Issue #5

2000

By Peter C. Laker C.H., C.H.P., C.C. Ir.

Arthritis

Q: For the last few years I have been suffering with pain and swelling of the joints especially in the knees and hips. My family doctor took x-rays and diagnosed osteo-arthritis. She tells me that there is little that can be done except to prescribe pain easing medication and if necessary eventual hip and knee replacement.

A: Arthritis takes many forms, some more debilitating than others. Many people have minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints as they get older, but most pain passes causing very little discomfort. For more intense persistent pain the usual remedy is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID to relieve the symptoms, because there is no known cure for this condition. High doses of NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can cause side effects such as tinnitis and digestive irritation as well as some toxic side effects. Other anti-inflammatory drugs can cause headaches, dizziness, ulcers and serious gastrointestinal problems. Surprisingly one of the side effects is their inhibition of cartilage repair. So they reduce the symptoms but allow the disease to progress.

In extreme cases there may be a need for surgery, such as hip or knee replacement. Osteo-arthritis may cause swelling but is generally without inflammation. Much of the pain and stiffness is caused by pressure and movement on the degenerated disc and damaged joint. The smooth surface of discs deteriorate becoming rough causing friction which in turn puts pressure on ligaments, tendons and bones causing them to weaken creating stiffness, pain and deformity in some cases.

Generally this condition is believed to be caused by wear and tear of joints due to the aging process. It can also be connected to excessive or repetitive movement as would be in the performance of certain sports, typing and other tasks. Hard nodules appearing on the last joint of some fingers can be an early sign of this disease, as are bone spurs or calcium deposits on various parts of the skeletal frame, especially the vertebrae causing strain on ligaments, tendons and nerves.

Holistic medicine feels that diet is important and may play a role in causing arthritic conditions. Allergies to foods (such as wheat and corn), stress, poor liver function and poor circulation may all be instrumental in causing this crippling disease.

The psyche may also play a role, according to a profound discovery by the German M.D., Dr. R.G. Hamer, who scientifically proved the mind and body involvement in diseases. Where arthritis is concerned, Dr. Hamer found that the mind connection had to do with a self devaluation issue, and that the exact nature of the conflict determined the area of the body which would be affected. High levels of acid can form in the body due to stress, poorly digested foods, too much animal protein, highly processed foods, allergic reactions to foods such as wheat and dairy, as well as normal metabolic processes which eventually overload the kidneys.

Metabolic waste from normal body functions and muscle activity, include, urea, uric acid, acetone, ammonia, oxalic acids, lactic acids etc. This accumulated waste can damage natural sodium levels allowing calcium to come out of solution. This crystallized calcium can build up in the joints causing stiffness, swelling and pain.

Alcohol should be also be avoided because it inhibits uric acid secretion by the kidneys.

We must treat the whole person, it is not enough to take remedies, even natural ones to resolve this condition.

Cartilage lacks blood vessels so it is important to treat joint swellings and pains externally with counter irritant or rubifacient herbs such as Cayenne Pepper, Mustard, Prickly Ash and Ginger. This method is used to stimulate blood circulation around joints reducing inflammation and swelling.

A poultice for swollen and painful joints can be made using powdered herbs of:

Mix the powder together and add boiling water to make a stiff paste. Spread onto gauze about 1/4 inch thick fold over and apply to the affected joint.

Comfrey root used externally as a poultice will not only eliminate pain, if it is used over a period of time, but it can also repair and regenerate damaged bone structures. My experience has shown that simple remedies such as castor oil packs and cabbage leaf poultices can bring healing to swollen and painful joints if they are used on a consistent basis.

Herbs taken internally could include Bogbean, Celery Seeds, Devil’s Claw, Nettles, Willow Bark, Black Cohosh, Prickly Ash Bark, Birch Leaves, Angelica and Feverfew They can stimulate circulation, reduce acid levels, relieve pain, reduce muscle spasms, and generally have an anti-rheumatic effect. Herbs such as Willow Bark, Feverfew, and Meadowsweet contain natural pain easing compounds similar to aspirin and can be taken for pain and inflammation without causing any side effects.

Devil’s Claw tablets are very effective if they are taken on a daily basis, one tablet 15 minutes before each meal, is normally recommended. A course of treatment of 3 to 6 months with a 2 week break every 8 weeks can bring great relief for many sufferers. A supplement called Glucosamine Sulphate has shown good results with osteo-arthritis and should be included as part of a treatment protocol. One capsule 3 times daily, is usually taken until symptoms ease. This product appears to increase the gel-like substance between joints taking pressure off the ligaments and tendons, thus relieving pain.

Dietary changes are also essential for relieving the symptoms of this disease. Foods to avoid are any that may cause a reaction such as increased pain or swelling. Known culprits, such as coffee, red meats in any form, pickled foods, vinegar, (except maybe apple cider vinegar which has been recommended for arthritis), and all foods from the nightshade family which inludes tomatoes should be avoided. High acid fruits, oranges, pineapples, even berries such as black currants and gooseberries may aggravate this condition. White sugar, white rice, white flour and any product made with them, as well as artificial food additives, processed foods, alcoholic beverages, shell fish and carbonated drinks should also be avoided.

The diet should be high in alkalizing foods such as raw and cooked vegetables especially celery, raw cabbage, cucumber and even the juice of a medium sized raw potato taken once daily. Brown rice is excellent in eliminating excess body acids and could be eaten with each meal for best results. I feel that exercise is important but is a painful experience for some people, so gentle programs such as the stretching in yoga or Tai Chi would be less stressful on the joints but can be extremely effective in relieving stiffness and pain.

Peter Laker is a practicing Clinical Herbalist and Iridologist at Herbs and Health in North York, Ont. He is also, the President of the Central Canadian Herbal Practitioner’s Association.

Books:

• Ronald J. Allen.
  Arthritis of the Hip and Knee: The Active Person's Guide to Taking Charge
• Robert Klapper.
  Heal Your Hips : How to Prevent Hip Surgery-- And What to Do If You Need It

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