Nix Arthritis Aches NATURALLY

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JOINTS IN TROUBLE

Arthritis literally means "joint inflammation." According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more that 100 different diseases that produce joint pain and inflammation - everything from the flu to certain cancers. But when people say "arthritis," they usually mean osteoarthritis.

Also known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent of more than a dozen different kinds of arthritis. Some 16 million Americans have it. The hips, knees, spine and tiny joints of the hands and feet are most frequently affected. Osteoarthritis usually develops gradually, beginning with minor aches that eventually lead to extended pain, stiffness, swelling and limited range of motion. Symptoms sometimes, but not always, subside with gentle physical activity.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), another form of arthritis, has a nasty reputation because it can cause crippling joint deformity. But many of the 2.1 million Americans with RA - approximately 75 percent of whom are women - have milder, noncrippling cases that flare up and subside mysteriously.

Frequently both hands are affected, but RA can strike other joints, as well. In addition to joint pain, swelling and warmth, possible symptoms include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, lumps under the skin and muscle stiffness after sleep or inactivity. Stiffness usually subsides with moderate activity.

GREEN PHARMACY FOR ARTHRITIS

Along with stinging nettle, there are a number of other herbs that can help.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale), and turmeric (Curcuma longo). I con sider these the herbal alternative to the new drugs Celebrex and Vioxx. In one study, Indian researchers gave three to seven grams (1 1/2 to 3 1//2 teaspoons) of ginger a day to 18 people with osteoarthritis and 28 with rheumatoid arthritis. More than 75 percent of those participating in the study reported at least some relief from pain and swelling. Even after more than two years of taking these high doses of ginger, none of the people reported side effects. Turmeric contains close chemical relatives of compounds found in ginger, so I'm not surprised this herb also has a major reputation as an arthritis treatment.

You can enjoy both herbs in a wide variety of spicy dishes, as well as using them for teas.

Pineapple (Ananas Comosus). Some intriguing research suggests bromelain, a chemical in pineapple, helps prevent inflammation. For some time now, athletic trainers have been recommending pineapple to athletes to prevent and treat sports injuries. It's also a good bet for people with arthritis. Bromelain can help the body get rid immune antigen complex, compounds that are implicated in some arthritis conditions. It also helps digest fibrin, another compound suspected of being involved in some types of arthritis. If you need an excuse to indulge yourself with fresh, ripe pineapple, this is it.

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