Archive for August, 2007
26
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45. It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine. Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance. Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.
Another type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties.
Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.
The term Arthritis literally translates to joint inflammation. If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis listed above, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other home remedies. If you havent yet tried Urtication, it might be helpful. The term Urtication comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is Stinging Nettle. The treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.
Here are a few more herbs that are used effectively for the treatment of arthritis:
Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps. Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle. It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.
Bogbean
Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the walls of the colon and digestive juices.
Celery Seeds
Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic. Great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches. Also one of the best cancer herbs.
Feverfew
Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness and tinnitus.
Nettle
The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those universal plants. They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.
Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces lactic acid build up. Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.
Yucca
Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.
All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment.
No matter what natural remedies you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
About the Author
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
Written By: Emily Clark
08
Most sex problems include loss of sex drive, lack of sex interest (which may differ from the preceding), impotence, premature climax, sterility, damage to the pelvic organs (which may inhibit pleasure and encourage infections), inherent weaknesses in the sex system, diet- or lifestyle-related fatigue, and various other problems. Psychological sex problems fall into a special category.
But good diet and exercise are necessary even when counselling is the primary means of correction.
Some problems may be primarily rooted in chemical or glandular imbalance and may be completely corrected by diet and exercise.
When the food we eat lacks essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other nutrients, we become undernourished and subject to disease.
Likewise, sexual problems, whether physical or mental, result from deficiencies–in knowledge, in attitude, in diet, in lifestyle. Once we correct the deficiency, the problem takes care of itself.
This is Nature’s way.
Our bodies are made of food chemicals, and the energy we use is fueled by food chemicals.
When some of these chemicals are lacking, certain parts of our bodies may be incomplete, so they cannot perform the functions they were designed to perform.
Since we get the chemicals we need from foods, we have to have a variety of whole, pure, and natural foods to meet all the chemical needs of the body.
We have to eat right, or our bodies will not work correctly.
Our sex lives depend on the structural integrity of several glands, organs, and tissues of the body as well as on the availability of sufficient energy to perform at its best.
Each of these parts of the sex system requires constant replenishing of the nutrients it requires.
While the brain, nerves, and glands are fed by the same foods, different tissues require different foods to function at peak efficiency.
Thus, a variety of nutrients needed by different tissues requires a variety of foods to supply those nutrients.
But suppose we were not getting the right foods to produce the sex hormones our bodies needed? We would be in serious trouble as far as our sex lives were concerned.
If you want to save your love life and make it more enjoyable, you need to evaluate the food and drink that have become part of your lifestyle.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that adults eat a healthy breakfast, drink 100 percent fruit juice and load their diets with fruits and vegetables.
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have found that the mineral boron is vital for hormone production and sexual function. boron can be found in dark green leafy vegetables, fruits(not citrus), nuts and legumes.
For a romantic twist, the caring couple can prepare their nutritious meals together; not only will you boost your energy, but for many, the act of food preparation itself can be a bonding experience.
You can kick it up a notch by using aphrodisiac spices like clove, vanilla, ginger and saffron in your dishes.
Even the healthiest of meals cannot provide all of the 45-plus nutrients that are needed in your diet to maintain good health.
These essential nutrients are divided into six categories–proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
Even marginal deficiencies of one or more nutrients can interfere with your good health.
Use as few drugs as possible. Ask your doctor if any of the prescription drugs you have to take will affect your sex life.
Cut out or cut down on the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and coffee. As much as possible, avoid sugary foods and drinks and fried, fatty foods. Cut back on milk and wheat products.
Substitute herbal teas for coffee and regular teas, juices for commercial soft drinks. If you must use sweetener, use a little honey.
As adults, we must realize that good health is earned. It is something we have to work for.
We can have a wonderful love life and wonderful sexual activity, but the two must be built on a foundation of right living. We need to learn our historical lessons and resolve to eat foods as whole, pure, and natural as we can find them.
Sometimes the flame of love just dies, because we aren’t eating right. The sex drive won’t run without the right fuel.
About The Author
Ruby Boyd’s website offers information on achieving Natural Health, Natural Beauty using natural, drug-free methods.
Visit http://www.a1-natural-health-and-beauty.com for information on how to achieve health and beauty fitness goals naturally.
Written By: Ruby Boyd