There are many types of arthritis, there are over one hundred different types and in some cases there is swelling present, however in others there is no swelling.   The word arthritis is derived from the Greek word arthron, which translates to the word joint, and itis, which means inflammation. Arthritis is also often thought of as a disease of the aged, this is a misconception as there are forms of arthritis that can affect humans of any age.

Most people have heard of certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or fibromyalgia as they tend to be the most common forms. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is an inflammatory type. This type of arthritis is an inflammation of the linings of joints and affects the hands and wrists as well as the ankles and feet as well as other joints like the knees, hips, elbows and shoulders. There can often be signs of redness, swelling, heat and pain with rheumatoid arthritis.

When there is a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis it means that white blood cells including what are known as T cells and B cells, along with polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages and certain lymphocytes are over active. This is what causes the inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is also an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system is attacking other parts of the body.

This type of arthritis can not only affects the joints, it also has the ability to affect internal organs like the lungs, heart and eyes.

Osteoarthritis is another common form of arthritis; the cause of it is the breakdown of cartilage, the material that protects the ends of the bones that may break off and cause pain or swelling. In many cases the cartilage, which is an elastic type of material, will completely erode allowing the bones to rub together.  The erosion of cartilage can occur in any bone but this tends to affect the knees, hips, hands and spine. Cartilage is made up from two components, cells called chondrocytes and the matrix. The chondrocytes sit in the matrix and the matrix is made of collagen and proteoglycans. Prior to the development of osteoarthritis there is a chemical change in which there is a decrease in the amount of chondrcytes, along with proteoglycan and collagen. This leaves the cartilage to soften and *****. The cracks are called fibrillations and this is the cartilage that will erode over time. To add to this, are cells within the joint lining that begin to produce enzymes and cytokines that also help to destroy the cartilage and the joint.

This type of arthritis is classified as a non-inflammatory arthritis meaning that it is not a form that causes swelling, which has been found to be incorrect. As Osteoarthritis develops in a joint the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber over time becomes thin and rough and the bone thickens. When thickening of the bones occurs it allows them to form bumps that are referred to as spurs, these spurs are called osteophytes.  The joints can loose their shape; the muscles associated with them weaken from lack of use. This can cause the joint can stop working properly.

Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed in people over age 45, however it can affect a person at any age. This type of arthritis progresses slowly and affects weight bearing joints as well as the hands and thumbs. Moving the joints affected by Osteoarthritis can be painful as well as stiff and it is also the most common joint disease.

When it affects the knee joints it is not unusual to hear a grating sound when walking on stairs because of the cartilage that has thinned. Walking and other tasks can become difficult due to the pain associated with this type of arthritis.

The diagnosis of Osteoarthritis is often done with the use of x-rays and these can show an enlargement of bone ends as well as narrowing of the joint space.

Once a patient has been diagnosed with this specific type of arthritis there are traditional medications that can be prescribed. There are also vitamins and minerals that can help to combat this condition, both before and after the diagnosis.

It is well documented that when diagnosed it is recommended that foods rich in natural anti-inflammatory and joint supporting nutrients, along with antioxidants be a part of the diet.

This includes Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been included in studies over two decades and have proved to be beneficial in the influence of cellular metabolic functions, reducing cytokines and supporting cell membrane structure.

Soybean and avocado oil has been proven in studies to promote the production of collagen while at the same time lowering the production of cytokines. This supplement was tried in a study that included 260 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee that ranged in age from 45 to 80 year of age. The study showed improvements in the patients that were given the soybean and avocado oil supplements over those who were given a placebo.

Another supplement that has proven beneficial is crucumin this is an element of turmeric it is also an anti-inflammatory. Crucumin when study along with capsaicin that is comprised from red pepper was found to decrease cytokines.

One study that was done using powdered ginger with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis found that approximately 75 percent of the patients had a decrease in swelling and pain relief. Ginger was found to have properties to block pro-inflammatory mediators and suppresses prostaglandin production.

Nobiletin is a flavonoid that is a natural compound found in orange peel and is known for its ability to disrupt the progression of cytokines.

Nettle Leaf has long been known for its use in treating disease, and the American Indian used Nettle Leaf in the treatment of dropsy by using the extract of this plant. The botanical name of nettle leaf is Urticaceae and is derived from Latin and translated means to burn.

There are also other helpful natural supplements to aid in the relief of osteoarthritis, such as hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and green tea extract.

These are some of the natural compounds that have been studied and have shown results in relieving the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and in some case rheumatoid arthritis.

Aron Wallad asked:


Joint inflammation or arthritis has been a plaguing mankind for centuries. Seems like every one knows someone with this afflication.

Osteoarthritis, the most common, affects about 16 million Americans with an average age of 45. It usually attacks weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine. Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance. Osteoarthritis damages that cartilage and gradually wears it down. The majority of arthritis pain relief remedies are targeted towards osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.

Knowing what natural arthritis remedies to use is very important. Here are some you may want to mull over.

Celery Seeds

Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic. These seeds are great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Nettle

This herb is another one of those “universal” plants. They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur. Nettle is a great natural arthritis remedy.

Saffron

A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces lactic acid build up. Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca

Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

Fish oil has been claimed to have positive results as an arthritis natural remedy. Some researchers recommend simply adding omega 3′s to the diet by eating cold-water fish like mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, anchovies, bluefish and mullet.

All of the arthritis natural remedies mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment.

Resources

NutraSanus

Essortmant

Medicine.net

The Arthritis Society

Please pass this article on to people looking for an arthritis natural remedy. You may help someone.

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Janis Smith asked:


There are lots and lots of skin care treatments and products on the market. Some treatments are bad and some are good. In this article I’m going to give you 5 of the better ones you can start using. These are all natural and can be done with natural products.

#1 Nettle Tea For Acne

I used to assume that nettle was nothing more then just a weed. Boy was I wrong. It is really a herb that is used for many different things. Nettle has even been used by some to help cure skin cancer! The good news is that nettle tea taken regularly can actually kill acne. It has many anti-inflammatory properties that make it good for the skin. Give it a try.

#2 Olive Oil

If you want to moisturize your skin naturally then I highly recommend that you give olive oil a try. This is good for just about anyone. Moisturizing the skin is a great way to reduce wrinkles and keep your skin in top condition.

#3 Lime Juice And Cucumber Juice

One of the major parts of a good skin care routine is to use a cleanser. Some cleansers contain harmful chemicals that are not good for the skin and can cause it to dry out. There is not need to worry. All you have to do to make your own is to use lime juice and cucumber juice. This makes for a great cleanser and can help even out skin tone at the same time.

#4 Yogurt

Most people don’t realize how great yogurt can be for the skin. Yogurt can be used to help keep your skin moist and can also help even out your skin tone. All you really need to do is apply some yogurt to your face every mourning and then wash it off with cold water.

#5 Mint Juice

I really love mint juice for dry skin and acne. All you have to do is apply some to your face over night. This can also be very useful for those who have eczema breakouts. I recommend you do give this a try.

Conclusion

There are many other great treatments you can use that are all naturally. Most people just don’t realize what incredible products are available to them and they are completely natural.

 

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Kaye Fretz asked:


There is no shortage of herbs for arthritis. It is true that they may not really be able to cure arthritis. They can however greatly reduce the pain and swelling that arthritis patients commonly suffer from. These herbs may be a good option for you if nothing else works. Among the possible herbal options are:

-Nettle Leaves- Stinging nettle is believed to be the natural counterpart of NSAIDs. The anti-inflammatory components of this herb reduce arthritis swelling. The herb also has boron which is a recommended nutrient for those with arthritis. Nettle can be eaten or used for tea.

-Devil’s Claw- Its name is actually derived from the appearance of its fruits that look much like claws. This is a herb found in Africa and is prized for its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to help improve the joint movement of arthritic patients.

-Ginger- If you love the taste of ginger, you will love it even more for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help reduce the sensation of pain. Those who are very fond of ginger often report that there seem to be no side effects associated with it. Ginger can be mixed with food or taken as tea.

-Celery- Another ingredient found in the kitchen that can be used for arthritis relief is celery. Early European settlers introduced this herb to the North American continent. The herb has anti-inflammatory substances and potassium which is beneficial for arthritis patients.

-Red Pepper- No herbs for arthritis list will be complete without red pepper. This is probably one of the most well known natural pain relievers that is useful even to those who do not have arthritis. Capsaicin which makes peppers taste hot can also help hamper the perception of pain. It also causes the release of more endorphins which are natural pain relievers in the body. Another compound in red peppers is salicylate which closely mimics aspirin.

-Alfalfa- The major contribution of this herb to arthritis relief is its nourishing nutrient content. It also serves to minimize the retention of fluid. It is recommended that arthritic patients take this herb in tea form. Alfalfa powder may increase arthritis symptoms.

-Angelica- One species of this herb is also popularly known as dong quai. This herb is used for both the relief of inflammation and arthritis pain. Like other herbs, this one can be taken in tea form.

A couple of other herbs have pain and inflammation reducing components. Those who take herbs seriously and properly can truly attest to the effectiveness of herbs. You should always remember though to always have safety in mind. Some herbs, when taken with some medicines can result in serious and dangerous side effects.

Herbs also have no standard dosages and mixtures. Different sources and herbal experts will have different recommendations. This means there is no guarantee that one specific dosage recommendation will work well for you.

Herbs should not be taken without your doctor’s advice. The safest way to take herbs for arthritis is with your doctor’s knowledge and consent.

Gail Nettles asked:


What piece of natural Florida is within shouting distance of Disneyworld, yet worlds away from the ordinary? Where you can travel back in time to the Florida that once was?

Welcome to Wekiwa Springs State Park, near Orlando, Florida.

Springs of Delight

Wekiwa Springs State Park is well-known by the Orlando residents, but it’s a secret to most visitors. Hidden away in Apopka, the Springs are a wilderness wonderland.

The most obvious thing about the park is its main spring and swimming area. The water is crystal clear and makes for some great snorkeling! But it’s a bit on the chilly side, at a cool 70 degrees Fahrenheit year around.

Back in Time

If you want to see what Florida used to look like, before houses and stores and theme parks took over, take a walk on the trails at Wekiwa Springs State Park. There are about 17 miles of trails in the park, so there is plenty of room to roam. You’ll share many of the trails with people on bicycles and horses, but you may find yourself alone much of the time because…

…of the canoes!

Winding Rivers

Canoeing is the biggest draw at Wekiwa Springs State Park. There are miles of river to paddle or to simply float down. The water is clear, the trees make a cool canopy and the sky is blue. You can start at the head of the springs, paddle down the river and then take a shuttle back up to “Canoe Beach” – your starting point.

Campground Tales

There is also camping at Wekiwa Springs State Park, and it’s one of the few Florida State Parks that actually allows pet camping! Not to worry, there is a campground for people without pets, too.

Want to know More?

If you’re planning a Central Florida vacation, consider a side trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park. Get to know the park the locals talk about!

Lisa McDowell asked:


If you would like to better understand how to cure gout in a natural way, then you may wish to examine the impact of certain herbs and other at-home treatments that can help to control the inflammation, minimize uric acid production, and ease the pain from which all gout patients suffer.

The following methods, substances, spices and herbs can all be used at home to treat gout naturally, however, please remember to consult your doctor before trying any of these remedies:

- Epsom Salt baths – to ease discomfort of gout and reduce the inflammation, place 2 to 3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a footbath, basin, or pan that is large enough to immerse the affected foot/joint. The water should be as hot as you can stand it without discomfort. Soak the gouty joint for approximately thirty minutes. This technique also works if you take a whole-body Epsom salt bath. If the gout occurs in a part of the body other than the foot, this will be the preferred method. In this case, you will need one to two cups of Epsom salts (follow the instructions on the package).

- Nettle Tea – nettle tea increases the excretion of uric acid from the body and many swear by it for treating gouty joints. It functions by facilitating the elimination of urates from the body. Nettle will work both as a tea or a tincture. The teas are fine for milder cases, but the tinctures are usually recommended in more severe cases of gout.

- Devil’s Claw – devil’s claw is a natural anti-inflammatory that also features properties for minimizing pain. It has also been known to facilitate the elimination of uric acid from the body, therefore helping to shorten gout attacks and prevent them from recurring.

- Turmeric – turmeric is not only a common spice in many forms of cooking, but it also inhibits prostaglandins (involved in pain) synthesis in the body. The way it functions is quite similar to the action of ibuprofen or aspirin, only at a weaker level. When the doses are high enough, though, turmeric will stimulate the adrenal glands so that the body will begin the production and release of natural cortisones, which will rapidly and effectively reduce pain and inflammation.

- Bromelain and Quercetin – these substances are best used together. Quercetin is an anti-inflammatory and may inhibit xantine oxidase, which causes the body to produce less uric acid. It can be found in supplements, onions, apples, pink grapefruit, watermelon, elderberries, and green leafy vegetables. It can also be found in black tea, green tea, and elderberry juice. Bromelain, the active ingredient found in pineapple, is also an anti-inflammatory and is available through dietary supplement.

- Yucca – yucca is an effective blood purifier, which helps to reduce the pain of gout and arthritis. It also helps to decrease the build-up of toxins in the body, therefore assisting in the prevention of gout. It can also break-up inorganic mineral deposits and obstructions in the joints as well as decreasing joint inflammation, two major symptoms of gout.

Of course, knowing how to cure gout isn’t just a matter of what you consume, but also what you do. As important as herbs and other remedies are to treating gout in a natural way, so is exercise, when done properly. Remember to consult your doctor before taking any natural remedies for the first time.

Laura Nettles asked:


This Halloween, take part in the festivities by being the first to offer related promotional products. Help parents keep their children safe on the street with reflective gear and glow sticks. Also, there is a vast potential market for candy, candy bags and bowls. Make the most from the second largest retail selling season this year.

Parents are always concerned for their child’s safety on Halloween night. Many costumes are dark and cannot easily be seen by cars. Help alleviate this anxiety by providing reflective stickers, bracelets, masks and arm bands. These products will prominently display your logo while keeping children safe and parents happy. The kids will want to wear the Halloween stickers and anyone can wear the reflective mask. Glow sticks are fun for all ages as well. They come in many colors and can be seen from a distance. Not only are they perfect for trick-or-treaters, but also to give out at Halloween parties.

Candy bags are another necessity for Halloween festivities. Trick-or-treaters receive them from houses with assorted candy and toys in them. Candy bags are also used as goody bags and prizes at parties. Some items in these bags may include: promotional pencils, mini flashlights, notepads, candy, whistles, bike lights, and plastic bugs, spiders and bats. Also, do not forget about the bowl to hold the goodies and prizes! That is another opportunity to display your logo to all who come to your door. This Halloween take the eco-friendly approach and use recycled or reusable bags. Help the environment as well as your reputation. Those who receive them will be impressed and your name will be remembered.

Individually wrapped candy is ideal for mass distribution of your logo. Not only will the children be exposed to your logo, but the parents who sort through their candy will be as well. Children like to swap candy and trade with friends allowing your logo to even reach people you have not personally contacted. If you do not want to give out candy, great substitutes include lanyards, erasers, pencils and notepads. Parents will appreciate the change from the traditional sugar and these products may last longer than just one night. Pencils, erasers, pens and notepads may be brought to school and viewed by a vast audience. Lanyards are unique and special in a child’s eyes. They will be greatly prized and shown off to friends for months to come.

Another product that would be treasured and shown off would be a stuffed animal. If your budget is large enough, beanie stuffed animals are a promotional product that children will cherish and hold onto for years to come. With your logo on their favorite comfort toy, your company will have a connotation in their mind and they will feel your business knows them personally already.

Promotional products at Halloween are a great way to take advantage of booming retail. Use products that will not only appeal to the children, but also to the parents of the trick-or-treaters. Parties are another great place to distribute your products as giveaways and prizes. Don’t be left behind this year. Promote!