More Americans than ever are searching for natural cures for Osteoarthritis. This is no surprise considering osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common of the degenerative joint diseases, affecting one in six Americans and a full eighty percent of those over age seventy.
The disease is characterized by knobbed, bony proliferations in the joints of the fingers. As the disease progresses, inflamed joints throughout the body create pressure and strain on ligaments, leading to muscle strain and pain.
Pain in Osteoarthritis is mild in the morning, but worsens as the day goes on. A combination of routine "wear and tear", maladjusted anatomical position, and previous injury on the weight bearing joints result in furthering the degenerative process in this condition. Additionally, past injuries produce microscopic fractures in the cartilage lining the joints, exposing the underlying bone. Differences Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
The duration of stiffness is shorter for OA as compared to RA.
Pain with OA tends to become aggravated by activity. Pain in RA often occurs with activity or at rest.
Both have joint swelling, but RA also has an associated redness and warmth.
Factors That Lead to the Development of Osteoarthritis
Previous or current inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
Repetitive occupational or exercise related joint movements
Foods to Avoid in Preventing Osteoarthritis
coffee - either regular or decaf
artificial additives, flavorings, and preservatives
refined white flour and its products
refined white sugar and its products
Red meat of any kind
red wine, port, and sherry
vinegar and foods cured in vinegar
tomatoes and other such high acid vegetables
Remedy for Osteoarthritis
Herbs for Inflammation that can be useful in treating OA:
Bogbean - Perhaps the most useful herbs for inflammation in treating arthritic conditions. Has a marked anti-inflammatory effect. More commonly used in Europe, specifically in England.
Devil's claw - The presence of glycosides in this herb reduces inflammation, particularly in the joints.
Nettle- Primarily an astirngent and diuretic, it has been used very successfully on arthritic conditions. This has been a primary healing herb in Europe for centuries.
Meadowsweet - A high content of natural asprin like chemicals (salicylates) make this herb useful in relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis. This herb should always be an indgredient in any remedy for osteoarthritis.
Willow bark - Also possessing a high content of salicylates, willow can be used in a wider treatment of connective tissue inflammation within the body.
Black cohosh - Effective in treating not only osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but sciatica and neuralgia as well.
Cramp bark - Has a deserved reputation as a relaxer of muscle tension and spasm, helpful in relieving pain associated with OA
Prickly ash - A potent circulatory herb similar in action to cayenne. It helps in circulating blood through muscle tissues, thereby being useful in arthritic conditions and is one of the best herbs for inflammation.
Valerian - Helps aid with the sleeplessness associated with osteoarthritis. Also a potent muscle relaxer.
Celerly seed - Have both a diuretic and slight anesthetic affect that has proven useful in treating symptoms associated with OA.
Skullcap - Perhaps one of the most useful herbs for inflammation and relaxing states of nervous tension while at the same time reviving the central nervous system.
A useful natural cure for Osteoarthritis using Herbal tinctures:
2 parts bogbean
2 parts meadowsweet
1 part black cohosh
1 part prickly ash
1 part celery seed
1 part angelica
1 part yarrow
Tincture: Take 1 tsp of this mixture three times per day as a remedy for osteoarthritis.