

of immune factors, thereby halting the immune process that

ultimately destroys cartilage. Most importantly, sterols and

sterolins also stopped autoantibody production and the release of IL-

6, IL-1 and IL-4 in rheumatoid arthritis. Testimonials touting

remission for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers spawned a

double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in South Africa

under the direction of Bouic. Results are soon to be published. In

addition, a double-blind, US-based, placebo-controlled study is in

process to verify the remission rates discovered in North American

rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

 

Tumeric

(Curcuma longa)

 

Esteemed by Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries, turmeric contains

anti-inflammatory curcuminoids, active substances found in turmeric.

These reduce pain by blocking the enzymes that cause inflammation.

Several double-blind studies have shown dramatic improvements in

symptoms experienced by rheumatoid arthritis sufferers (Indian

Journal of Medical Research, 1980, vol. 71). Turmeric is also an

antioxidant.

 

Vitamin A

 

Vitamin A helps increase the positive immune factors that turn off

the inflammatory- and pain-causing immune factor IL-1. Pregnant

women should take vitamin A only under a physician's supervision, as

it can cause birth defects. (Misty's note- a better way to go is to

take beta carotein a precursor to Vit. A. Vit A is fat soluble, so

it tends to stick around longer than the water soluble vitamins

hence the possibility of overdose and toxicity... This way the body

will convert what is needed, and there should not be the issue of

toxicity.)

 

Vitamin E

 

Vitamin E decreases inflammatory prostaglandins that are associated

with pain and inflammation. It also decreases the negative effects

of stress. Stressors cause the release of the stress hormone

cortisol. Cortisol then causes the inflammatory immune factor IL-6

to be released. Vitamin E also increases the positive immune factor

that keep IL-1 and IL-6 under control. (International Journal of

Vitamin Nutrient Research, 1984, vol. 26).

 

Willow Bark (Salix alba)

 

Willow bark, an ancient remedy used to treat fevers and arthritic

complaints, is often referred to as nature's aspirin. Salicin

is its active ingredient. Many human studies have evaluated willow

bark's ability to rapidly relieve pain and reduce inflammation

(Fact, 1998, vol.3).