Are natural ingredients as effective as drugs for the treatment of Arthritis and joint pain

There are three main natural ingredients available to help combat joint pain and the pain caused by arthritis. These three are Devil's Claw, Glucosamine and Boswellia.

Devil's Claw is indigenous to the Kalahari Desert in Africa. Because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties the herb is now used throughout the world to treat joint pain and arthritic pain throughout the body. Scientific analysis shows that the most significant active ingredients in Devil's Claw are monoterpine, harpagoside, glycoside, beta-sitosterol, procumbine and stigmasterol.

Clinical research has shown the effectiveness of Devil's Claw in treating joint conditions like osteoarthritis, fibrositis, rheumatic arthritis and small joint disease (Lecompte & Costa, 1992). Devil's Claw has also been found very effective in the treatment of pain in the lower back (Chrubasik, 1996).

In a 1981 study it was found that Devil's Claw significantly reduced the serum cholestol and uric acid levels. Devi's Claw has also been found to be effectivein stimulating the body's natural lymphatic node system thus enhancing its resistance against ill health.

Glucosamine is produced naturally in the body and is found in relatively high concentrations in the joints and connective tissues where its main function is to repair cartilage and maintain joint mobility. Glucosamine Sulphate is one of the best form of glucosamine supplement available and it has been shown that between 90 percent and 98 percent is readily absorbed into the body.

Because of it's healing properties and the fact there a few reports of side effects Glucosamine has been approved for the treatment of arthritis pain and other joint and muscular pain in more than eighty countries throughout the world. Research has shown glucosamine's ability to both decrease pain and reduce inflammation whilst also allowing an increase in the range of motion in the joints, helping to repair aging and damaged joints throughout the body.

Recent studies have indicated that glucosamine may be at least as if not more effective than the non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin and ibuprofen but without the harmful side-effects connected with these medicines. While NSAIDS provide effective pain relief for arthritis and other joint pain they can also reduce the production of cartilage in the body. In doing so this obviously worsens the condition in the long run and so increases the dependence on the drugs. Not only does glucosamine relieve pain but it also reduces inflammation, repairing the cartilage damage rather than just masking pain.

For thousands of years Boswellia has been used as a natural anti-inflamatory. Extracts of the gum of this tree, which is mainly found in India, have long been used to relieve joint pain and inflammation. Modern scientific research has confirmed that boswellic acids contained within the herb are able to stop the formation of leukotrienes, the immune cells responsible for inflammation. With regular use blood supply to the joints is also maintained allowing for soft tissue to be nourished and viable.

Scientific research has shown that boswellia has the ability to inhibit the inflammatory mediators in the body, reducing pain and inflammation without irritating or ulcerating the lining of the stomach. Boswellia has also seen to be highly effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

To sum up then we can see that nature has given us powerful remedies for joint pain and the pain of arthritis. Glucosamine, Devil's Claw and Boswellia have been shown to be able to reduce pain and inflammation within the body's joints but without the side effects of drugs. There are a number of products on the market today which contain a combination of all three of these natural ingredients and which have been rigourously tested and has been proven to treat arthritis and joint pain naturally and effectively.

Celery Cures Gout ? It May Reduce Pain, Lower Blood Pressure, And Be A Gout Remedy

Both celery stalks and seeds are touted as gout remedies for reducing uric acid levels, reducing pain, and as a diuretic to lower blood pressure. How can the humble celery stalk, or extracts of its seeds, be so helpful?

Gout cures require the reduction of uric acid levels. The usual clinical target is a serum (blood) level of 6 mg/dL. Reducing uric acid levels often dissolves the MSU crystals which are mainly formed from uric acid. The immune system’s reaction to these crystals is the immediate cause of pain and inflammation. Drugs such as Allopurinol are xanthine oxidase inhibitors -- it inhibits the enzyme which is responsible for a major step in converting purines into uric acid in the liver, so less uric acid is produced.

Celery is one of the natural substances which may inhibit xanthine oxidase, according to a study on rats, where rats lowered their uric acid from 3-n-butylpthalide, or 3nB for short. This is the substance in celery that gives celery its distinctive smell and flavour.

But 3nB’s benefits for gout sufferers go further. 3nB also has diuretic properties. Thus it promotes the excretion of urine and can lower uric acid levels by improving its excretion in urine. Furthermore, as a diuretic, it acts to reduce blood pressure which is important for gout sufferers because high blood pressure frequently accompanies gout.

CELERY AND PAIN RELIEF

Two small studies reached interesting and hopeful conclusions about celery as a pain reliever. A celery extract, standardized to contain 85% 3nB was given to 15 arthritis, osteoporosis and gout sufferers. They took 34mg twice daily for three weeks. After three weeks the patients reported lower pain levels, and some reported complete pain relief.

Obviously encouraged by the results, the study was repeated among a larger group, 70 patients this time, who took a higher dosage (75mg) twice daily for three weeks. The results were better than in the first study. The probability that this beneficial outcome was NOT a consequence of the dosage was calculated at 1 in 1,000 chances.

Two small studies “do not make a summer.” And more research is required to learn more about celery’s positive effect on uric acid levels.

EXPERT OPINION

Noted experts have also endorsed celery as a gout remedy. A well known naturopathic doctor, Michael Murray N.D., author of “Dr.Murray’s Total Body Tune Up” has recommended celery, with the usual caveat that more needs to be learnt about how it works.

Another fan of celery, Dr. James Duke PhD, the author of “The Green Pharmacy,” developed gout and tried Allopurinol. Then he swapped Allopurinol for celery seed extract. He reported celery seed extract maintained his uric acid level below that which can often cure gout, and that he had not had a gout attack since he began taking celery seed extract. The interesting thing is that he was able to discontinue Allopurinol, and that he said a human, as well as rats, can at least maintain lower uric acid levels from celery.

So there it is. Two experts have endorsed celery and two small studies showed promising results. Celery can be beneficial for gout, reduce blood pressure and alleviate pain. Unwanted side effects were not found in the studies. And the research learnt that pain often returned when celery seed extract was discontinued. So if it does work for you, you may need to take it for a long time, perhaps a lifetime.

How much and in what form? Four to eight fresh celery stalks daily. They are fresher if they are not limp. The 3nB is in the stalks, not the leaves. Celery goes well with cheddar cheese, which is a low purine food that doesn’t add much uric acid -- all foods contain purines to some extent. Juices made from four to eight stalks will also give you the 3nB. Celery can be put in stews which are a good gout meal since they increase your daily water intake as providing the stew’s constituents are low or medium purine level foods -- note that clam chowder is high purine.

Dietary supplements Purchase celery seed extract standardized to contain 85% 3nB. Tablets or capsules. Twice daily for a total of 150-300mg daily. These are especially useful if you’re bored eating celery every day, and when you travel. The extracts may work better than the stalks.

Caution! Celery should not be taken if you’re pregnant or lactating. And if you have kidney disease. If you’re eating lots of celery or taking celery dietary supplements don’t spend too much time under the sun.

Natural Cures for Diabetes – Safe way to Control Diabetes

We believe there are natural cures for diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce the needed amount of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that naturally turns sugars into energy in your body. Without the production of insulin, your body is not able to turn sugars into the energy that your body needs and these sugars stay in your blood, which makes your kidneys have to work harder than normal. The sugars are then washed from your body in your urine. One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is frequent urination. Over time, if left untreated, diabetes can put you at a higher risk for disease such as heart disease and stroke. It is important for you to learn to control your diabetes. Many diabetes natural cures can be added to a healthy diet and can help you to control the symptoms of diabetes. Although, many people feel the diabetes has been cured, the changes in your diet must be followed throughout your life in order to prevent the onset of diabetes symptoms.

Healthy Diet in Diabetes The most important diabetes natural cure is a change in lifestyle. You should begin eating a healthy diet as early in life as possible. This can help you to prevent many illnesses and diseases that are caused by poor diet. Diabetes is one of these diseases. The most important aspect of your healthy diet is learning to eat a variety of foods and eating the correct portions. It is also important to eat your meals on a regular schedule – rather than 1-2 large meals per day, eat 4 small meals. This helps you to better control your portion sizes and helps your body to produce the needed energy. Here are some ways diet can help you prevent or decrease the symptoms of diabetes:

  • Whole-grain – eating whole-grain foods such as wheat breads, wheat rice, and wheat pasta help you to decrease the amount of carbohydrates in your diet. (Carbohydrates turn to sugar in your body.)
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables – any healthy diet should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids – eating foods such as cold-water fish that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids helps to provide your body with “good” fats.
  • Carbohydrates – carbohydrates are needed to help your body produce energy. But if your body is not producing insulin correctly, you will need to decrease the amounts of carbohydrates in your diet.
  • Sweets – desserts with a high content of sugar should be limited or eliminated from your diet. You can get natural sugars by eating fresh fruits.
  • Alcohol – alcohol consumption should be decreased or avoided.


Diabetes Natural Cures Many physicians will prescribe medications to help you control the symptoms of diabetes. Before you begin a treatment with medication, you should discuss with your physician the side effects of the medication, as well as any interactions with other drugs or food. For those who do not wish to risk the side effects of medication, there are some popular diabetes natural cures:

  • Ginseng – has been shown to help control blood sugar levels
  • Chromium – helps the body’s cells properly respond to insulin
  • Magnesium – can help regulate blood sugar levels. Magnesium can be found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Low magnesium levels can worsen the symptoms of diabetes.
  • Cinnamon – can help to control blood glucose levels.
  • Zinc – helps in the production and storage of insulin. Zinc can be found naturally in foods such as oysters, ginger root, pecans, egg yolk, beef liver, sardines, almonds, and chicken.
  • Bitter melon – helps to increase the number of beta cells, the cells that produce insulin.
  • Indian Kino – this herb helps to regenerate beta cells
  • Gymnema Sylvestre – helps the pancreas to produce insulin and help insulin to lower blood sugar levels
  • Indian Gooseberry – helps to stimulate the pancreas causing the pancreas to produce more insulin


These are some of the many diabetes natural cures that have been shown to be effective in preventing and controlling the symptoms of diabetes. The most effective cure or treatment of diabetes is eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.