There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis. Doctors estimate that about 16 million Americans have some form of osteoarthritis, which occurs when protective cartilage in the joints wears down, causing bone ends to grind against each other. Although injuries or certain diseases can also cause osteo-arthritis, it often results from nothing more than a lifetime of bending, lifting, and reaching. In fact, doctors often refer to it as “wear and tear” arthritis.
For the Native Americans, whose very survival depended on hard physical labor, arthritis could be a serious handicap. Not only does it produce pain and stiffness, but without treatment, it can cause the joints to become increasingly immobile. Native Americans were well aware of this risk, and they looked to nature for relief.
Try a sweat. Native Americans coped with arthritis flare-ups by spending time in the sweat lodge. You can get the same effect by closing the bathroom door and running the shower as hot as it will go. Sit nearby for 15 or 20 minutes to allow the heat and steam to penetrate the skin and loosen muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This will allow joints to move with less pain and stiffness.
Loosen your joints with water. Taking a long bath or shower is one of the quickest ways to get relief from arthritis flare-ups. The Native Americans knew this too, which is why they often retired to a sweat lodge or hot spring when their joints were acting up. Research has shown that moist heat increases circulation to painful areas. This allows the blood to bring in more healing nutrients and take away pain-causing toxins. At the same time, moist heat may encourage the body to produce naturally-occurring chemicals called endorphins, which have been called “natural morphine” because of their analgesic properties.
Ease the pain with willow. Willow bark contains a compound called salicin, which is very similar to the active ingredient in aspirin. When brewed as a tea, willow contains as much active painkiller as some modern analgesics. Adding a teaspoonful of dried licorice root to the tea will make it a little easier for the stomach to tolerate.
According to herbal authority James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy, other teas that can relieve arthritis include black cohosh, poplar, and yarrow.
Counteract the pain with nettle. Scientists have found that a technique called “urtication,” or deliberately irritating the skin, can make arthritis pain less severe. When you gently strike sore spots with a branch of stinging nettle, the tiny stingers inject small amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds. The idea isn’t to damage the skin, but to strike it hard enough that you feel a slight irritation. This may be all it takes to relieve the arthritis flare-up.
Nettle can also be eaten as an arthritis remedy, according to Dr. Duke. It contains healthful amounts of the mineral boron, which has been shown to help ease arthritis. Cooking nettle softens the “stingers,” but you’ll want to wear gloves when preparing it.
This Natural Arthritis Remedies article is taken from :
Healing Secrets of the Native Americans - Porter Shimer
