The word ‘arthritis‘ means
‘inflammation of the joints’. It is derived from two Greek words: athron,
meaning joints; and itis, meaning inflammation. It is, generally, a chronic
disease process.
Arthritis occurs in various forms, the most frequent being
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis 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.
Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are
pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain usually increases after exercise.
Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the ‘cooked food disease’. It usually
develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in
one or more joints. Ultimately the whole body is affected. Symptoms include
anaemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet.
Osteoarthritis results from structural
changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those which are
weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an
inflammation of the synovium or lining of the joints. This is accompanied by
swelling and eventually leads to deformity. The condition may be caused by
hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress, infection, severe fright,
shock, and injury. Hereditary factors may also be responsible for the onset of
this disease.
Natural Remedies for Arthritis
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 osteoarthritis 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 B6, 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.
Dietary Considerations
The diet of an arthritis patient should be
planned so as to produce alkalinity in the blood. It should include fruits and
vegetables in the form of salads, and, at least, two cooked vegetables. In
severe cases, it would be advisable to put the patient on raw vegetable juice
therapy three times a day, for about a week. Repeated juice fasts are
recommended at intervals of every two months.
Other Measures
The body should be kept warm at all times.
Joints should not be bandaged tightly as this limits movement and interferes
with the free circulation of blood. There should be plenty of indirect
ventilation in the bedroom. Rest is advised when there is acute inflammation in
the joints.
Sea bathing has been found valuable in arthritis.
The natural iodine in sea water is said to relieve arthritis pain. As is well
known, iodine regulates the acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues,
helps to repair and regenerate worn out tissues and nourishes the skeletal
structure. It enters into the thyroid gland’s secretion. The hormone uses the
iodine to cleanse the internal toxins.
If sea bathing is not possible, the patient
should relax for thirty minutes every night in a tub of warm water, in which a
cup of common salt has been mixed. The minerals in the salt, especially iodine,
will be absorbed through the pores of the skin. This will help correct an
internal imbalance.
Natural
remedies for rheumatism
Potato Juice: The juice of raw potato is regarded as an
excellent remedy for rheumatism. One or two teaspoons of the juice, taken out
by pressing mashed raw potatoes, should be taken before meals. This will help
to eliminate the toxic condition and relieve rheumatism. The skin of the potato
is also an excellent remedy for rheumatism. The skin is exceptionally rich in
vital mineral salts, and the water in which the peelings are boiled is one of
the best medicines for ailments caused by excess toxic matter in the system.
Approximately thirty grams of the potato peelings should be thoroughly washed
and boiled in half a litre of water till it is reduced to half. The decoction
should then be strained and a glass of the same should be taken three or four
times daily.
Bitter Gourd: Bitter gourd is considered
beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism. A cup of juice, extracted from the
vegetable, should be mixed with a teaspoon of honey, and taken daily for
treating this condition. This treatment should be continued for at least three
months to provide relief.
Celery: Celery is another effective remedy for rheumatism. A
fluid extract of the seeds is more powerful than the raw vegetable. This also
has a tonic action on the stomach and kidneys. Five to ten drops of this fluid
should be taken in hot water before meals. Powdered seeds can be used as a
condiment.
Lemon: Lemons are beneficial in the treatment of
rheumatism. The patient should take the juice of two or three lemons each day.
This will bring good results.
Walnuts: Walnuts are valuable in rheumatism. They should,
however, be thoroughly masticated to achieve beneficial results. Half a dozen
can be taken daily in the treatment of this condition.
Rhubarb: The herb rhubarb has been found valuable in rheumatism.
The green stalks of this herb should be pounded with an equal quantity of
sugar. A teaspoonful should be taken three or four times a day. This remedy
seldom fails.
Dietary Considerations
In the case of acute rheumatism, the
patient should be put on a short fast of orange juice and water for three or
four days. After the juice fast, the patient should be placed on a restricted
diet for fourteen days. In this regimen, orange or grapefruit may be taken for
breakfast; lunch may consist of raw salad of seasonal vegetables with raisins,
prunes, figs, or dates; and dinner may comprise of one or two steamed
vegetables. Thereafter, the patient may gradually adopt a well-balanced diet
consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. In case of chronic
rheumatism, the patient may be placed on an all-fruit diet for four or five
days. He may, thereafter, gradually adopt a well-balanced diet. The patient
should take ripe fruits, fresh vegetables, and buttermilk in abundance. He
should avoid all meat and fish; white bread, sugar, and refined cereals; rich,
indigestible and highly-seasoned foods; tea and coffee; alcohol; sauces,
pickles, and condiments.
Other Measures
In the case of acute rheumatism, the bowels
should be cleansed daily with a warm-water enema during the first three or four
days of the juice fast. Other helpful methods in the treatment of rheumatism
are application of heat and hot packs to the affected parts, a hot tub bath, a
cabinet steam bath, dry friction, and a sponge bath. Hot Epsom salts baths are
also beneficial and should be taken twice a week for three months in case of chronic
rheumatism and once weekly thereafter. The affected parts should also be bathed
twice daily in hot water containing Epsom salts, after which some olive oil
should be applied. Fresh air, deep breathing, and light outdoor exercises are
also beneficial. Dampness and cold should be avoided.
