Herbs for Arthritis:

Rheumatism is an outdated term that is no longer used in medical circles, as the term is too inaccurate and wide to be of significant use. The term fundamentally describes inflammation and pain of the joints and connective tissue. There are an estimated 200 causes of rheumatism. Arthritis is a condition that also affects the joints and is an inflammation of the joints. Rheumatism and arthritis are usually complimentary but is extremely dangerous and debilitating in a condition called rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs at the later stages of life, though the onset of the disease is not restrictive. Autoimmune diseases are diseases that are not caused by any infections but are rather caused by the body’s immune system attacking the body. The reason why some people are susceptible to arthritis more than others is due to genetic predisposition with most sufferers having some kind of family history of the disease. The progression of the disease starts with a degradation of the cartilage of the joints. Cartilage is a substance that prevents bones grinding against each other. This is further lubricated by a fluid called synovial fluid that encloses the whole joint. When the cartilage wears out and the bones come into contact with each other, the bones start to wear out, cause pain, and eventually inflammation. The disease progresses to near complete bone loss if not treated or managed properly. Rheumatoid arthritis is an even more severe form of the disease that can affect various parts of the body, even cause deformities of the joints like clubbed fingers, twisted bones, and affect the other organs of the body.

Being an autoimmune disease, the only way to treat arthritis is to use corticosteroids, which suppress the immune system. The use of corticosteroids are unfortunately a double-edged sword since suppressing the immune system renders one susceptible to bacterial and viral infections as well as cancer. Managing the disease involves some physiotherapy as well as pain management. Other alternative methods of dealing with arthritis include herbal treatments using herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties. The two most potent herbs in this regard are ginger and feverfew. To this combination, turmeric is also used as it also has anti-inflammatory properties. All of these herbs have to be increased as dietary supplements and their potency can be increased with the used of black pepper. Black pepper prevents the excretion of certain active compounds and their continued presence in the blood stream increase their efficacy.