Arthritis

The word 'arthritis' means 'inflammation of the joints'. It is derived from two Greek words: athron, meaning joints; and itis, meaning inflammation. It is, generally, a chronic disease process.

Arthritis occurs in various forms, the most frequent being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which usually occurs in the older age-group. Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease which affects not only the joints of the fingers, wrists, hips, knees, and feet, but also the muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body.

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain usually increases after exercise. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the 'cooked food disease'. It usually develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Ultimately the whole body is affected. Symptoms include anemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet.

Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an inflammation of the synovium or lining of the joints. This is accompanied by swelling and eventually leads to deformity. The condition may be caused by hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress, infection, severe fright, shock, and injury. Hereditary factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease.

Arthritis Treatment with Parsley:

Add 1 teaspoon of fresh parsley to 1 cup of boiling water. Let steep 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Add 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger to the tea and drink hot. Drink at every meal.

Arthritis Treatment with Apple Cider Vinegar:

Mix 4 cups of apple cider vinegar to 4 cups of hot water. Dip a cloth into the hot vinegar water and apply as a compress to the affected area. Put a heating pad over the compress and keep on for 30 minutes.

Arthritis Treatment with Barley Tea:

Barley tea is an excellent way to treat arthritis. Make a tea by soaking 1 cup of unhulled barley in 8 cups of boiling water for 3 hours. Strain and keep refrigerated. Drink 1 cup twice daily.

Arthritis Treatment with Brewer's Yeast:

Put 2 tablespoons of Brewer's yeast in a glass of milk or juice and drink every morning.

Arthritis Treatment with Cod-liver Oil:

Put 2 tablespoons of cod-liver oil in a glass of warm milk and drink twice daily. This will reduce inflammation of the joint tissue, thus reducing pain.

Arthritis Treatment with Herbs:

Mix 1 tablespoon each of corn silk, broom flowers, skullcap, and boneset. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tablespoon of herb mixture and steep 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Drink with meals.

Arthritis Treatment with Potato Juice:

The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been used in folk medicine for centimes. The traditional method of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place the slices overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes. A medium-sized potato should be diluted with a cup of water and drunk first thing in the morning.

Arthritis Treatment with Sesame Seeds:

A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, soaked in a quarter cup of water and kept overnight, has been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seeds are soaked should also be taken along with the seeds first thing in the morning.

Arthritis Treatment with Raw Juices:

One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, mixed in equal proportions with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is good for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and in other tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also valuable, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis Treatment with Calcium:

Studies have shown that calcium can help arthritis. Several patients have discovered that joint pains have either been relieved or have disappeared entirely after taking calcium. This mineral should be taken in the form of calcium lactate. Two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing 400 mg of absorbable calcium, may be taken three times daily in water, before meals for at least four months.

Arthritis Treatment with Garlic:

Garlic is another effective remedy for arthritis. It contains an anti-inflammatory property which accounts for its effectiveness in the treatment of this disease. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to individual preference.

Arthritis Treatment with Bananas:

Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved useful in the treatment of arthritis. A diet of only bananas for three or four days is advised in treating this condition. The patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily during this period and nothing else.

Arthritis Treatment with Lime:

Lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.

Arthritis Treatment with Alfalfa:

A tea made bum the herb alfalfa, especially from its seeds, has shown beneficial results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds may be added to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea should be taken daily by arthritics for at least two weeks.

Arthritis Treatment with Green Gram Soup:

Another home remedy found useful in relieving pains in the joints is the use of green gram soup. This soup should be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gram in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. It should betaken twice a day.

Arthritis Treatment with Coconut or Mustard Oil:

Warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor should be massaged on stiff and aching joints. It will increase blood supply, and reduce inflammation and stiffness with the gentle warmth produced while massaging.

Arthritis Treatment with Raw Juices:

One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, mixed in equal proportions with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is good for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and in other tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also valuable, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis Treatment with Copper:

Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.

Arthritis Liniment with Turpentine:

Mix together 1/2 cup each of apple cider vinegar, rectified turpentine, and either olive or vegetable oil. Rub on the affected joints each night before bed.

Arthritis Treatment with Arthritis Cocktail:

Mix well 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 1/2 cups of water, and 1 ounce apple cider vinegar. Drink once a day. You should be free of symptoms after using daily for 1 month.

Bath Treatment for Arthritis with Epsom Salts:

Put 1 cup of Epsom salts in your bath water (draw the bath as hot as you can stand it) and soak 20 minutes a day.

Bath Treatment for Arthritis with Sea Salt:

Put several cups of sea salt in hot bath water and soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes every day.