Tea for all your troubles!
28 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment
in Anxiety Relief, Baby & Child Health, Beauty and Skin Care, God's Green Herbs, Stress, tea Tags: cold, flu, Herb, HERBS FOR INFECTION, HERBS FOR KIDS, HERBS FOR THE FLU, Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, SICK, tea, thyme
We often forget just how powerful a cup of tea can be.
All around the world herbal teas are known to enhance our mood, induce sleep, relax our nerves, reduce inflammation and infection and treat a number of ailments.
If you are not familiar with the world of herbs – I invite you to read through the following information and be blessed.
Who knows you might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
In a previous article a few months ago I wrote about Thyme and all of its properties. Now I wanted to focus on some other incredible herbs. As with all things its best to use Organic herbs. I love using fresh herbs but because we do so many cups of tea per day we would need a whole farm of herbs to keep up with us. So I use Organic dried herbs. We cook and bathe with them. We also use a variety of herbs to treat sty’s, diaper rash, dandruff, colds, coughs and many other ailments. I grew up taking teas and tonics for all sorts of things.
I remember with joy and sadness the lovely aromatic teas my sweet daddy used to make for me. I must pause for a moment, to contemplate my dads smile. Oh how I miss him, it will be two years since his tragic death due to medical malpractice. I miss you dad – and I am trying to fill in your shoes!
OK, tears are done and we are back on track.
So yes we were talking about teas. It’s crazy but most people don’t even realize the healing power of herbs. For this article I will just list 5 herbs and what they are commonly used for. All of these herbs have been used in our home by everyone including our new baby.
Chamomile: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, aids in digestion and has a calming sedative effect. Makes a great wash for face and treatment for styes. Has worked greatly for our children at all ages.
Lemon Balm: nervine (means that it calms the nerves), tranquilizer, antispasmodic, fever reducer, antiviral. Good for colds, flu, colic in little ones, sleeplessness, flatulence. This herb is used almost daily in our home.
Rosemary: digestion, menstrual cramps, diarrhea, antispasmodic effect on upper intestine and gallbladder ducts, antiseptic, anti-inflamatory. Used as a wash for hair, diaper area, psoriasis, dandruff and lice prevention. We use in our home to disinfect and do vapor treatments during flu season.
Lemon Grass: used to treat depression, fight fever used locally over rheumatic joints and sprains as well as nervous and digestive disorders. Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, reduces flatulence promotes relaxing sleep. Organic essential oil of lemon grass is used to cleanse oily skin, and in aromatherapy as a relaxant. This herb is one of my favorites. I cook with it all the time and always add a pinch to my homemade herbal tea mixes.
Rose Petals: Fantastic gargle and tea for sore throat and mouth sores, relieves uterine issues and heavy periods or irregular periods. Assists with clearing up runny noses and fighting chest infections with congested bronchial tubes. Used to help sufferers of insomnia, depression and extreme fatigue. We use it in a mix with other herbs to bathe baby and our older children. I exfoliate with it several times a week for beautiful skin without using toxic washes and scrubs. We also make cinnamon and rose petal preserves, and oh is it good!
Hope you enjoyed this brief class on herbs. I will be discussing the benefits of other herbs in future articles. If you need help finding quality organic herbs at a great price email us at LaChicaOrganica@gmail.com and we will send you our latest Winter Catalog.
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth… Psalms 104:14
Blessings,
La Chica Organica
Related Articles
- Herbal Tea for Colds, Throat Irritation and Infection (lachicaorganica.wordpress.com)
- Herbal Tinctures to help you during Flu Season (lachicaorganica.wordpress.com)
- How do I make a tea with organic loose herbs and what on earth is a Decoction? (lachicaorganica.wordpress.com)
- Cold and Flu Cocktails/Remedies – What you Should Have on Hand! (lachicaorganica.wordpress.com)
Herbal Tea for Colds, Throat Irritation and Infection
14 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: garlic, garlic for infection, garlic in tea, ginger, how to make thyme tea, Immunity tea, make garlic tea, tea, tea for Throat Infection, thyme, thyme tea
Last weekend for about 2 days I had a really bad throat irritation and infection and it was really painful, so much so that I could not even swallow without cringing. I looked inside and my glands were swollen and I could see the back of my throat was red and inflamed.
With children in school, nursing baby full-time, working full-time and everything else I did not have the time to make a 45 minute trip to my doctor so I pulled out my herbal health kit. I started taking concentrated drops of oregano and rosemary oil every 3 hours in addition to my Immunity Boosting Teas. My husband then made me several cups of strong tea with lemon, garlic, thyme, and a bunch of anti-inflammatory herbs.
But the winners in this story are garlic and thyme for their amazing properties. In less than 2 days my painful problem that probably would have turned into a serious infection was gone.
Thyme and garlic unlike what many people are aware of make a great tea to boost immunity, rid the body of infectious bacteria, viruses and has great astringent properties
Thyme is an aromatic herb. It’s antiseptic and used as a circulatory stimulant when taken hot. It’s also a bronchial antispasmodic and expectorant.
Thyme is taken for fevers, colds and flu, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, bronchial spasms, and expectoration of upper respiratory catarrh. It’s also used as As a gargle for sore throat, tonsillitis and laryngitis and to relieve colic, flatulence and diarrhea.
It’s best to use Organic Thyme, you can purchase store-bought fresh Thyme or the dried leaves. If you use the dried leaves make sure to store in a cool dry and dark place.
To make the tea I made just boil some distilled water and pour it over about a teaspoon of dried Thyme and chamomile and 3 mashed cloves of garlic. Let it steep for about 15 minutes strain off the herbs. Add the juice of one lemon and sweeten with honey. If you want you can also add some dried ginger root or the juice of fresh ginger root. Enjoy this tea 3 to 4 times a day and you will see the difference.
La Chica Organica can get you Organic Dried Thyme and many other Organic Herbs at a great price- its available in our winter catalog which you can get by emailing us at LaChicaOrganica@gmail.com
What am I Eating – Is it Poison? Part 2
17 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment
in Baby & Child Health, cancer, Diet & Weight loss, food inc., God's Green Herbs, Green Living, organic food, Organic Living Video's, Toxic Food Ingredients/Additives Tags: Alfalfa, Big Mac, cancer, cat's claw, chia seeds, Chlorella, Cinnamon, Circadian rhythm, cloves, Eating, flax seeds, food to heal, garlic, ginger, health, high fructose corn syrup, Hippocrates, how to stay healthy, kale, Nutrition, pomegranates and all raw fruits and vegetables, quinoa, raw almonds and other raw nuts and seeds, raw cacao, raw food for healing, raw goat kefir, raw oatmeal, raw spinach, reverse diabetes in 30 days, rosemary, sage, spirulina, sprouted grains like spealt, thyme, tumeric, unrefined coconut oil, what is circadian rhythm, wheatgrass
Keeping little children healthy can become a frustrating task. The same goes for the elderly like my 87-year-old grandma. But let’s face it; staying healthy is an issue for everyone regardless of age. There are many books, articles, classes and reports available on how to be healthy and have a strong immune system but most of them seem to leave out one very important area, and that area is called FOOD.
Food believe it or not plays a VERY important part of our overall health and this goes for babies, teens, adults and grandparents. Unfortunately, most of us have been trained erroneously to think that we must eat and eat and eat some more to satisfy a craving or because food tastes good. Often times those things that taste good are undoubtedly not good for us.
Food, unlike popular belief, should be consumed for the body’s health and overall well-being not just for pleasure, but in America we have this backwards. We consume food mainly for pleasure and rarely for our heath or because we are hungry. And so the vicious cycle begins. We eat because we are happy, we eat because we are sad, we don’t eat because we think we are fat and what we do eat is loaded with trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, msg, artificial food coloring, processed sugar and the list goes on and on…
We treat our cars better than we do our bodies. Then when sickness strikes we run to fill a prescription for the magic pill that will eliminate all of our ailments. Yet, regardless of all the pills and drugs available, developed nations like the US aren’t experiencing better health. Every year the rates of cancer and other diseases increases in the US and I don’t hear anyone talking about FOOD or about Oxidative stress and cellular death.
Every year Americans spend millions and millions of dollars on laxatives because they aren’t getting enough living food in their diets so they have to resort to unnatural means to promote a bodily function that should be automatic. Meanwhile no one is telling people to change their diets. I have on more than one occasion heard about doctor friends of mine telling their patients to take the orange fiber packets for constipation. This type of advice if doing a huge disservice to the person. If I was the doctor and someone came to me sick and suffering with constipation, the first question I would ask is: “Are you getting enough water?” Followed by, “How many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are you eating each day?”
Like Hippocrates said: we should let food be our medicine and medicine be our food. If we lived by that principle we would experience better health. I am a firm believer that food, the right food can and will do away with most sicknesses and diseases. When I say food I don’t mean white rice, French fries, chicken parmesan and twinkies. I mean living food. Food that is loaded with life building properties.
All we have to do is look at the statistics regarding cancer, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. More and more people are suffering from these things; yet in spite of the statistics, people continue on their nutritionally deficient diets which break the body down instead of building it up. Deficient diets are lacking the necessary phytochemicals, nutrients, enzymes, probiotics and minerals the body needs for proper function.
The following lists some organic foods & herbs that help build our bodies instead of promoting cellular death:
Quinoa, alfalfa, spirulina, wheatgrass, kale, raw spinach, raw oatmeal, flax seeds, raw almonds and other raw nuts and seeds, sprouted grains like spealt, unrefined coconut oil, chia seeds, raw cacao, Chlorella, pomegranates and all raw fruits and vegetables, raw goat kefir, cloves, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, tumeric, garlic, ginger, cat’s claw and many other antioxidant rich foods.
I have seen cases of cancer, diabetes, asthma and other sicknesses completely being reversed because of a radical change in diet and the use of medicinal herbs. But in most cases you won’t hear this from your doctor unless they are into nutrition and alternative medicine.
A great majority of medical professionals, nutritionists and health advocates have failed miserably at educating the public about the medicinal properties that some herbs and foods contain, perhaps because they aren’t aware of the benefits themselves. One reason may be, that if we became food and herbal experts we would spend hundred of dollars a year for curing diseases and sicknesses instead of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Instead we have grown up on a diet of fast food burgers, processed meats, sodas, cookies and energy drinks and this has resulted in the rates for obesity in children to increase at an alarming rate with children as early as 2 yrs old are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
It always bothers me when I see toddlers sitting at the Big Mac place with a burger, a soda and a mountain of fries in front of them. It makes me want to stop my car get out and have a word with the parents. But I have come to the realization that having a word with people is not enough. In order to promote change we must care enough to educate others about what nutrition lies we have believed for long, one of them being that we must eat a large breakfast in the morning to have a good day. Don’t you remember your mom saying this to you? “Now honey, eat up all your sausage, potatoes, grits, pancakes, french toast or muffins so you can be big and strong and have a good day at school!’
Why is that? Well for decades people have thought that eating a large breakfast full of refined carbs and sugars was a good thing. But it’s not 100% correct for a few reasons. The most important reason is that when you get up in the morning your body should begin the purging process to get rid of all the food you ate the day before. Your digestive system wants to evacuate but you just shove more processed food into it which is like putting your finger over the end of a hose that is turned on. The only thing you’re accomplishing is a lethal buildup of toxins that will be reabsorbed internally and begin to make you sick. By doing this you are disrupting your body’s Circadian Rhythm.
And why should you care about this? Well for starters, all of our bodies follow predesigned daily cycles known as circadian rhythms. Circadian refers to the regular recurrence of cycles of activity that occur every twenty-four hours. It has been proven that if you eat in line with these rhythms you will enjoy better health and work with your body instead of against it.
This is just one of the misconceptions regarding food that has permeated our brains but as with all things, education is power. The more people learn about their health the more equipped they will be to make wiser choices and stop the vicious cycle of disease.
To watch a great clip from a documentary on people who reversed their diabetes in 30 days click here.
Help me make a difference and share this article with someone you love!
Remember to live life as a gift and give that gift away every day!
Related articles:
What am I Eating – Is it Poison? Part 1
Are You Dead or Alive
Food Inc – A Must See Film – Watch It Now
How to eat when you’re on the road?
Food: The silent killer or healer- What you need to know about healing
Blessings,
LCO
Cold and Flu Cocktails/Remedies – What you Should Have on Hand!
06 Oct 2010 6 Comments
in Allergies and Asthma, Baby & Child Health, Flu & Cold, God's Green Herbs, Green Living, organic food, Preggo Mama, Stress, tea, vitamin d, Vitamins & Supplements Tags: balm, cold, Colostrum, Echinacea., flu, garlic, green, health, Herb, homeopathic, Immune system, immunity, immunity boosting herbs, Influenza, Joe Shmoe, Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, natural cures, olive, organic herbs, Oscillo, Oscillococcinum, Smoothie, thyme, tincture, Vodka, winter
Is there a cold or flu virus lurking around the corner? Did you just go to the store and open up the refrigerated section then a few minutes later rub your eyes?
It’s amazing how easily we are exposed to nasty viruses and bacteria. All it takes is for Joe Shmoe to sneeze and cough right on the handles of the store refrigerators and then you come strolling along completely unaware that the door handles are covered in yuck. You open them, get your goods and go on your merry way. A few minutes later you robotically rub your eyes or nose and whala – the connection is made. Those nasty germs are on their way into your body.
First let me lovingly say that if you are a Joe Shmoe, please do us all a favor and COVER YOUR MOUTH when you cough or sneeze. Carry a pack of tissues with you so you can use and discard as needed. Also be sure to cleanse hands after each explosion of germs. It’s very irresponsible and inconsiderate to know that you’re sick and sneeze and cough all over the place without covering up and washing your hands afterward. You are promoting sickness in the community of pregnant moms, babies, young adults, parents, the elderly and even pets.
So what are some things you can do to reduce your chance of getting sick and or help you if you do get sick? What I am going to say might shock you but it’s often overlooked.
SLEEP.
Yes, if and when your body is under attack you must sleep. Make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of un-interrupted sleep at night although 9 hours is ideal especially when the body is under stress. Your body can survive for days and days without food but your organs can start to shut down after just 5 days without sleep. So please get your rest if you can, it’s very important. Another important factor is water intake. Your body needs water at least 8 to 10 glasses a day in order to function properly. Your brain alone is composed of over 75% water. Not to mention the rest of your body consists of about 60% water.
Just think of a raisin all shriveled up. That could be your brain or your lungs you know. It’s actually been studied that people with asthma that drink more water and stay hydrated were found to have less attacks. So hydration with good old water is very important at all times.
Now to the other stuff.
Before I start giving you what I use let me make it clear that if you want to be healthy you have to act like your trying to get healthy. Yes, organic herbs and supplements can help a body under attack but you must deal with the problem from the inside out and not simply treat a symptom. If you eat a diet mainly of cooked foods and do not take additional enzymes, probiotics and minerals you are going to run your body down and in turn have a weakened immune system that will fall prey to any and every viral or bacterial infection floating in the air. A healthy diet is the key to maintaining a strong immune system.
OK, now that I got that out of the way, lets talk about my health cocktails. I have all kinds of cocktails: bath cocktails, breakfast cocktails, immunity cocktails, you name it I’ve got it.
- Some of the foods, ingredients & herbs I use in my emergency cold and flu cocktails are: Organic Olive Leaf , Organic Lemon Balm, Organic Ginger, Organic Garlic, Organic Thyme, Greens and Grasses in smoothies, Colostrum, Organic Herbal Baths, Organic Powdered Rose hips (Vitamin C), vitamin D3, herbal salts, Organic Cayenne Powder, Organic herbal antiviral antibacterial tinctures & glycerites.
- Want to boost immunity then do a smoothie with Organic Greens. We drink one every morning for breakfast and add in powdered Colostrum and powdered Rose hips. La Chica Organica has a fantastic blend of Greens/Grasses available, please email me for product information and pricing.
- Making pasta be sure to crush lots of fresh garlic. If you have a mortar and pestle make a paste with a pinch of Cayenne and toss it over your cooked pasta with some olive oil. Garlic is a fantastic antiviral and anti-inflammatory herb. Cayenne has been used for years as a nasal decongestant and has been used for centuries to treat asthma, fevers, sore throats, respiratory infections, and digestive problems.
- Take a bath in Thyme or Mama’s Cold & Flu Rescue bath that helps when the body is fighting a cold or flu. Be sure to check out a 2 part audio teaching I did on bathing with Thyme, here.
- Got the stuffy’s and congested? I enjoy using an awesome Organic balm that I make called Mariana’s Winter Balm. It’s gentle but effective for rubbing on a congested chest and feet. I have 3 samples to give away for anyone interested. Please post a comment below by 8pm Friday October 8th 2010. The first 3 comments will be contacted via email and will be mailed a sample within the next 2 weeks. I just ask that you cover $3.99 for packaging and shipping costs. This balm will be available for purchase soon.
- Another fantastic food to keep on hand is Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil. Coconut Oil does not contain Trans-Fats, is Gluten-Free, Non-Toxic, Hypoallergenic, and contains Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, and Anti-parasitic healing properties. Coconut oil is a fantastic way to aid and support your overall Immune System functions.
If you would like a 10 ounce container of La Chica Organica’s Coconut Oil you can order by emailing me at LaChicaOrganica@gmail.com. Each container is at an affordable price of just $4. I add a teaspoon to my smoothies 2 times a day. It’s so yummy.
- I also have found that drinking a tea several times a day with 1 or more of my immunity boosting herbs is a wonderful way to stay healthy and aid the body during sickness. But if teas are not your thing or you simply don’t have time you might consider making a tincture like the one in the picture below. A tincture is a liquid extract of an herb. It is made by soaking herbs in a drinkable alcohol. Tinctures are super concentrated herbal concoctions. You only need a few drops several times a day. Tinctures work because they are made in a base of alcohol like Vodka or Brandy which breaks down the herbs and pulls out the medicinal qualities.
You can make these with little to no difficulty and have enough bottles on hand to last you all year for just a fraction of the cost for what you pay for just one 2 ounce bottle at the health food store.
I have created a step by step instructional guide with this kit that comes with 2 bags of organic herbs, 2 glass tincture bottles, labels and two organic cotton muslin bags for straining. The only thing you will have to purchase is your vodka or Brandy. You will also need a jar with a lid for steeping the herbs and a jar with lid to store any extra tincture. I find that re-cycling pasta sauce jars works wonderfully.
Grab this kit while it lasts as it is specially priced for winter and will go quickly. Click here to order
Choose from:
Immunity Rescue – Intense immunity booster with over 8 organic herbs possessing anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.$25
Help my Tummy – fantastic blend or organic herbs that help with stomach upset, gas and indigestion. $25
Nighty Night – A mixture of organic herbs to help you unwind and relax. $25
AstraE (Astragalus & Echinacea) – Immunity booster and viral infection fighter. $25
Fever Assist – made with herbs that promote perspiration which in turn cools the body down resulting in a lowering of fever. $25
**You can also purchase additional tincture bottles for $3 each or four tincture bottles for $11** Click here to order
- If you are really miserable with a flu you can take homeopathic meds which are a fabulous alternative to pharmacy drugs. We love Oscillococcinum. Oscillococcinum (Oscillo®), one of the world’s most popular natural flu medicines, it can reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms when taken at the onset of symptoms. Oscillo works without causing side effects, does not interfere with other medications, and is safe for both children (older than 2 years of age) and adults. For $2 coupons you can use at your pharmacy or grocery store click here
- Clinical studies show that Oscillo reduces the severity and duration of flu symptoms
- Great taste and convenient to take
- No side effects or interactions with other medications
- Good for everyone 2 years of age and older
- Weekly consumption of Vitamin D3 is very important during cold a flu season. You can read about which vitamin D3 to take by clicking here.
- One last thing to remember is that green is good. The more green you consume the better your overall health will be.
That’s all for now.
Signing Off! La Chica Organica
May the Green be with You™
Health News: What is Arthritis – How to treat Naturally
14 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Baby & Child Health, God's Green Herbs, Health News Tags: Alfalfa, arthritis, Burdock, natural treatment, Oregano, rosemary, thyme, tumeric, Yarrow
Are you one of the 40 million people in the US that suffer with arthritis? If you are or if you know someone who is suffering with arthritis please pass on this information from various books on the topic of Arthritis. Its worth noting that herbs have been used for centuries to aid arthritis sufferers. Those herbs include: Alfalfa, Rosemary, Yarrow, Thyme, Tumeric, Oregano, Burdock. Some descriptions are listed below.
Alfalfa (Medicago Saliva)
Alfalfa is one of the most popular remedies for arthritis. For better results, consume herbal tea made from fresh alfalfa, instead of the powder.
Angelica (Angelica Archangelica)
The western variety of Angelica has 12 anti-inflammatory constituents, 10 anti-spasmodic (muscle relaxant) constituents and 5 anodyne (pain-relieving) constituents that are essential for treating arthritis.
Arnica
Arnica is externally applied as an herbal arthritis medication, to soothe soreness and inflammation. It is considered as one of the greatest herbs for trauma, inflammation and tissue damage. It is used in homoeopathic treatment also.
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa)
Black cohosh acts as a muscle anti-inflammatory and as an antispasmodic to nerves, muscles and blood vessels. The salicylic acid in it contributes to these properties. The herb helps in reducing inflammation caused due by osteoarthritis, neuralgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Boswellia
Boswellia is similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It has a unique anti-inflammatory action. In addition, long-term use of boswellia does not result in any side effect.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains a pain-relieving chemical known as capsaicin and an aspirin-like compound called salicylate. It provides relief from arthritis pain, when ingested or applied topically. It is the most powerful herb for increasing circulation, both internally and externally.
Celery (Apium Graveolens)
Celery is rich in minerals and contains more than 25 anti-inflammatory compounds. Raw or cooked celery seeds prove to be a good remedy for rheumatism.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
In order to tackle the swelling that results from arthritis, use ginger tea and ginger compress. Ginger tea is beneficial for osteoarthritis.
Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius)
Ginseng tea works wonders in treating arthritis. It is advised to use American ginseng, since Asian ginseng can actually aggravate the pain of arthritis.
Hops (Humulus Lupulus)
Hop tea is a popular remedy for rheumatism. The plant contains more than 22 constituents that have anti-inflammatory activities and 4 constituents with anti-spasmodic properties. Around 10 constituents act as sedatives, alleviating pain.
Licorice
Licorice has crucial anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects and acts like cortisone. The licorice components bind glucocorticoid receptors on cells and exert glucocorticoid-like effects.
Mustard Plaster (Brassica Alba)
Mustard is a common herb that is used as in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It contains an irritating substance called allyl-isothyocyanate that is activated only when the seeds are grounded coarsely and mixed with some liquid. This ointment, when applied on the joints, produces the necessary irritation for the counterirritant effect.
Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)
Since free radicals occur in case of inflammation, growing age and degenerative arthritis, oregano, being a powerful antioxidant, prevents the cell damage from free radicals. Antioxidants also help in relieving osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, a chemical that prohibits swelling and helps prevent inflammation. The chemical helps to get rid of immune antigen complex compounds that are implicated in some arthritis conditions.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary leaves contain four anti-inflammatory substances. When consumed as a tea, they prove to be a good option for bringing about improvement in arthritis.
Sesame Seeds (Sesamum Indicum)
The nutritional needs of the body increase during arthritis attacks. Since sesame seeds contain copper, the requirement is recuperated.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)
Stinging nettle is considered as one of the most important herbs used for treating early-onset of arthritis.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
The yellow pigment of turmeric, curcumin has considerable anti-inflammatory action. Turmeric is used to deal with almost all the problems effectively. It is very effective in certain models of inflammation.
Willow (Salix)
Willow bark tea has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects and works like an aspirin to reduce pain and swelling.
Wintergreen (Gaulteria Procumbens)
Wintergreen contains methyl-salicylate, the chief active pain-relieving component to treat arthritis. It is preferred to use the dried form of the herb, since it can be toxic when used in concentrated wintergreen oil or applied to the skin.
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- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is related to but distinct from osteoarthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis antibodies are formed against components of bone, cartilage and synovia of joints, and the immune cells of the body attack the joints of most parts of the body, causing inflammation, fibrosis and joint destruction. Although this disease can affect children in the juvenile form of rheumatoid arthritis, most sufferers from arthritis are middle-aged or elderly. Kilmer S. McCully, The Homocysteine Revolution
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most prevalent form in children, and there are three major types: polyarticular (affecting many joints), pauciarticular (affecting a few joints), and systemic (affecting the entire body). The signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid Arthritis vary from child to child. There is no single test that establishes conclusively a diagnosis of juvenile Arthritis, and the condition must be present consistently for six or more consecutive weeks before a correct diagnosis can be made. Heredity is thought to play some part in the development of juvenile Arthritis. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements
- The sulfur content in fingernails of arthritis sufferers is lower than that of healthy subjects without arthritis. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis experience reduction in their pain levels and improvement in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly. Although most scientific studies have used powdered gingerroot, fresh gingerroot at an equivalent dosage is believed to yield even better results because it contains active enzymes. Most studies utilized 1 gram of powdered gingerroot. Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods
- Arthritis can sometimes be exacerbated by a deficiency in minerals, including phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, and manganese, and also by a lack of vitamins E and C. Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., Brain Longevity: The Breakthrough Medical Program that Improves Your Mind and Memory
- Research has shown that fish-oil supplements can sometimes reduce the pain, swelling, and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis, says Dr. Prosch. Take 6 grams, or six 1,000-milligram capsules, a day for 4 to 6 months, he recommends. The capsules provide 1,080 milligrams of EPA and 720 milligrams of DHA, which is the average amount needed by most patients, he says. You can take them all at once or in divided doses, according to Dr. Prosch. As with most natural treatments for chronic disease, don’t expect the pain to vanish overnight. For most people, it takes 3 to 4 months before the treatment begins to soothe aching joints. After about 5 months, Dr. Prosch recommends reducing the dosage to three capsules, or 3,000 milligrams, daily. Bill Gottlieb, Alternative Cures: The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems
- Lyme disease can mimic arthritis, causing many of the same symptoms. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements
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