Many arthritis sufferers are looking for an alternative treatment for arthritis pain.  There are actually three common types of arthritis.  These are Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic.  Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45.  It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine.   Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance.  Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

The second type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties. Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.  So an alternative treatment for arthritis should help alleviate the pain as well as the inflammation.

Many arthritis sufferers are looking for an alternative treatment for arthritis pain.  There are actually three common types of arthritis.  These are Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic.  Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45.  It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine.   Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance.  Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

The second type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties. Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.  So an alternative treatment for arthritis should help alleviate the pain as well as the inflammation.

The term Arthritis literally translates to joint inflammation.  If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis listed above, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other home remedies.  If you havent yet tried Urtication as an alternative treatment for arthritis, it might be helpful.  The term Urtication comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times.  Urtica dioica is Stinging Nettle.  The alternative treatment for arthritis is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles.  This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.

Here are a few more alternative treatment for arthritis that have worked effectively:

Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot has been used as an alternative treatment for arthritis.  The dried root is the part used.   This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps.  Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle.  It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan.  In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.

Bogbean
Useful for as alternative treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.   Also has a stimulating effect on the walls 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 treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.<br>

Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches.  Also one of the best cancer herbs.

Feverfew
This alternative treatment for arthritis use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness and tinnitus.

Nettle
The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those universal plants.  They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body.  Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications.  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 the calcium deposited in the joints.  Also reduces lactic acid build up.   Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca
Is another alternative treatment for arthritis that is also promising.  The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

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

No matter what alternative treatment for arthritis you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.

Tags: herbal remedy, rheumatoid arthritis, natural treatment, arthritis treatment

I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was thirty years old. Since I was fourteen years old I have had various treatments on my back. Each doctor that saw me gave me a different diagnosis. Many people were surprised that I had arthritis at such a young age. I was relieved that I finally had an answer and could move forward. The not knowing what was causing the pain was worse for me than the diagnosis. Once I knew what I was dealing with I began to do research on arthritis pain relief.

There are so many theories as well as products that are available to help with arthritis pain relief. I have been on several different prescription medications through the years, but the side effects are difficult to deal with and many of the products have been pulled off the market due to heart related issues. The media coverage as well as my own experiences has caused me to seek out natural remedies for arthritis pain relief. The natural remedies do not offer as immediate arthritis pain relief but they also do not have the side effects. The major side effect that I am trying to avoid is the acid reflux that I had with the prescription medications. I found that when I lay flat, which felt the best for my back, I would get severe heartburn. I have been using a combination of stretching exercises along with heating pads and topical ointments to aid in the arthritis pain relief. For me the main factor in dealing with the pain is doing as much as possible to prevent it from happening. When I know that I am going to be doing a strenuous activity I make sure that I stretch my muscles well. I also take breaks often and make sure to get plenty of rest. The key for me for getting arthritis pain relief is altering my activities. If I sit too long, stand too long or do a repetitive motion I find that I am in a great deal of pain. If I take breaks and alter my position from sitting to standing I can effectively avoid the pain.

There are a number of homeopathic remedies that are available on the market. I find that having the blended herbal teas helps my arthritis pain relief. It is important that you get the natural and homeopathic remedies from a reputable person. There are many products on the market that claim to be all natural; however they do not have any active ingredients to help in pain relief. There is no food and drug regulations on natural cures so it is important to know what you are buying and putting in your body.

Tags: alternative treatment, health, natural treatment, herbal treatment, herbal

 

While natural ingredients include an entire range of produces derived from plant leaves, roots, bark, fruits, and even extracted oils, herbal skin care products derive their beneficial effects from herbs. Herbs are low-growing aromatic plants that can be used either fresh or dried; these include annuals (which must be seeded each year) as well as perennial herbs (which survive the winter to grow again in the spring). Usually, it's herbs' leaves that are used to enhance skin care products' benefits.

The Herb Research Foundation classifies herbal & organic skin care products into one of four groups, depending on the herbs that the products include, and the scale of sale. The four groups are Ayurvedic, Chinese, General, and Commercial.

Ayurvedic herbs are the herbs used in India, including ginger, turmeric, and frankincense as well as pants that are less well known in English such as ashwagandha. These four, in combination, have been shown in texts to decrease rheumatoid factor and interleukins, which are the biological markers of rheumatoid arthritis activity.

It's a little-known fact that Chinese herbs are seldom used alone, but are more often used in formulas of four. In Chinese herbal medicine, the formula is assembled just like the individuals in a royal court. There's a King Herb that has the strongest effect, a Minister Herb that addresses the min pathology as well as a secondary pathology, and assistant herbs. Assistant Herbs can be helpful and strengthen the King's effect, corrective and eliminate the King or Minister herb's toxic effect, or opposing in order to decrease the King's effect.

General herbs are those with entries in reference publications such as the Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs that describe their medicinal properties. The names of many of these will be familiar to you; you may have seen seeds to grow them in the grocery store, or you may actually have some of them growing inside or near by your house. And commercial herbs are those wholesalers sell in bulk.

For more on homemade organic soap making as well as candle making and other do-it-yourself crafts visit the soap making resources center at Pure and Natural Soaps where you'll find articles, recipes, instructions, ideas and tips.
To discuss these and other craft projects visit the Soap Making Message Board - a community forum for soap and candle making as well as other crafts and do-it-yourself projects. Discuss techniques, share ideas, learn new methods, post your favorite recipes and meet new friends.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

Tags: health, herbal, natural treatment, herbal treatment, alternative treatment

There is a long tradition, going back many centuries, for using plants and flower extracts in the treatment of various ailments. Evening Primrose Oil is one such example. The plant species is said to have originated in Central America and Mexico, and Native Americans are known to have believed in its healing properties. There are various species with differently colored flowers, yellow being the most common. Some are also red, pink, white or purple. The flowers open in the evening, hence the name. Bees and moths pollinate the flowers.

The wild plant grows in the most inhospitable of places, bringing welcome color to wasteland and ground adjoining railway tracks and roads. In addition to the Evening Primrose Oil, the rest of the plant is also put to use. Young roots provide a vegetable which resembles the flavor of a pepper, and some people use the shoots in salads. Of course, some people just like Evening Primrose plants for the attractiveness it adds to the garden. In the past, people used to take the plant and make an infusion from it, which was used to treat gastro-intestinal problems and asthma symptoms. The plant was also used to make poultices, believed to soothe bruises and quicken the healing of wounds.

So, what are the claims made by the defenders and enthusiasts, concerning Evening Primrose Oil? It has been used as a sedative and as a pain killer. The most common use of evening primrose is for menstrual health.  It helps ease pre-menstrual tension, menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. Other conditions treated by the oil include whooping cough, high cholesterol levels and low immune system. Skin conditions are said to be helped by Evening Primrose Oil, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne  and rosacea (hot flushing).

In modern times, the oil is usually sold in the form of capsules. There are many claims made for the benefits of  Evening Primrose Oil. The medical establishment say that some of these claims go too far and no benefits have been proved in clinical trials. The consensus is, there may be an  exception to this, in that rheumatoid arthritis could be helped. The oil has been seen to reduce blood pressure levels in animals but it's difficult to quantify the effects in humans. The Evening Primrose Oil is pressed from the plant's seed which contains an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) and there lies its therapeutic value. Others argue that you can get sufficient EFA from a good diet.

The debate will rage on, no doubt. It's good advice however, that you consult your Doctor before taking Evening Primrose Oil, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or are suffering from epilepsy. The oil can sometimes interact unfavorably with other supplements, herbal remedies or prescribed drugs. Most people agree, that in the majority of circumstances, Evening Primrose Oil will do no harm and any side affects are likely to be headaches, stomach pains or rashes.

There is a long tradition, going back many centuries, for using plants and flower extracts in the treatment of various ailments. Evening Primrose Oil is one such example. The plant species is said to have originated in Central America and Mexico, and Native Americans are known to have believed in its healing properties. There are various species with differently colored flowers, yellow being the most common. Some are also red, pink, white or purple. The flowers open in the evening, hence the name. Bees and moths pollinate the flowers.

The wild plant grows in the most inhospitable of places, bringing welcome color to wasteland and ground adjoining railway tracks and roads. In addition to the Evening Primrose Oil, the rest of the plant is also put to use. Young roots provide a vegetable which resembles the flavor of a pepper, and some people use the shoots in salads. Of course, some people just like Evening Primrose plants for the attractiveness it adds to the garden. In the past, people used to take the plant and make an infusion from it, which was used to treat gastro-intestinal problems and asthma symptoms. The plant was also used to make poultices, believed to soothe bruises and quicken the healing of wounds.

So, what are the claims made by the defenders and enthusiasts, concerning Evening Primrose Oil? It has been used as a sedative and as a pain killer. The most common use of evening primrose is for menstrual health. It helps ease pre-menstrual tension, menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. Other conditions treated by the oil include whooping cough, high cholesterol levels and low immune system. Skin conditions are said to be helped by Evening Primrose Oil, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and rosacea (hot flushing).

In modern times, the oil is usually sold in the form of capsules. There are many claims made for the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. The medical establishment say that some of these claims go too far and no benefits have been proved in clinical trials. The consensus is, there may be an exception to this, in that rheumatoid arthritis could be helped. The oil has been seen to reduce blood pressure levels in animals but it's difficult to quantify the effects in humans. The Evening Primrose Oil is pressed from the plant's seed which contains an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) and there lies its therapeutic value. Others argue that you can get sufficient EFA from a good diet.

The debate will rage on, no doubt. It's good advice however, that you consult your Doctor before taking Evening Primrose Oil, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or are suffering from epilepsy. The oil can sometimes interact unfavorably with other supplements, herbal remedies or prescribed drugs. Most people agree, that in the majority of circumstances, Evening Primrose Oil will do no harm and any side affects are likely to be headaches, stomach pains or rashes.

Tags: health, natural treatment, herbal treatment, alternative treatment, herbal

One form of alternative treatment for pain relief that is becoming more and more popular is reflexology.  This natural method uses your feet to treat your whole body and is gentle and painless.

Reflexology can be used to achieve good health and balance or to alleviate symptoms from stress, migraines, infertility, back pain, arthritis and injury.  It is not a means to cure ailments but rather a  method to soothe and ease pain without the side effects of medications.  Reflexology as an alternative treatment for pain can speed the healing process and may be used alongside traditional medicine and medications.

The benefits of reflexology extend past simply relieving pain.  This alternative treatment for pain relief method of healing can also be used to achieve balance and health as well as to maintain good health.

If you are thinking of adding reflexology as an alternative treatment for pain relief, then you must take care when selecting your practitioner.  Since reflexology is becoming more and more popular, you should have plenty to pick from in your area.  Make sure the practitioner you choose has the appropriate qualifications and is someone that you feel comfortable with.  If you do not like your practitioner or they do not have a demeanor that is soothing to you, your sessions could be adversely affected.

Your first session will be mostly a learning session for the practitioner.  This is a time for them to get to know about you and your problems so that they can map out the best course of treatment.  This is actually the most important part of the therapy as learning about the patient is critical to choosing the treatment that will best suit your needs.  You will also receive your first reflexology session using your feet.  Plan an hour for each treatment.  Once the practitioner zeros in on where your pain is, they will be able to use your feet to treat your inner organs.

After the session, pay particular attention to how you react as this information is important feedback for your practitioner.   It is important that you report back your reactions so be sure to write them down and bring the paper to your next session.  Everyone responds differently to treatment, but most people report a feeling of total relaxation and well being.  Remember, the healing process is different for everyone and can take time so don't expect miracles on your first visit.

Reflexology is a great alternative treatment for pain relief or just maintaining your general well being.  It is totally natural, non invasive and has no adverse side effects. Why suffer needlessly from back pain, migraines or any other ailment when you could give reflexology a try?

Tags: relaxation, arthritis, back pain, stress, reflexology

There is a great tradition in different cultures around the world about the use herbs, for their flavor in cooking and for their healing properties for the mind and body. The monks and nuns in early England were amongst the first people in the West to learn about herbs. They experimented with herbalism in their gardens and soon became experts in dispensing the appropriate treatment.

It's important when learning about the usage of herbs for medicinal purposes, to choose the correct dosage and to make sure of the purity of the herb. Many people who don't know about herbs think that they are completely harmless because they grow naturally. This is not true, as herbs can have side effects just as much as drugs can if not administered correctly.

If you are not sure about herbs, seek advice and go to a licensed herbal practitioner. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or receiving treatment by drugs. Taking both a herbal treatment and a drug can double up on components and flood the body too much.

The use of herbs and their effects is well documented. A lot of medical professionals from conventional backgrounds are beginning to give herbal remedies more respect as they learn more about herbs. The Chinese have already had herbal medicine as part of their everyday treatment for a very long time. Different ailments have their own treatment solutions, with many herbs duplicating each other.

Aloe Vera is a multi purpose herb, treating many ailments including arthritis, acne, warts, and allergic reactions. Lavender can also help with arthritis. Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin), is another herb that is used for a variety of patients, treating influenza, stomach ache, and pulmonary infections. St. John's Wort (one of the more dangerous herbs in incorrect doses), has been tested in medical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate levels of depression. Results showed that the herb performed better than a placebo.

A lot of people suffer from acute insomnia but don't want to take sleeping pills. In studies about herbs, it's been found that Valerian root is a good alternative and doesn't cause drowsiness in the morning. General fatigue can be helped by periwinkle or dandelion. Periwinkle can also ease the symptoms of the menopause, as can fennel.

Many gardeners get a lot of pleasure from growing a herb garden, providing wonderful scents and flavor for the pot. A stock of mint, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley will give you the basic supply needed for most dishes. Add some rosemary and chives and you're well set up. You'll have fun learning all about herbs and their uses in the kitchen, whether you follow advice in cookery books or do some experimenting of your own.

Tags: herbal remedy, aloe vera, periwinkle, lavender oil, herbal tea, herbal, fennel, lavender