In today's world of modern medicine, old ways have been forgotten and in many cases pushed away. Modern medicine is in need of many changes and will soon realize that many diseases can be checked and even eliminated. There " s much to be said on this and many articles to be written. When modern medicine fails it is time to return to the old ways of treating that which ill " s the human condition.
As a healer and medicine man myself I too have learned many things. My mother taught me well the ways of healing; she would say, young one if we are to heal the sick then we must remember three things.
We must treat the mind, body and the soul. In today " s world many treat the symptoms only and the healing can never be complete. It is my hope that one day soon modern medicine will combine all three things or at least work with the wisdom that comes from the old ways. There " s room for both to work together.
We can continue to mask the symptoms by ordering expensive medicines that only take away the pain for a short time but do nothing to bring about a positive change in the patients condition. Or we can treat the whole patient; mind, body and soul. If we look at the person as a whole and treat them accordingly the results will be astounding.
I after much consideration, have decided it is time to reread my mother"s journals and deal with the pain issues surrounding joint pain and the treatments using plants as an alternative treatment.
It is my hope that once the directions are followed properly, those that use these remedies will find the relief that they seek. However, I strongly advise one to consult with their doctor before using any of these treatments. Sometimes systems of other diseases can be masked. One even may have allergies which would cause severe reactions. So I urge you to use caution. Always consult your Doctor first.
Alfalfa
A folk remedy for arthritis in southern Appalachia. Alfalfa tea is rich with nutritive minerals. I recommend that you do not take the alfalfa powder; take the tea instead. Alfalfa contains 1-canavanine, an amino acid that can cause symptoms that are similar to those of systemic lupus, an autoimmune disease that can also cause joint pain. Some scientific studies show that these symptoms can occur in both animals and humans as a result of eating alfalfa. Amino acid is not present to any significant amount in alfalfa tea.
Dosage and Directions: Place 1 ounce of alfalfa in a pot. Cover with 1 quart of water and boil for thirty minutes. Strain and drink the quart throughout the day. Do this for two to three weeks, and then take a break for seven to ten days before starting again.
Angelica
An herb that has been used in European folk medicine since antiquity. It can be used to treat arthritis. The Western variety of angelica has 12 anti-inflammatory constituents, ten antispasmodic (muscle relaxant) constituents, and five anodyne (pain-relieving) ones. The Chinese sometimes use their native variety of the plant (Angelica sinensis) for the same purpose. The Chinese species is sold in North America under the names dang gui or dong quai.
Dosage and Directions: Place 1 tablespoon of the cut roots of either species of angelica in 1 pint of water and bring to a boil. Cover and boil for two minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, until the water cools to room temperature. Strain and drink the tea in 3 doses during the day for two to three weeks at a time. Then, take a break for seven to ten days and start the treatment again if desired.
I plan to write more articles such as this. It is my hope to educate and open a new door way into healing for those that suffer with joint pain and are looking into alternative medicines.
