Herbal Remedies and Herbs
Herbs For Arthritis And Rheumatism
By Diana Ketchen
Mar 15, 2008

Tired of conventional medicines that treat the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism but not the underlying problems? Through personal experience I know that herbs can and will treat the root cause and heal you naturally.

In the Musculo/Skeletal System, particularly with the disease of rheumatism or arthritis, the body has to be lead back to a state of health and balance.

This can be done with herbs. I know this because my son is living proof.

To treat problems that manifest in the bones or muscles effectively, digestion and assimilation in the body have to work well, as do the various aspects of elimination. Keep this in mind when choosing different herbs for particular needs. They can be chosen according to the needs of the whole body. Included are alteratives, anti-inflammatory, rubifacients, diuretics, stimulants and digestives.


Anti-Rheumatics

A large amount of herbs has the reputation of preventing, relieving or curing rheumatic problems. Here is a long , though far from being complete , list of anti-rheumatics, including a variety for primary actions. These herbs are anti-rheumatics:


Angelica, Celery Seed, Poke Root

Bearberry, Couchgrass, Prickly Ash

Black Cohosh, Dandelion, Ragwort

Black Willow, Devil's Claw, Sarsaprilla

Bladderwrack, Guaiacum, White Poplar

Blue Flag, Ginger, Wild Yam

Bogbean, Juniper, Wintergreen

Boneset, Mountain Grape, Wormwood

Burdock, Mustard, Yarrow

Cayenne, Nettles, Yellow Dock




Alteratives

Alteratives are herbs that gradually cleanse and correct a "polluted" condition of the bloodstream and restore it to healthier functioning. These herbs work through different mechanisms, many of which are not quite fully understood yet, and they work in a wide range of conditions, including rheumatism.

Most rheumatic and arthritic conditions are improved through the general cleansing and revitalization that is brought about by these herbs:


Black Cohosh, Devil's Claw

Bogbean, Guaiacum

Celery Seed, Sarsaparilla




Anti-Inflammatories

In holistic treatment, these herbs can be helpful, particularly in rheumatic and arthritic conditions, where long-standing inflammations of joints and other issues become self-defeating. These herbs reduce inflammations by helping the body to overcome the problem rather than suppressing inflammation, which is usually part of the healthy-body response.

A good example is Meadowsweet. It is rich in natural aspirin-like substances that reduce swelling and pain. It is also a diuretic and hepatic, therefore aiding the body in cleansing and elimination and in time clearing the roots of the inflammation, which lie in the accumulation of toxins.

Here are the most effective anti-inflammatory herbs:


Black Willow, Meadowsweet

Devil's Claw, White Popular

Guaiacum, Wild Yam


Unlike prescription anti-inflammatories, these herbs are safe in large doses. They are in the diluted and balanced form, the way nature designed them. A safe and effective dose of Black Willow could be 250ml/ ½ pt of tincture a week.




Diuretics

Diuretics help the kidneys work and therefore help the elimination of metabolic waste and toxins, or the products of inflammation, which is essential, as these can lie at the root of many problems such as rheumatism and arthritis. If there is a kidney problem present, it must be treated also. To support the work of this vitally important organ, herbs such as
Boneset, Celery, Juniper Berries or Yarrow can be used, and Celery Seeds are often considered specifically unique for rheumatism.




Circulatory Stimulants

Cleansing the body by stimulating the circulation which increases blood flow to the muscles and joints is another way to aid your body in healing for rheumatism and arthritis.
This cleansing process can be done without straining the heart by using herbs that stimulate the peripheral circulation, such as Cayenne, Ginger, Poke Root, Prickly Ash or Rosemary. If there are any circulatory or heart problems, these must be taken into consideration when doing the cleanse.


Pain Relievers

Rheumatism is one of the illnesses that it may be necessary to use herbs that will reduce pain while treating the illness. The anti-inflammatory herbs will help to reduce the pain to some degree, but the only effective way to reduce the pain is to clear the underlying problem. While treating the illness, herbs such as Guaiacum, Jamacian Dogwood, St. John's Wort or Valerian. These herbs will be less effective if no other steps are being taken.



Digestive Tonics

In order for the necessary herbs to be absorbed the digestive process needs to be working properly. The use of bitter tonics like Gentian, Golden Seal, Wormwood or Yarrow may be very useful. If there is a considerable degree of constipation or build-up of fecal matter, the use of evacuates is called for, especially those that act by stimulating the liver,
like Boldo, Rhubarb Root or Yellow Dock.