Arthritis - Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies

Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -it is, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or  age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Regardless of the type of arthritis, the common symptoms for all arthritis include varied levels of pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness of and around joint and a constant ache around the joint(s). In case of Osteoarthritis (OA) the material that cushions the joints, called cartilage, breaks down. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. It is the most common form of arthritis. Unlike osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a systemic disease characterized by the inflammation of the synovial membranes lining the joint, which causes pain, stiffness, warmth, swelling and sometimes severe joint damage.

As per ayurvedic  perspective bones are made up two mahabhutas air and earth. Air resembles mobility and earth represents the solid nature of the bone. Therefore diet rich in these two mahabhutas help in nourishment of bones. Tikta rasa i.e. bitter taste is also made of these two mahabhutas. Therefore all food items which are bitter are mostly useful in treating or managing bone disorders. In case of joint there are several other parts such as muscle, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels are involved. For healthy joint movement, good cartilage and synovial fluid is required.

Therefore any good bone and joint supplement should

• Strengthen the bone mass

• Reduce the inflammation

• Repair and restore cartilage damage

• Nourish the synovial fluid.

Further subjects:

1. Prevention of arthritis:-food

2. Prevention of arthritis: - yoga and exercise

3. Herbs used in arthritis

4. Management of pain in arthritis