Alternative Information

There are actually three common types of arthritis. These areOsteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16million Americans with an average age of 45. It usually willattack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but hasbeen found in the fingers, neck and spine. Each of our jointsis cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance. Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears itdown.

Another type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Extremelypainful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints andactually attacks two million Americans in their twenties.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, butactually eats away at the joints and can also manifest aspsoriasis on the skin.

The term Arthritis literally translates to "joint inflammation." If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis listedabove, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects ortried other "home remedies." If you haven't yet tried"Urtication," it might be helpful. The term "Urtication" comesfrom the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is "Stinging Nettle. Thetreatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat thesore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but thepractice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers ofarthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their windowsill.

Here are a few more herbs that are used effectively for thetreatment of arthritis:

Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed,Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is a powerfulrelaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painfulmenstrual cramps. Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well asbringing on a delayed menstrual cycle. It is also effective inthe treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain andneurological pan. In small doses, appetite and digestion aregreatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system ingeneral.

Bogbean
Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis andrheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on thewalls of the colon and digestive juices.

Celery Seeds
Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory,anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic. Great for treatingrheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skinconditions of warts and blotches. Also one of the best cancerherbs.

Feverfew
Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizzinessand tinnitus.

Nettle
The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one ofthose "universal" plants. They are found all over the world andthey strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema,nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a fewapplications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron,potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.

Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils),thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds thecalcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces lactic acid buildup. Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca
Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been usedwith surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your localhealth food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas whileothers may facilitate creating a topical treatment.

No matter what natural remedies you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does notinterfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.