Tell me about folk cures for arthritis…
It affects almost 70 million Americans and that is the source of folk remedies. Since arthritis is so common and so many people have tried different types of treatments, there are some remedies that are passed on from generation to generation. This goes on despite the lack of supporting medical evidence that prove they actually do work. Rarely though, these remedies have been found- through scientific scrutiny- to have anti-inflammatory properties.
The popular radio announcer Paul Harvey mentioned gin-soaked raisins in the 1990's. This became an overnight arthritis treatment sensation.
Although the formula varies slightly according to what person you talk to, the basics are simple: Eat nine gin-soaked raisins a day. Is there a possible scientific explanation? In this case, there may be. Resveratol is a bioflavenoid- a powerful antioxidant- that is present in the skin of grapes. Could it be this fact that explains the effectiveness of this age-old remedy?Bee stings: There is scientific evidence that bee venom may contain potent anti-inflammatory ingredients. It is very important not to try this on your own. Also, if you are allergic to bee stings, definitely do not do this.
Gin soaked raisins: Take a box of golden raisins (these are sometimes called white raisins); place in shallow container; cover raisins with distilled gin; let soak for a few weeks until gin evaporates; place in jar; eat nine raisins a day. Apple cider vinegar: Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water, three times a day. Some people sweeten with honey or add baking soda for pH balance. There is a preparation sold in our area called "Jogging in a Jug". It is a mixture of vinegar and grape juice. Some of my patients swear it helps them.
Eat spicy foods: There is actually proof with this. Foods containing garlic, ginger, capsaicin, curcumin, and the like do have anti-inflammatory properties.
Avoid tomatoes and other nightshade vegetables: This is a gray area. Some people do seem to have a problem with certain foods causing their arthritis to flare. This is an area of some interest in that food allergy may play a role. The jury is still out.
Gelatin: You can buy gelatin capsules or you can make gelatin (the store variety like Jell-O) but instead of chilling it, drink it. Some suggest drinking a cup a week; you can drink more if you wish. Some people make potions with grape juice and pectin (a jam thickener, such as Certo, that contains gelatin powders).
Fresh Pineapple: Eat fresh pineapple frequently for the bromelain, an enzyme found in fresh pineapple (freezing or canning is thought to destroy the enzymes so eat fresh). Bromelain can also be purchased in capsule form as a supplement.
Copper Bracelet: Some believe that copper is absorbed by the skin to relieve joint pain when wearing a copper bracelet but the results are anecdotal and effects controversial. If you wear one, pay a little extra for ones with anti-tarnish coating.
Magnets: Static magnet therapy is believed to relieve pain by increasing circulation, but that has not been proven through numerous scientific studies. Magnetic treatment is considered harmless unless it squeezes your pocketbook too hard.
Rub WD-40 on a joint: I don't know how many times I've heard this one. There is no scientific or otherwise proof this works.
The bottom line to all of these remedies is this: the user should use common sense and his or her own research including consultation with a rheumatologist.
Related Tags: arthritis, for, me, cures, folk, about, tell
Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR is a rheumatologist For more info: Arthritis Treatment Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Dental Insurance For Individual Can Be Of Help At Time
Dental problem may cost one a lot of money and pain. But, practicing a reasonable care could decreas - Personal Trainer For Perfect Health
There is a general misconception that need for a fitness trainer comes for novice or from those who - Varicose Veins - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
The majority of people after thirty notice the changes that appear with the maturing. In this case t - Scenar Therapy - Self-treatment Or Healing Partnership
Do you want to learn about a device which will help you to ease your pain? If you get this kind of a - Scenar - 5 "no, Nos" Of Scenar
Are you fed up with the pain in your body? Various parts of our body seem to ache due to different r - Scenar Device - 5 Tips On Travelling With Your Scenar (skenar) Device
You might be aware of scenar which has become quite popular these days. This is actually the acronym - Scenar Therapy - How To Treat Your Pet With Scenar
There are many alternative methods of treatment that are being invented these days. Lots of people a - Your Options For The Treatment For Appendicitis
Appendicitis is considered to be a surgical illness. Due to its severe character, the treatment for - How To Choose The Right Copd Medication
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD does not have any cure. But with the help of medicines - Septic Arthritis: Infectious Agents Penetrate Joints' Spaces
Another major type of arthritis is septic arthritis, which is also known in various terms like: pyog
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Drugs - the Last Alternative for Adhd in Kids
Anyone over the age of thirty who has grown up with ADHD understands that there was not much help av - Foods To Eat To Gain Weight
Malnutrition has the same degree of problem as obesity. There are people who are too skinny, they fi - Understanding Postpartum Clothing
The same way most pregnant women dream of the day when they will begin showing for wearing maternity - Kegel Exercising for Bladder Control and Enhanced Sexual Pleasure
Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, thereby improving the urethra and/or rec - The Use Of Weight Loss Herbs
Nothing has garnered more attention in today's world than the success or failures of weight loss pro - A Simple Acid Relux Cure
Many people today are afflicted with heartburn. If they eat food that is too spicy, they get heartbu - Five Effective Household Back Pain Treatments
Back pain treatment comes in lots of forms, from exercise to pain mediction. Standard and most wides - Herbal Remedies - Can They Cure What Ails You?
You've probably heard about herbal remedies before and how they can treat a variety of health proble - Natural Relief for Tinnitus - What are your Choices
Natural Relief For Tinnitus - Alternative Options Did you know that there are an estimated 50 t - Birthing Around the World
Since ancestral times, different cultures showed off different customs and beliefs around the miracl