Arthritis
Osteorathritis , Rheumatoid
Arthritis
The word 'arthritis' means 'inflammation of the joints'. It is derived from two
Greek words: athron, meaning joints; and it is meaning inflammation. It is,
generally, a chronic disease process.
Arthritis occurs in various forms, the most frequent being osteorathritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. Osteorathritis 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.
Recommended Remedies
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 centuries. 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.
Other 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 osteorathritis and
rheumatoid arthritis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bananas: Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B 6, 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.
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.
Alfalfa: A tea made from 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.
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 be taken twice a day.
Castor Oil: Treatment with castor oil has been found
beneficial in arthritis. The procedure, as prescribed by a Spanish doctor, is to
boil two tablespoons of castor oil over a stove burner. The oil should then be
poured into a glass of fresh orange ' juice and taken before breakfast daily
till the disease is cured. This treatment is believed to have been adopted by an
American doctor, called Dr Taylor, in 1900. He advised his patients to take it
for three weeks, wait for another three weeks and then repeat it again for
another three weeks. It is, however, essential that the patient must take an
alkaline diet while adopting this mode of treatment otherwise the value of the
treatment will be lost.'
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. Camphorated oil is an ancient
rubefacient used for the purpose.