Rheumatoid
arthritis
Pain
in this condition, though most often felt in the joints and connective
tissues of the body, can move from place to place (helping to differentiate
it from osteoarthritis, although sometimes the two conditions can
occur together). It is considered an autoimmune condition where
the physiology is attacking its own connective tissues, causing
inflammation, pain, and debility in the affected areas.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Reduce inflammation and swelling, adjust immune function,
detoxify through the liver.
Primary Treatment:
· Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) serves as an excellent anti-inflammatory
for rheumatic conditions. To this can be added Salix alba (White
willow) and/or Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet).
· Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) also provides anti-inflammatory
support.
· Ganoderma lucidum (Red Reishi) is a helpful immune adjuster
and liver detoxifyer.
Supportive Treatment:
· Warm compresses of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) can provide
temporary relief in some cases.
· There are numerous excellent counter-irritating rubefacients
to use externally, such as Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen),
Capsicum (Cayenne), and Arnica.
· Internal use of members of the Zingiberaceae (Ginger family
– Ginger, Turmeric, Galangal) can help relieve inflammation.
· Scutellaria baicalensis (Baical skullcap) is another helpful
anti-inflammatory to try.
· Consider the use of appropriate nerviness and adrenal restoratives
if imbalances in either of those systems is aggravating inflammatory
symptoms.
· Consider an elimination diet to isolate aggravating factors,
and tonify the digestive and biliary systems if necessary with bitters
and cholagogues.
· Gentle exercise and stretching may be helpful.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· Often corticosteroids are prescribed for pain management.
Increase liver support for these cases.
· In severe cases, an adequate period of convalescence may
be the most important component of treatment, coupled with a simple
diet and immune-building broths (Astragalus and medicinal mushrooms).
