Plant Medicine 2

There are many of earth’s plants that can help with joint pain by reducing the swelling and helping to restore the chemical imbalance in the human body. Proper exercise, proper eating habits and rest, can bring about the balance and restoration of the human condition.

Creator has given us the tools and the plants to work with, all we need to do is use them.

Black Cohosh

An American Indian treatment for arthritis involved using the root of black cohosh. There are five species in the Cimicifuga genus worldwide that have been used to treat rheumatism. Black cohosh contains aspirin-like substances as well as other anti- inflammatory and antispasmodic constituents.

Dosage and Directions

Simmer 1 teaspoon of black cohosh root in 1 cup of boiling water for twenty minutes. Strain and drink the tea in 2 divided doses during the day. Do this for two to three weeks, and then take a break for seven to ten days before starting the treatment again

Boswellia

Has unique anti-inflammatory action, much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used by many for inflammatory conditions. Unlike NSAIDs, however, long-term use of boswellia does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the stomach.

Celery

The remedy of eating raw or cooked celery seeds or large amounts of the celery plant to treat rheumatism arrived in North America with the European immigrants. Using celery to treat rheumatism persists today in North American professional herbalism. Various parts of the celery plant contain more than 25 different anti-inflammatory compounds. And, taken as a food, celery is rich in minerals: A cup of celery contains more than 340 milligrams of potassium. (A potassium deficiency may contribute to some symptoms of arthritis.)

Dosage

Place 1 teaspoon of celery seeds in a cup. Fill the cup with boiling water. Cover and let stand for fifteen minutes. Strain and drink. Drink 3 cups a day during an acute arthritis attacks.

Chaparral

Chaparral is widely promoted in health food stores as a treatment for arthritis. In the early 1990s, reports of liver toxicity for chaparral appeared in scientific documents, and 18 cases of adverse effects to chaparral have since been reported to the USFDA.

Two of those patients required liver transplants. The individuals who were poisoned took powdered chaparral in the form of capsules, ingesting toxic constituents. You can avoid this by taking a tea instead. All folk uses for chaparrel uses it in the form of either externally as a wash or internally as a tea and not powdered herb. I recommend that you do not use this herb due to its toxicity.

Epsom Salt

Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti- arthritic properties and it can be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one of the most important of the essential minerals in the body, and it is commonly deficient in the American diet. A New England remedy for arthritis is a hot bath of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath can increase circulation and reduce the swelling of arthritis.

Dosage and Directions

Fill a bathtub with water as hot as you can stand. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. Bathe for thirty minutes, adding hot water as necessary to keep the temperature warm. Do this daily as often as you’d like. (If you are pregnant or have cardiovascular disease consult your doctor before taking very hot baths.)

Feverfew

It has been used for centuries for arthritis. Some studies have found that the anti-inflammatory effects of this herb are greater than those achieved by NSAIDs. Take 250 milligrams once or twice daily.

Again Always check with your Doctor before starting on any new treatments.

Ginger

In one study, Indian researchers gave three to seven grams of ginger a day to 18 people with osteoarthritis and 28 with rheumatoid arthritis. More than 75 percent of those participating in the study reported at least some relief from pain and swelling. Even after more than two years of taking these high doses of ginger, none of the people reported side effects. Many people drink ginger tea for osteoarthritis. A ginger compress is also beneficial for arthritis.

Ginseng Liquor

Ginseng contains constituents called ginsenosides, which have a variety of pharmacological actions. It is an adaptogen – it increases the body’s ability to handle a wide variety of stresses.

Note: Be sure to use American ginseng, not Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) for this remedy. Asian ginseng can actually aggravate the pain of arthritis.

Dosage and Directions

Chop 3.5 ounces of ginseng and place in 1 quart of liquor like vodka. Let the mixture stand for five to six weeks in a cool dark place, turning the container frequently. Strain and take 1 ounce of the liquid after dinner or before bedtime every night for up to three months. Then, take a break for two weeks before starting the treatment again.

Note: If you are prone to gout, the alcohol may aggravate your condition. In that case take ginseng tea without Alcohol.

Hoping this may help a few that are suffering from joint pain; again always consult your family doctor before starting and new kind of treatment.