Arthritis, Tendonitis, and Inflammation

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation or pain in the joints. Some symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling, stiffness, or deformity of one or more joints.

You can make a good poultice for pain by mixing 2 tbsp. mullein, 3 tbsp. granulated slippery elm bark, 1 tbsp. lobelia, and one small tsp. of cayenne. Mix with enough boiling water to make a stiff paste. Spread a layer about 1/4 inch thick on a cloth and cover the swelling to bring relief.

Primrose oil, calcium, coenzyme Q-10, garlic, kelp, hawthorn, and B vitamins have also been used to treat inflamation in arthritis and tendonitis.

My mother has tendonitis in her wrist. Her wrist was painfully swollen with fluid. I gave her cat's claw extract, which she has been taking faithfully. After just one week, her swelling was gone and the pain was much less.

Studies have shown cat's claw to be a powerfull anti-inflammatory and immune booster. Many inflammatory conditions are being investigated in association with cat's claw, including allergies and asthma, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis.

Some herbal researchers have said that long-term use of cat's claw might overstimulate the immune system, so it is a good idea not to use this herb for long periods of time. Also, people who are having an organ transplant or skin graphs should not use cat's claw.