Before you decide to take any substances or try any cure, do some research. You can ask trusted sources, such as a naturopath or other person who knows a lot about natural treatments. Even massage or physical therapists sometimes have a body of knowledge about natural treatments. Here are just some of the types of people who can help you understand your options:

• Acupuncturists
• Chiropractors
• Herbologists
• Homeopathy Practitioners
• Oriental Medicine Doctor (OMD)
• Massage Therapists
• MDs
• Naturopaths
• Nutritionists
• Pharmacists
• Physical Therapists

You can also look online, although use caution when doing so. There are so many different people out there sharing information — some of it true and some of it not. Some of it is also tainted by self-interest, so don’t believe everything you read. If, for example, you need a natural cure for dandruff, you want to treat depression without medication or you need to find natural arthritis treatments, try to find resources online and then discuss it with a reputable source. Don’t trust a random Web site — even this one — as your sole source of information.

If you find a natural treatment that you think might be worthwhile, you should definitely check first with your primary physician before trying it. This is particularly important  if you are on any medications or have conditions that might be affected by the treatment. With any luck, your doctor will be open to natural remedies. (If they aren’t, maybe it’s time to find another doctor!) You can also ask your pharmacist about any medications you currently take and whether they will interact with the natural remedy you have chosen. Also, if you’re a senior it’s a good idea to check whether Medicare will cover the treatment before you book the appointment. If it doesn’t and you’re really committed to going the natural route, you might want to check whether one of the many optional Medicare supplements will pay for at least some of the cost.

Natural cures don’t always work for each person the same way. So don’t expect that every treatment you try will work the same for you as it did for someone on the Internet. Natural remedies can have side effects, too, so be aware of that and don’t try anything without thoroughly looking into it. A natural treatment can be life-changing and wonderful, but always do plenty of research before trying anything out.

You might also be interested in our Herbal Encyclopedia, which provides information on specific natural remedies.

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Think you’re too young? Age doesn’t matter; one of the most popular misconceptions about arthritis is that it’s an old person’s disease. Think it only affects the opposite sex? Arthritis is not gender-specific. In fact, arthritis; a disease characterized by pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in or around joints; can affect people of any gender and any age, from young children to the elderly.

Although there are over 100 types of arthritis (such as gout, fibromyalgia and lupus), osteoarthritis is the most common. It’s a condition in which there is a breakdown of the plastic-like cartilage on the end of bone joints in the hands, hips, knees and back. Without that protective cushion, bones rub against bones, which ultimately results in pain, swelling and even deformity. The pain and disability caused by arthritis can prevent you from performing everyday activities, and the accompanying fatigue and stress make you vulnerable to other illness.

Unfortunately, no treatment has yet been found that will successfully cure arthritis. Instead, treatment is aimed at reducing pain and discomfort and preventing further disability. Many people turn to alternative remedies to provide natural joint pain relief, and there are a number of different modalities available.

Traditional Chinese medicine
Acupuncture has practiced for more than 2,500 years, and has been scientifically proven to alleviate pain. According to practitioners, pain and illness result when the energy flow in your body is disrupted. Insertion of acupuncture needles is intended to stimulate points along the energy channels, which balances the flow and restores health.

Acupressure is a technique that is similar to acupuncture but it involves the use of fingertip pressure rather than needles. The practitioner presses on the tender areas to disperse the build-up of lactic acid, which then helps relieve pain.

Massage therapy
Massage is an ancient form of pain management, dating back more than 3000 years. Massage can involve application of light strokes, firm squeezing, or “percussion” (using the hands to strike the muscles), but regardless of the type of massage, it can help you relax and allow the blood to flow naturally through your body, which then alleviates pain.

Reflexology is another type of massage, and is based on the idea that the muscles and organs of the body are affected by specific areas of the feet. When pressure is applied to certain areas on the soles of the feet, other areas of the body relax.

Flotation therapy
Flotation tanks are sometimes used to treat the pain of arthritis. Patients float in a pool filled with Epsom salts. Epsom salts have been documented to relieve pain, in part, by stimulating production of endorphins (the “feel good” substances produced in the brain).

Heat treatment/cold treatment
Heat treatment; in the form of a hot bath, hot pack, or a heating pad; is one of the oldest known treatments for arthritis. This therapy sends soothing heat to the small joints in the hands or feet. Cold, wet compresses or ice packs applied to the painful area are often more effective than heat for soothing sharp, intense pain. Just remember not to use cold treatment for more than 20 minutes at a time – excessive cold can damage the skin.

TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electrical stimulation of the nerves to block pain signals to the brain. Electrodes are placed on the skin and low-level electrical current produces a slight tingling sensation. TENS seems to work best when pain flares in a specific area.

Diet
Adjusting your diet can often help with arthritis symptoms. Foods in the deadly nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants) are particularly likely to worsen arthritis symptoms, so you might want to eliminate them from your diet. Decreasing animal products (except fish), and increasing fruits, vegetables and whole grains may also be helpful.

Supplements
Glucosamine sulfate is available as a nutritional supplement. Glucosamine in its natural form is created in the body from sugar (glucose), and it plays a major role in the manufacture and maintenance of cartilage. It’s been shown to not only stimulate the repair of cartilage, but to also inhibit the enzymes that break down this connective tissue. Taking a glucosamine supplement can relieve pain and aid the healing of aching joints.

Because the body naturally has its own mechanisms for rebuilding joints and connective tissue, making sure your body is provided with the optimal levels of essential nutrients will help it do its job. Some studies have shown that fish oil supplements lessen joint tenderness, swelling and stiffness. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals also help to manage arthritis. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamins D and E are all important to the development and maintenance of healthy cartilage, as are calcium and magnesium. Additionally, herbal supplements may provide relief for some arthritis sufferers. Devil’s claw (devils claw), boswellia, evening primrose, and borage often ease joint pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties, and white willow is a centuries-old remedy for pain.

The final answer
As with any health treatment, be critical when trying an alternative therapy. Arthritis is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions, and particular therapies may be more or less effective on any given day. Just remember not to expect a cure. Arthritis is a lifelong process, but alternative arthritis therapies can help you regain control of your life.

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This FAQ covers all the basic concepts you need to know as you read our health articles.

What are herbs?
According to Webster’s dictionary, an herb is “a plant valued for its medicinal, savory or aromatic qualities.” In fact, a number of today’s synthetic pharmaceutical preparations are derived from herbal extracts that were originally discovered and prescribed many years ago. The drug digitalis, for example, which is used to treat various types of heart ailments, is made from the leaves of the foxglove plant.

What are standardized extracts?
One problem with selecting herbal supplements is that you can’t always be certain of the potency of a particular formulation. Potency depends on a number of factors — what part of the plant was used, where it was grown, when it was harvested, how it has been processed and packaged — and it can either be very strong or virtually inert.

Because of these variables, it’s best to look for herbal supplements that list a “standardized” level of potency. The active compounds found in herbal extracts are usually expressed as a percentage of the total. For example, if a typical standardization level for an ingredient is expressed as 6 percent, that means 100 mg of the standardized herb supplies 6 mg of the active ingredient.

What are vitamins and carotenoids?
Although vitamins do not share a common chemistry, they share certain characteristics. They are all organic nutrients that are necessary in small amounts for normal metabolism and good health. Most vitamins must be provided by the diet or by supplements, but three vitamins (D, K and the B-vitamin biotin) can be manufactured in the body from non-dietary sources. Vitamins are not sources of energy as are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Instead, vitamins serve as chemical partners for the enzymes involved in the body’s metabolism, cell production, tissue repair and other vital processes. Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble.

The fat-soluble vitamins, which include A, D, E and K, are absorbed by the body using processes that closely parallel the absorption of fat. They are stored in the liver and used up by the body very slowly. The water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the B vitamins. The body uses these vitamins very quickly. Excess amounts are eliminated in urine.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamins, which is set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council, has been enhanced with a standard called the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). The DRI is a general term for four different rating sets that apply to vitamins, minerals and proteins taken by men or women in specific age groups. These ratings are:

* Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
EAR is the daily intake of vitamins that meets the requirements of 50 percent of the population group.

* Adequate Intake (AI)
If the EAR is unknown, AI is used. This is an estimate of an average intake that seems to be healthy and not dangerous.

* Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
RDA is the amount of a supplement that is sufficient to meet nearly all the needs of men or women in certain age groups.

* Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
UL is the maximum dose likely to be safe in nearly all individuals.

Another standard being developed is Daily Reference Values (DRV), which covers nutrients and other food components, such as phytoestrogens, fiber and nutritional factors that do not yet have any standards. Because vitamins and other dietary supplements are regulated as food (not drugs) by the government, no standards exist for effectiveness. Various manufacturers’ brands of vitamins differ in quality and in their ability to be absorbed by the body. The wise consumer shops for the lowest priced vitamins, as there appears to be no significant difference in quality between vitamins in various price ranges.

The FDA requires that vitamins and other dietary supplements include labels similar to those found on commercial foods. The label must include nutrient information and a list of all ingredients, as well as identification of the parts of plants from which ingredients are taken. Nonetheless, evaluation of the quality of a particular supplement is not required. There is no control over what goes into a dietary supplement, and little is known about long-term effects and risks. Studies on ginseng, for example, found that some supplements did not contain any active ingredients while others varied widely in the amount they contained. The US Pharmacopoeia, an independent organization that sets standards for drugs, has implemented standards for vitamins. Consumers should look for the USP label on supplements to ensure the products adhere to these standards.

We hope you found this health article helpful!

Depending on where you live, if you take a walk around your neighborhood during late summer to mid-autumn, you’re likely to see a flower garden with a profusion of tall, daisy-like, purple-pink flowers, called echinacea. This flower been a favorite of home gardeners for many years because of its tolerance to cold, heat and drought. As an added bonus, it attracts butterflies. But it’s more than just a pretty plant. While you may recognize it as the purple coneflower, it’s also one of America’s most popular herbal treatments.

Echinacea (pronounced ECK-in-AY-zhuh) has been used for generations by Native Americans to treat everything from a sore throat to snake bites to toothaches. Nineteenth century herbalists recognized its value as an immune system booster, and also used it to help speed wound healing, reduce inflammations, treat colds and flu, and fight infections. During the early 20th century, it was the best-selling medicinal tincture in America and was used for a variety of internal and external conditions. By around 1930, however, modern medicine dismissed it as worthless and it remained largely unused until the 1980s, when public interest in herbal remedies brought a renewed popularity to this hardy plant. Today, it’s among the best-selling herbal supplements; the two most popular varieties being Echinacea purpurea, which has larger, darker purple petals; and Echinacea angustifolia, which has narrower, paler petals.

Different studies typically show different results, but there is evidence that echinacea helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms and aids stimulation of the immune system. For best results, it’s recommended that you begin taking it at the first sign of a cold or flu, as it works best as a preventative rather than a cure-all. Better yet, take it at the beginning of cold and flu season to boost your immunity and guard against your catching a “bug.”

Echinacea has an excellent safety record: After hundreds of years of use, no toxicity or serious side-effects have been reported other than rare allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It’s also a full-spectrum anti-microbial; that is, it’s effective against bacteria and viruses. It works not by destroying germs but by energizing your own immune system. And because it engages your body’s natural resources to affect a cure, negative side-effects (such as sometimes occur with synthetic antibiotics) are eliminated.

Most of the plant’s medicinal value is found in the root, with the Augustifolia root being slightly medicinally stronger than the Purpurea root — something to note when buying capsules or tinctures. Because of its ability to boost the immunity system, echinacea may also be recommended to overcome stress, malaise, or general weakness.

There is some question, though, as to whether it’s safe for people with auto-immune diseases. Because evidence tends to be somewhat inconclusive, it’s best to avoid it if you are HIV-positive or have an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis or scleroderma. For most of us, though, it’s considered generally safe, although some digestive systems may need time to adjust to it. (It may cause mild nausea in rare cases.)

Echinacea is also recommend to combat seasonal spring allergies and sinus problems, but start taking the herb in February — before allergens are in the air. It’s important to note, however, that it shouldn’t be taken continuously. To maintain a healthy immune system, it’s best used on a “three weeks on, one week off” regimen because the body seems to become accustomed to it and it loses effectiveness. During the week you are not taking it, your immune system will adapt and increase in natural strength.

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We hope you found this echinacea health article helpful!

Saw Palmetto
This botanical product is derived from a small palm tree found in South Carolina and Florida. Over the last few years saw palmetto has gained notoriety for its beneficial effects on a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, a benign (non-cancerous) growth within the prostate gland. Also referred to as enlargement of the prostate, this condition is common in men age 50 and older. The male hormone testosterone is converted into a chemical called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which seems to play a part in causing the prostate to become enlarged. Saw Palmetto has been found to inhibit this action. It’s effect on DHT has also recently made saw palmetto a popular natural treatment for hair loss.

Silymarin (Milk Thistle)
Silymarin (milk thistle) is an herb generally used to protect the liver from a variety of toxic substances. It prevents toxins from penetrating the interior of liver cells while promoting the growth of healthy new cells to repair liver damage. Milk thistle seed has demonstrated significant value in the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, inflammatory liver disease and liver damage from toxic substances. It has also been used as an antidote for death-cap mushroom poisoning, and has antioxidant properties.

Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is taken orally for stomach inflammation, ulcers and sore throat. Applied to the skin it can be used as a treatment for wounds, burns and skin conditions. For much of the 20th century, slippery elm was a popular over-the-counter remedy for sore throat and upset stomach. It was listed in The United States Pharmacopoeia until 1960, and was declared safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration, disappearing from drug store shelves only after Dutch elm disease destroyed nearly all the elm trees in the US. The powdered inner bark of the tree provides relief by forming a slippery, viscous coating that soothes irritation in the throat and the lining of the stomach. Its water-retaining properties also make it an ideal ingredient for a soothing compress.

St. John’s Wort
Sometimes referred to as “Nature’s Prozac,” St. John’s wort is believed to combat depression by boosting the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain. It works on two levels: Like the prescription antidepressant Prozac, it seems to increase the amount of serotonin available to the nervous system. And like the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor Nardil, St. John’s wort is thought to promote higher levels of dopamine and certain other chemical messengers.

St. John’s wort has also been used to treat sleep disturbances, gallbladder disorders, gastritis, bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, bed-wetting, rheumatism, muscle pain, hemorrhoids and gout. Researchers are currently studying its use in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.

Cut at the start of the flowering season and processed in bunches, St. John’s wort must be dried quickly to preserve its oil and secretions. Early Christians named the plant in honor of St. John the Baptist because they believed the plant secreted its blood-red oil each year on Aug. 29, the day the saint was beheaded. Used medicinally for over 2000 years, Ancient Greeks believed that the odor of St. John’s wort repelled evil spirits. St. John’s wort is also known as amber, goat weed, hardhay, klamath weed and tipton weed.

Excessive use of St. John’s wort increases sensitivity to sunlight. To avoid sunburn, minimize your exposure to the sun while using this medication. This herb can also cause bloating and constipation.

Do not use St. John’s wort while taking a prescription MAO inhibitor, such as Nardil or Parnate, as a dangerous interaction may be possible. Avoid aged, pickled and fermented food and beverages while taking St. John’s wort. Foods such as aged cheese, wine and beer contain tyramine, which was formerly used to treat abnormally low blood pressure. The combination of St. John’s wort and these foods could cause a sudden, dangerous surge in blood pressure. Additionally, St. John’s wort should not be used by anyone with hypertension or borderline hypertension, as it can increase blood pressure.

Most recently, research indicates St. John’s wort lessens the effectiveness of indinavir, a medication given to HIV patients, and of the drug cyclosporin, which is used to suppress the immune systems of heart transplant patients so their bodies don’t reject the new organ.

Turmeric
Turmeric is a major ingredient in curry powder and is also used in certain varieties of mustard. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is prescribed as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of numerous disorders, including jaundice, bruises, chest pain and menstrual difficulties. Although medical evidence does not support its use in all these ailments, turmeric does appear to be an effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent, and it may aid heart, liver and gastrointestinal problems.

Valerian
The odor of valerian has been likened to dirty gym socks, but this herb is a powerful remedy for spasms — it relaxes muscles and has a sedative effect. Valerian is also commonly taken for anxiety, mental strain, lack of concentration, excitability, hysteria, stress, headache, epilepsy, premenstrual syndrome, symptoms of menopause, nerve pain, fainting, stomach cramps and colic.

This plant, which produces bright pink to white flowers, grows 20 to 40 inches in height. It is native to Europe and the temperate regions of Asia, and is cultivated in Europe, Japan and the US. Valerian’s medicinal value comes from the underground stem and the roots.

Check with your doctor before using valerian extract or its volatile oil if you have a skin injury, an acute skin disorder, a severe infection, heart problems or severe muscle tension. In rare instances, valerian can cause digestive problems or an allergic reaction. Long-term use can lead to headache, restlessness, sleeplessness, pupil dilation and heart problems.

White Willow Bark
White willow bark (Salix alba) has been used for centuries to reduce fever, alleviate headaches and reduce pain and swelling in the joints. The discovery of the salicin nutrient in white willow bark led to the synthesis of today’s modern aspirin compound, which contains acetylsalicylic acid. Unlike aspirin, however, which can cause stomach irritation and even ulceration, white willow bark contains bioactive nutrients that are good for the digestive system. White willow bark is generally considered a relatively effective aspirin substitute.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
Wild yam, a member of the Dioscorea family that includes the common potato, is considered a remedy for rheumatism, gallbladder problems, cramps, nerve pain, painful menstruation, upset stomach and morning sickness, although its effectiveness is unconfirmed. An extract of wild yam, however, has been shown to lower triglycerides and raise levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol that combats build-up of plaque in the arteries. Wild yam also calms muscular spasms, stimulates the flow of bile, promotes perspiration and seems to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Also known as China root, colic root, devil’s bones, rheumatism root and yuma, wild yam is used in the production of artificial progesterone. It does not, however, serve as a natural source of the female hormone progesterone. No known medical conditions preclude the use of wild yam, but take care to avoid excessive doses. Large doses have been known to cause nausea, and poisoning is conceivable.

Yohimbe
Yohimbe is an herbal nutrient that may get your blood pumping because of the natural component of yohimbe bark and yohimbe powder — hydrochloride. Pure yohimbe hydrochloride has been used in the medical profession for a number of years to treat male impotence. In its action as an “alpha adrenergic agonist” it appears to increase the flow of blood to the penis, while at the same time preventing blood from flowing out.

Yucca
Yucca is currently used as a treatment for arthritis, although its effectiveness has not been officially recognized. Research suggests that yucca relieves arthritis by blocking intestinal release of toxins that inhibit normal formation of cartilage. Historically, Native Americans used yucca for sprains, sores, bleeding and inflammation. It has also been used as a shampoo to fight dandruff and hair loss.

Yucca, a desert plant related to the Joshua tree, grows primarily in the southwestern United States. The medicinal parts are the stalk and root. Yucca is an FDA-approved food additive used as a foaming agent in beverages such as root beer.

Yucca poses a theoretical danger to red blood cells because in test-tube studies, ingredients in yucca have caused the cells to burst (a process known as hemolysis). This problem, however, has never been reported in humans. Yucca is considered otherwise safe under all medical conditions, but large doses may cause loose stools.

Read part one (A-F)
Read part two (G-L)
Read part three (M-R)

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