Herbal remedies for arthritis

[beachlover]

I am not sure if this shoud go in the flora and fauna bit, or here, so feel free to shift it.
Does anyone have any natural remedies for arthritis? So far we have nettle and willow (aspirin).
All suggestions gratefully received.
Natural remedies such as blackthorn sticks don't count!

 

[Toddy]

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) in sweet almond or jojoba oil is an excellent topical analgesic. Either make enfleurrage or use an alembic in preferrence to heating in oil. If the meadowsweet is also taken as a tea it acts as an anti-inflammatory too.

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[RovingArcher]

Mashed Yucca root contains a substance similar to cortisone and when applied topically to the affected area, helps to relieve inflamation.

The Cherokee use a powdered root from *aralia racemosa* "Indian root" "life-of-man", as a tea for the relief of rheumatoid arthritis.

 

[match]

What can be good is to warm up the joints and help keep the damp and cold out, which often exacerbates the problem.

I sometimes make a 'hot oil' for massages which given to people with sore joints before, always with good reports.

1.5 tbsp. cayenne pepper[size=-1]
[/size]2 tbsp. mustard powder[size=-1]
[/size]2 inches ginger root, finely chopped
2 tsp. ground black pepper[size=-1]
[/size]300 ml/1 1/4 c. vegetable/olive/almond oil

Put all the ingredients into a bowl over a water bath. Simmer gently for 2 hours, until the oil starts to change to a slightly orange/red colour (it also tastes and smells slightly like chilli )

Strain and either rub straight into joints like a massage oil, or mix 4 parts oil to 1 part beeswax and reheat to make an ointment for use on the joints.

NOTE: Do NOT use on sensitive skin or around eyes! Cayenne pepper is not for sensitive areas!