arthritis relief

[helenlee]

Anyone care to share what they use to relieve their arthritis?
I'm back on the glucosamine & also organic apple cider vinegar after my hands recently became much more painful. I don't know if it was the cold weather or if it was the workout I gave the chocolate recently. I strongly suspect sugar overload makes mine worse, but haven't yet been motivated to eliminate it ... I have a very sweet tooth & am a very good cook ... sigh.

[permup]

My mother-in-law swears by penny wort. She has it growing in tubs outside her unit. I think she eats 2-3 leaves a day. You look too young to be suffering from arthritis... are you sure it's not something else? Some sort of carpel tunnel maybe? Hmm.

[eco4560]

If I remember smacking the joint with stinging nettles was something that was recommended by Isabell Shippard. You might find something here - http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/

Did it get better when you had your nettle run in?

[ecodharmamark]

G'day Helen (welcome back)

Some believe that Rosehip (Rosa sp.) is the 'cure'. My dear old mum swears by it, but I have no hard evidence to support its effectiveness. Having said that, anecdotally it seems to do the trick in a number of cases that I am aware of. Could be worth a try?

A reasonably well referenced article appears here:

The Wild Rose is Hip for Osteoarthritis (http://www.herbsphere.com/thewildrose.htm)

Cheerio, Markos.

[helenlee]

You look too young to be suffering from arthritis... are you sure it's not something else?

I'll be 47 very soon. People get it by this age don't they?
My Mum/Sister/Grandmother all have it in their hands ... I think it runs in the family. So far it's mainly the middle joints in all my fingers ... they've been swollen up for years ... & now I have it in my right hand at the site of a break that happened 5 years ago. Having said that - I've never been to a doctor about it ... I'm allergic to doctors. I think just general wear & tear has contributed a fair bit ... none of the women in our family have been "kept" :)

Did it get better when you had your nettle run in?

I get stung almost every day ... just some days are worse than others. I've been hoping arthritis relief would be a serendipitous benefit ... but so far no joy, just pain.

I've never tried PennyWort ... I wish I'd read that yesterday ... I was at a nursery that sold it.

Hi Markos. Thank you for the welcome :) I'll try Rosehip ... I use to be wild about Rosella Rosehip Syrup when I was a baby apparently .... use to drink it from a baby bottle - no wonder I have such a sweet tooth now if they started me on it when I was tiny!

I'm sure the vinegar does work ... I'm just sooky about taking it. It's awful!

[Michaelangelica]

Anyone care to share what they use to relieve their arthritis?
I'm back on the glucosamine & also organic apple cider vinegar after my hands recently became much more painful. I don't know if it was the cold weather or if it was the workout I gave the chocolate recently. I strongly suspect sugar overload makes mine worse, but haven't yet been motivated to eliminate it ... I have a very sweet tooth & am a very good cook ... sigh.
Glad to see you back Helen
There are any number of herbal remedies for arthritis, the ones mentioned are all good.
One problem is the word 'arthritis" which is a bit like saying you have a 'cold," the word covers a multitude of ills.
Have you had a proper diagnosis?

Herbs used either singularly or preferably in combination (where there is some research to support their use) include:-
Devils Claw
Evening primrose seed/oil
Celery seed
Feverfew
Goldenrod
Glucosamine
Stinging nettle
Tumeric
Vitamin E
Withania
Rosemary EO
Juniper (Gin!)
Myrrh
Vit B3, E
Shark cartilage
chrondroitin
creatine
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)
Ginger
Willow bark (very differnt to asprin)
Meadowsweet
Most take about 8-12 weeks to kick in
Watch solanacae plant family; they can cause arthritis in sensitive people or were they become too large a part of the diet.
Avoid heavy does of corticosteroids they will break your bones, with about 12 months use.
I will post more later on this a bit busy now

[helenlee]

Have you had a proper diagnosis?

See above ^ ... I'm allergic to doctors :) However I'm starting to realize that this is potentially serious, especially if I'm going to keep living on my own, so I think maybe I need to work up the courage to see a quack.

[Burra Maluca]

My other half's athritis, which can get crippling if not attended to, has been completely sorted out by glucosamine and he's been pain free for nearly fifteen years now. But he has to keep the glucosamine up. If he stops taking it, after three months the pain starts to creep back, then when he starts taking it again it takes weeks for the glucosamine to build up enough in his joints again before the pain goes away. So if the glucosamine helps you, you need to keep taking it. The 'maintenance' dose seems to be a lot less than the 'make the pain stop' dose though.

When I was struck with arthritis a few years ago, it turned out to be (yet another) hormone related problem and was the trigger for me to start experimenting with natural progesterone cream, which took all the athritis away instantly, never to return, and did a lot to lessen the endometriosis pain too. So, er, strugging to put this tactfully, it might be your age, hormones, pre-menopause, that kind of thing.

Somewhere I have a book called Arthritis Be Gone which had loads of suggestions for how to figure out what was triggering your arthitis. It was really good, but I only ever tested the hormone suggestion so I don't know how good the rest of the ideas were.

[helenlee]

So, er, strugging to put this tactfully, it might be your age, hormones, pre-menopause, that kind of thing.

Hi Burra Maluca ... You don't have to put it tactfully ... there's nothing to be tactful about. As far as I know there's nothing embarrassing about being 46 :) And as my Mother says "it's better than the alternative." Quite.
What sort of progesterone cream do you use? I tried it a few years ago, but wasn't convinced it made enough difference to justify the price ... but I've become a lot more worn out since then so it might be worth another shot :) I was using a "Neways" product ... I think it was made from yam?
I use glucosamine & it works well. I stopped a while ago when I was broke but have made it a priority again & am feeling the benefits.

[helenlee]

Hi Michaelangelica ... Thank you for the kind words - it's good to be back!
Thanks for the list ... there are a few things on it I take & I'm willing to try a few more. I don't take corticosteroids.

[Michaelangelica]

Have you had a proper diagnosis?

See above ^ ... I'm allergic to doctors :) However I'm starting to realize that this is potentially serious, especially if I'm going to keep living on my own, so I think maybe I need to work up the courage to see a quack.
Ask for a referral to see a specialist who charges under the medicare system. specialists are less 'quacky' than doctors.
Herbalists are generally no good at diagnosis as they usually see someone when all else has failed and by that time have heaps of investigation.

Other herbs & stuff
NZ Green lipped Mussles (anti-inflammatory)
Wintergreen EO
oats (in vitro studies only-- anti-inflammatory anti arterogenic)
EV olive oil and leaf extract (anti-inflammatory)
Peppermint EO
Centella Asiatica (common Oz weed)
GLA or Tripterygium wilfordii extract (?)
Aralia cordata extracts
Ajuga decumbens (Chinese used for joint pain)
Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F,
Uncaria tomentosa
Harpogogophytum procumbens (excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti arterogenic)
chondroitin sulfate
Boswellia serrata (anti-inflammatory anti arterogenic)
Feverfew
Comfrey
Pygeum
Arnica (anti-inflammatory, analgesic)
selenium (brazil nuts)(anti-inflammatory )
Aloe vera
celery seed
chondroitin
Chocolate (dark)
Dandelion
Chamomile ( a powerful herb often neglected because it is so ubiquitous)
Calendula
Brahmi
Aloe candellabra (external analgesic)
Chilli externally and/ or internally (dulls pain with a few days use)

The highest anti-inflammatory potential was detected with chili pepper. Among the plants that improved the secreted cytokine profile were allspice, basil, bay leaves, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme.
The compounds apigenin, capsaicin, chrysin, diosmetin, kämpferol, luteolin, naringenin, quercetin and resveratrol moderately reduced IL-6 and TNF-alpha secretion. Resveratrol and rosmarinic acid increased secretion of IL-10.
Our findings further the idea that a diet rich in fruits, herbs and spices may contribute to the reduction of the inflammatory response and related diseases
Herbs are complex chemical factories that have more than one action. including some of these herbs I have mentioned in your daily routine are sure to help. Many of these plants can be grown cheaply in your garden and some are there already., forage and use your body's instincts to find what you need.


I think the amazing algae Dunaliella slaina/bardawil might be good too. Just because it has so much good stuff in it. Gram for Gram it is the most nutrient dense food on earth and the most salt tolerant. We will probably all need to learn how to grow it when we run out of fresh water.

A female herbalist will be helpful to talk about change of life issues.
Black cohosh an American Indian 'squaw herb' is often used. These girls knew heaps about the female reproductive system.


How are your stress levels?
Do you have all the bits you were born with?

[Burra Maluca]

What sort of progesterone cream do you use? I tried it a few years ago, but wasn't convinced it made enough difference to justify the price ... but I've become a lot more worn out since then so it might be worth another shot :) I was using a "Neways" product ... I think it was made from yam?
I use glucosamine & it works well. I stopped a while ago when I was broke but have made it a priority again & am feeling the benefits.

Progesterone will only 'work' if you are actually short of progesterone. It's a hormone that's naturally made in the body, so if your body is making enough already, taking more isn't going to do anything. That said, if you do need to take it, it's not likely to work unless you take the *exact* chemical that your body makes. Anything else might or might not work, but generally wild yam *doesn't* work unless the manufacture modifies it in some way. Apparently it's not difficult to modify it, but as soon as it's modified into 'real' progesterone, the laws on selling it get tougher so you often have to do a bit serious research to find out if what you're buying is the real stuff.

Sarati make a good cream which has always worked well for me but it's getting really difficult for me get hold of, so I'm experimenting with Swanson's Menogest cream at the moment - so far seems to be working well, I'll know in a couple of days! You can't buy or sell any progesterone cream in Portugal and nipping out to Spain for the day isn't an option any more so I always have to import via the UK. Both Sarati and Swangest seem to be American, but hopefully there will be something available a bit closer to you.

I googled Neways and it seems that they have two products, Endau and Subvene, which they state quite categorically do not contain progesterone and should never be referred to as 'natural progesterone' or 'progesterone creams'. The 'natural' in 'natural progesterone' means 'identical to that found in nature, but produced in a factory' as until very recently 'real' progesterone wasn't found in plants, but it's since been discovered in walnut leaves (no, don't try eating them - there's loads of other stuff in walnut leaves that you don't want to be eating) so I'm hoping that some enterprising soul will start making really natural progetserone cream from walnut leaves which might, or might not, manage to dodge some of the regulations.

To be honest, if glucosamine worked for you before and your problems came back when you stopped, I'd concentrate on that avenue for now. When the pain goes, cut the dose down very very slowly. My other half used to take two 2 x 1000mg tablets a day until the pain went, then cut it down to one, and now he just takes a tablet every now and then, probably twice a week or so. I'm sure you could get the same effect eating pig's ears (they cost more than steak here!) or chewing on bones, but the tablets are really convenient. I buy them from Healthspan and pay about #13 (uk pounds) for 360 tablets, which lasts him well over a year, but obviously less if you were taking more than one a day, and they seem to charge #4 for worldwide delivery. I've no idea how that compares with what you've been paying, but don't forget to check the exchange rate!

[eco4560]

Gotu Kola?
And I concur with Burra - wild yam cream isn't progesterone cream. Wild Yam is used in a chemical lab to make progesterone, but your body doesn't have the right processes to be able to do that.

[milifestyle]

I take 8000mg to 10,000mg of Fish oil per day... Its the only thing I can get to work... I was on Glucosamine but I have allergies to shell fish. I didn't think it was causing me any problems until i realised I started wheezing around the same time i started taking it. I am looking at the vegetarian glucosamine (blackmores i think) which is plant derived, but its a tad more expensive...

EDIT: http://www.blackmores.com.au/products/vegetarian-glucosamine-1000

[Michaelangelica]

My other half used to take two 2 x 1000mg tablets a day until the pain went, then cut it down to one, and now he just takes a tablet every now and then, probably twice a week or so. I'm sure you could get the same effect eating pig's ears (they cost more than steak here!) or chewing on bones, but the tablets are really convenient. I buy them from Healthspan and pay about #13 (uk pounds) for 360 tablets, which lasts him well over a year, but obviously less if you were taking more than one a day, and they seem to charge #4 for worldwide delivery. I've no idea how that compares with what you've been paying, but don't forget to check the exchange rate!
You would actually get more if you made soup with crustacean (yabby, lobster, crab, prawn, shells) Cook some garlic prawns and leave the tails on and eat them. Got a pond you can grow Yabbies in?
If you make lobster soup (with the shells as stock) pls. invite me. It is my favorite soup, especially with a little dash of French Cognac.
While I being a little lush, a friend reminds me that an old cure for arthritis is gin soaked sultanas

some absolute genius came up with gin soaked sultanas as an arthritis cure. I've developed a limp just so i can have a spoonful of these beauties everyday guilt free. Try gin soaked sultanas with yogurt mmmmm and the healthy benefit of fruit and acidopholus
PS
Use a good quality Gin that uses real juniper berries (not artificial flavours) or soak some in it/alcohol yourself.

Juniper is often used as a ground cover for dry, neglected, sunny, boring public gardens. My local hospital has a huge crop of berries ripening at the moment (They take ages-- about a year? to ripen)
BTW
People who took large doses of Glucosamine daily for a year got about 5 years relief after discontinuing the supplement. I too have a friend with a gammy knee who cured it totally with glucosamine.

[petershaw]

You look too young to be suffering from arthritis... are you sure it's not something else? Some sort of carpel tunnel maybe? Hmm.

Arthritis is not age related.......There are many children who are affected with arthritis

[milifestyle]

Arthritis is not age related.......There are many children who are affected with arthritis

I'm almost 35 and have had symptoms of Arthritis for about 5 years. Babies can be born with it apparently...

[Michaelangelica]

Arthritis is not age related.......There are many children who are affected with arthritis

http://yawa.arthritisnsw.org.au/
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritis/Youngpeople

Arthritis (joint swelling) can be of many types. The most common type is osteoarthritis which is seen in most cases. While some cases fall into the category of inflammatory arthritis, eg, rheumatoid arthritis, gout etc. Osteoarthritis is primarily due to wear and tear of the cartilage. Inflammatory arthritis is due to the production of certain substances in the joint that directly damage the cartilage. The basic problem with all forms of arthritis is the resultant cartilage destruction. A cartilage is the cushion of the joint and in its absence the joint becomes rough, painful and deformed. Irrespective of the cause or type of arthritis, the final result in all these is end-stage arthritis in which the cartilage is completely lost and surgeries are the only remedy.

Studies have shown that osteoarthritis is now starting at an earlier age and younger people are presenting with end-stage disease. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age.

Read more: Arthritis strikes young! - Health - Health & Fitness - Life & Style - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Arthritis-strikes-young/articleshow/6237010.cms#ixzz0xkr0Na35
I would always check solonaceae intolerance in young people with arthritis, unless they were of C. American heritage.

[petershaw]

http://yawa.arthritisnsw.org.au/
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritis/Youngpeople

I would always check solonaceae intolerance in young people with arthritis, unless they were of C. American heritage.

Correct, I suffer from both forms, Osteo and rheumatoid,as well as Carpal tunnel and unfortunately the only relief is provided by drugs which can cause other complications if not monitored by way of blood tests every 1-2 months and regular eye tests......My specialists advice is ....No cure...only control

[purplepear]

Hi Helen welcome back
One of MA's suggestions was celery seed ans chomping on them helps me but you need to have no aversion to celery - it is very flavorful

[Michaelangelica]

Hi Helen welcome back
One of MA's suggestions was celery seed ans chomping on them helps me but you need to have no aversion to celery - it is very flavorful

I picked up a 100g pack of crushed seed from the Fiji Market at Newtown/Sydney for my cousin the other day. About $2.20, a lot cheaper than pills.
I once harvested my own celery seed and after a few minutes rubbing the seed free of the plant it anesthetised my ( and my wife's) fingers!

[sweetpea]

My husband has arthritis and research he found said glucosamine sulfate gets the best results, but you have to take enough of it, like 2 pills in the morning, 2 in the evening.

I just recently found articles on the remote Japanese village that eats lots of root vegetables, purple yams, onions, potatoes, beets, etc., and they stimulate your body to make hyaluronic acid which helps joints. Swallowing supplements apparently doesn't allow it to get into one's system, so dietary versions are more helpful. There are patches for beauty products that might allow for it to go through the skin, which absorbs way more then we ever realized.

One way to use the gin is soak raisins in Blue Sapphire (lots of juniper berries in it) and eat 9 raisins a day. Doesn't help my husband, he loves gin, but everybody is different. :)

that's wild about the celery seed, I was just about to go collect mine!

[Michaelangelica]

but everybody is different. :)

that's wild about the celery seed, I was just about to go collect mine!
Yes everybody is; and the causes of inflammation and the types of arthritis are also different.

Juniper is a kidney stimulant and it helps the body get rid of uric acid, the cause of one kind of joint inflammation--usually swollen knobbly-nematode-tree-root looking joints.
If you can't drink alcohol, you can use juniper berry essential oil. A couple of drops rubbed onto the joint (i usually add a bit of rosemary and others too). It is not cheap (about $500 a liter?), but you don't need much. It is said you should avoid it if you have kidney disease.

I'm glad you like the celery seed observation sweetpea. I was harvesting the seed for an organic seed bank. Like most Umbrella Family plants they produce stacks of seed. Celery is often a bit fiddly to grow properly with blanched stalks. I usually just got seed and some salad leaves from my celery I grew.

[Michaelangelica]

Just found a very good German research paper that showed devil's claw to be twice as effective as the NSAID, Vioxx (now banned) for pain. However it takes 4-6 weeks to fully "kick in". Of course it also had far fewer side effects than NSAIDs, that kill many thousands a year.