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Arthritis Care, Naturally By Ellen Kamhi, R.N., Ph.D., The Natural Nurse® Arthritis is not one disease, but over one hundred different types of conditions. Natural Medicine focuses on less invasive, less toxic natural approaches to health care that take into account the wholistic perspective of the entire individual, and seek to uncover the cause of the problem. Treating painful conditions includes an emphasis on organic vegetables and an elimination of trans fats and junk food, along with body-mind therapies. Herbs can also be useful. The term “arthritis” is not one disease, but describes over on hundred different types of conditions whose common features include joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. For millions of Americans, arthritis limits everyday movements. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, usually attributed to joint wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. Wholistic medicine recognizes several factors that lead to the development of inflammatory disorders and pain: 1) Buildup of toxic waste products in the tissues. 2) Decrease in integrity of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. 3) Overabundance of disease causing microorganisms. 4) Decreased circulation to painful areas. In ancient systems of medicine, rheumatic ailments were thought to originate from the accumulation of toxins in the body. Alteratives were used to help detoxify the body, and are still used today. These are herbs which assist the organs of detoxification and elimination (liver, bowels, kidneys, skin, lungs, and connective tissue) by removing deleterious substances such as environmental (xenobiotic) toxins as well as those generated internally (endobiotic toxins). Herbal alteratives include milk thistle, dandelion, and burdock. Alteratives are often used along with tonics or adaptogens which protect the organs of the body from the negative effects of stress. Common adaptogens are panax ginseng, eleutherococcus senticosus, ashwaganda, bupleurem and rehmannia. A combination of these herbs help the adrenal glands to combat fatigue and create well-being. A majority of people who suffer from joint and muscle pain have a condition known as “leaky gut syndrome.” This allows molecules that are usually too large to exit through the gastrointestinal lining to enter the bloodstream, which leads to the formation of “circulating immune complexes”(CIC), implicated in the production of an inflammatory response resulting in joint and muscle pain. Furthermore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the pharmaceuticals usually prescribed for arthritic conditions, actually increase the problem of “leaky gut,” which leads to a worsening of the overall disease process. Specific nutrients which coat and soothe the intestinal lining, thus helping to heal “leaky gut,” can help reverse this condition. L-glutamine is an amino acid which scientific research has shown to be able to soothe irritated gut linings and help to regrow flattened “villi”—the tiny fingerlike protrusions that line the gastrointestinal tract, and act as a surface for the absorption of nutrients. Primrose oil supplies essential fatty acids needed to soothe and re-establish well formed cell membranes. Gingko biloba, well known for its effects on brain function, acts to increase circulation to the small capillaries within the GI tract . It also acts as an anti-oxidant, which can help to strengthen the intestinal lining, and heal a “leaky gut.” Marshmallow root and okra are dumulcents, which coat the gastrointestinal lining and heal irritated tissues. Microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and parasites are present in a majority of people who suffer from a wide variety of symptoms including gas, bloating, digestive disturbances, skin rashes, allergic reactions, and muscle and joint pains. In order to get rid of these invaders and reestablish a healthy gut flora, a variety of herbs act to discourage the growth of pathogenic (disease causing) organisms, while building and supporting the immune system: Barberry root contains berberine, the yellow compound that is also found in goldenseal root. Berberine helps the liver filter out bacteria, and can inhibit the growth of streptococci and other microorganisms. It helps to kill parasites and tonifies the intestinal tract. Black Walnut Hulls is a time honored “vermifuge” (worm destroyer) used traditionally in Western Herbal Medicine. It is high in tannic acid which tonifies the digestive tract and helps rid the body of parasites. Thyme and oregano leaf oil are essential oils with powerful antimicrobial effects. They have been proven to destroy parasites, worms, fungi, bacteria and viruses. It is also important to “re-inoculate” the gastro-intestinal tract with friendly bacteria. Acidophilus taken as a supplement can be helpful for this purpose. Poor circulation can often be helped by massage along with the topical application of medicinal herbs. Menthol has been used for eons of time in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is one of the principle essential oils derived from peppermint, and acts as a powerful analgesic when applied topically. Capsaicin is a resin found in hot peppers. Historically, folk healers have used capsaicin as a skin rub for pain. More recent scientific studies have proven that capsiacin depletes substance P, a chemical believed to be overabundant in the peripheral nerves of patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other painful syndromes. Camphor is a penetrating, medicinal oil derived from the tropical tree, cinnamonium camphora. When rubbed into painful, stiff joints, ligaments and muscles, it provides soothing “camphor-ice” relief. In Chinese Medicine, camphor is called zhang nao. It is believed to “invigorate the blood and relieve stagnation,” thus causing pain relief. Ellen Kamhi, R.N., Ph.D., is the co-author of The Natural Medicine Chest, Arthritis: The Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide, and Cycles of Life: Herbs and Energetics for Women. She is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), is nationally board certified as a holistic nurse, and has practiced holistic medicine for the past fifteen years at the Corsello Centers for Complementary Medicine in New York. Ellen will be giving a talk at the United States Psychotronics Association 2007 Conference at the Holiday Inn Northshore, Skokie, IL, July 20–22. For further information, see their advertisement in this issue, and go to www.psychotronics.org.
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