Nurses Corner

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Folk Remedies For Arthritis

Need some serious pain relief for your arthritis?

Arthritis sufferers are often give (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) NSAIDs for pain relief. Over 16, 000 people with arthritis kill themselves accidently every year with NSAIDs. If you pain isn't controlled with your regular dose, for pity sake, don't take more! Ask your doctor for a more effective pain medication instead...meanwhile, for flare ups try these:


Blanch a leaf or two of cabbage (toss in boiling water for a few seconds), then apply to the affected joints when it's either warm, or cool--however you prefer. Secure the cabbage leaves in place with a gauze wrap or elastic bandage.

This is a great tea for powerful pain relief: combine devil's claw, black cohosh, passion flower, and ginger in equal parts. Use 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Let it steep while covered for 20 minutes, strain and drink a cup, up to three times daily.

Ginger has some very potent anti-inflammatory effects, if you can't tolerate the taste of ginger, you might be able to find it in capsules at the health food store.