Dealing with Arthritis

Knowing that I am a student of herbalism, a friend has asked me what to do about her arthritis.
Of course, I'm just that, a student, but I have picked up a few things that might help.

In The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism, Matthew Wood writes that "Lewis and Clark describe how one of their men was cured of arthritic stiffness in a sweat lodge erected by friendly Indians along their journey".

Samuel Thomson, a New Hampshire herbalist of two centuries past had the view that the first step in treating many illnesses was the removal of toxins from the system, which he accomplished through sweat lodges.

The key, of course, is sweating.  More conveniently than a sweat lodge (or sauna), this can be induced through herbs with diaphoretic action.

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, so we'd want to use anti-inflammatories to address that.
And it is painful, which points to herbs with analgesic properties.
Lastly, we want to increase blood flow.


In this case, to avoid having my friend order herbs, I'll focus on herbs and spices available in the kitchen.

• Among the diaphoretics in the kitchen are Basil, Coriander (Cilantro), Ginger, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Sage
• Kitchen Stimulants include Cayenne, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Garlic, Ginger, Black Pepper, Sage, Thyme, Turmeric
• Anti-Inflammatories are Ginger and Turmeric
• Analgesics: Ginger, Turmeric, Clove, Cinnamon

What I might recommend is to start out with a tea to induce sweating:
 1 part each Rosemary, Basil, and Oregano; 1 part each Cinnamon and Turmeric.
The first three act synergistically on the sweating. Cinnamon and Turmeric work together as a stimulant and as an analgesic.
Mix them together, and steep one tsp of the mixture in 1 cup boiled water for 20 minutes.  Drink. Repeat 3-4x/day.

You'll notice ginger is found in all 4 categories.
Ginger powder can be added to the recipe.  Fresh ginger could be used, also, but requires 20 minutes of simmering before the other ingredients are added for steeping.

A second step would be making a poultice and applying it to the skin at the point of the arthritis.
Simply make a paste of the same ingredients, apply to a towel, and place it on the skin.


If you try this, let me know in the comments how it works.
Thanks!

Dissolves Kidney Stone, Cleanses Liver and Obliterates Cancer Cells – RECIPE

One of the most health-beneficial plants on earth – ginger, is abundant in medicinal properties, among which it reduces inflammation, stimulates digestion and boosts immunity.
Ginger owes its flavor and aroma to several different essential oils: gingerol, shogaol and zingerone. These agents have really powerful anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects, which can ease pain, improve cardiovascular health, relieve asthma, strengthen immunity, and stimulate digestion among other.
Ginger tea Dissolves Kidney Stone, Cleanses Liver and Obliterates Cancer Cells – RECIPE

Ginger Tea Benefits

Owing to the powerful substances ginger contains, ginger tea is an amazing remedy for treatment of sore muscles, common cold, flu and headaches. This drink can actually destroy the virus causing influenza, cold sores and common colds.
In addition, only a cup of tea each day can considerably lower your risk of stroke due to the fact that ginger dissolves fat deposits which in fact block the arteries.
Moreover, due to ginger’s thermogenic properties, this vegetable has the ability to improve blood circulation and the delivery of oxygen, minerals and vitamins to the cells in the body.
Plus, the high content of antioxidants successfully eliminates infections and improves the immune system.

Ginger Tea Preparation

Ingredients:
• raw organic honey
• coconut milk
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup of water

Instructions:
This tea-making process is really simple. After adding the turmeric and ginger in boiling water, lower the heat and then let it simmer for 7-10 min.
Add the milk and strain the tea into a cup. Improve your tea flavor by adding some organic honey. Enjoy the healthiest drink there is! - borrowed from: Healthy Food Team