Arthritis RemediesArthritis sufferers are constantly on the look out for anything that eases the pain of this chronic disease. Doctors tend to rely on prescription medications to treat Arthritis symptoms. People with Arthritis may become weary of taking these drugs or experience unpleasant side effects. Or they just want to find other options for treatment. Here is a sample of the options from medical to herbal. Creams and salves are largely over-the-counter drugs for topical use. These include sports creams for muscle aches and gels that bring a soothing feeling of cold or heat when applied directly to the skin. Elements in these products that bring relief to Arthritis pain include camphor, menthol, capsaicin, and salicylate. These topical agents are lower cost and easily available at drugstores, discount stores and groceries. Noni Juice is derived from the "morinda citrifolia fruit" that grows in the South Pacific. Available in several brands, Noni juice advocates claim it helps reduce inflammation of arthritis as well as increasing energy. While the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture place noni juice on their lists of safe products, these agencies do not affirm any of the noni juice claims. Devil's Claw sounds like the latest horror movie but it's actually a South African plant. For thousands of years, African natives have used Devil's Claw to treat fever, skin rash and inflammations as occurs with Rheumatoid Arthritis. In a hundred years since this herb arrived in Europe, it's become a major treatment choice in tea or capsule to ease inflammation of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Not just folklore, Devil's Claw functions much like that of COX-2 Anti-inflammatory medications. Studies in several European journals show that Devil's Claw compares favorably with prescription medications. This herb is not a suitable choice for anyone with ulcers, gallstones, digestive problems, diabetes or who may be pregnant. Willow Bark comes from a tree that is found in Europe and Asia. Ancient Egyptians and even Hippocrates used willow bark to reduce fevers and inflammation. In the late 1850s a German pharmaceutical company discovered that the salicylic acid inside was the healing substance and found ways to make it more tolerable to the digestive system. So why chew bark when today's aspirin gives the same result. There are hundreds of other herbs that are used as natural remedies for fever, inflammation and pain relief. A competent herbalist, ayurveda practitioner or nutritional counselor can help you evaluate other herbal treatments or supplements. The cutting edge of Arthritis treatments are those still under testing. If you are willing to volunteer for a Clinical Study, you might get to experience one of the newest treatments. Or you might get the placebo, the empty pill. To keep the study honest, neither the clinical staff nor the volunteers know who gets the real drug so it's 50-50 odds. As a token of gratitude, many Clinical Study groups will notify volunteers if the drug comes on the market. Contact with your physician before adding any new Arthritis treatment no matter how harmless it seems. |