Re: Anyone taking this medication/ Alternative to Motrin

[Guest guest]

Jennette wrote: Is there another OTC medication (besides Ibuprofen) that

would help the inflammation of arthritis better and have less of an effect on

the stomach?

I use herbs for anti-inflammatories. I have to, because I am allergic to NSAIDs

and MOTRIN. It's important to remember - as always ask your doc before starting

any new herbs ,and try to research what you can to make up for what the doctors

don't.

The first herb that I use as an anti-inflammatory is Turmeric. Turmeric is an

indian (india) spice. It is not hot or spicy, it is not chili like at all!

It's a main ingredient in indian (india) food, and it's non toxic. Per my

doctor, you can't take too much. He says the maintenance dose would be 1500mg

/day, taken all at once, or split or 500mg x3. In acute emergency, he ups the

dose to 3,000 or 5,000mg/day.

Basically Turmeric tastes like dirt, or maybe kind of void of taste. It is

colorful, though. It is a bright neon orangey-mustard yellow. I take my

Turmeric in capsules, because it is neat, and taste-free. Before I developed a

milk allergy I used to mix a heaping tablespoon in a glass of milk and add some

sugar. Indian children drink this as a treat. They call it " golden milk. "

There have been many studies done on Turmeric. You should google Turmeric and

read more about it if you are interested in taking it. My GI doctor who was

initially treating my GI issues using the Turmeric, was part of the UCLA study

on Turmeric. Turned out it not only helped my GI issues, but also helped me with

so many other things. When I am not taking the Turmeric, like when I run out, I

notice fairly quickly and I rush out and get more. So, I would say the

protection that Turmeric provides isn;t long term.

Here is an excerpt about all of what Turmeric does.

Taken from: http://www.medindia.net/alternativemedicine/turmeric.asp

Its modern approved applications in European medicine, stem from its

traditional uses in Asia. Turmeric is used extensively in the Indian systems of

medicine (Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha). It is used as a carminative and

stomachic in the treatment of digestive disorders such as flatulence, bloating,

and appetite loss. Turmeric is used internally as boiled powder, fresh juice,

and confection and externally as paste, oil, ointment, and lotion. It is also

applied topically for ulcers, wounds, eczema, and inflammations. In both the

Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of medicine, a turmeric paste is used topically to

treat ulcers and scabies.

Turmeric, with its antibacterial action, prevents bacterial infections on

wounds.Turmeric also has a long history of use for its anti-inflammatory and

antiarthritic effects. As in India, it is used in China, Japan, and Korea for a

range of indications including, Amenorrhea. Turmeric has been investigated for

its cholagogous influence on the secretion of bile, pancreatic, and gastric

juices. It is currently being evaluated for its anticarcinogenic and

antimutagenic properties.

To let you know how good the Turmeric worked for me, last year I broke my

finger getting it caught in my dog's leash. The dog is about 100lbs and was

trying to chase a cat. I heard a loud pop and bone snapped in two. I went the

next day to the ER and they said, " Oh no, if your bone was broken you'd have

way more swelling, and you don't have any at all: "

At that time I insisted that the ER took an xray and it showed the two pieces

of bone (where there should only have been one). 1st they thought I was in

shock because I should have been in more pain, and then 2nd they were amazed

at how it hadn't swollen. I had 3 doctors and 2 orthopedists called in to see

about my finger. Ohh la la..

Oh well, I think they were more interested in the Turmeric and the lack of

inflammation than me as the patient.

Another herb I take is Cat's Claw (which is a South American version of

Turmeric).

Info on Cat's Claw: http://www.all-natural.com/catsclaw.html

The anti-inflammatory qualities of cat's claw have been found to be useful in

the treatment of arthritis. ( Journal of Natural Products, 54: Page 453, 1991;

Arthritis News, 1: Summer, 1989)

Cat's Claw Can Reduce Pain and Inflammation in Arthritic Conditions

The anti-inflammatory effects of cat's claw have proven beneficial in the

treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis and gout. As an antioxidant, it

also helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Its beneficial

effects in treating arthritis pain may also be due, in part, to its ability to

cleanse the digestive tract and aid in removing toxins from the body. Arthritis,

joint pain and inflammation as well as chronic fatigue, allergies, immune

deficiency and a host of other conditions have been associated with defects in

intestinal permeability (leaky bowel syndrome! and toxin overload. (References

9, 10)

Some of the glycosides present in the herb may also add protection from pain.

This may explain, in part, how cat's claw has been helpful in reducing pain

associated with chemotherapy, radiation treatment and AZT use. (Reference l1)

NOTE One caution with Turmeric, is that if you are on blood thinners, turmeric

can also act like coumadin and that would interfere with your medication.

So, as always ask your doc before starting any new herbs ,and try to research

what you can to make up for what the doctors don't.

But, bottom line, I do have high praise for Turmeric. I ran out a month ago,

and I was dreading ordering just the one item (I always order my supplements

online), and so I hadn't been on Turmeric for about a month. Then, just a week

or so when I broke my finger and I watched it swell. I thought to get back onto

the Turmeric as soon as possible. I've been on it since Monday agan, and the

broken finger doesn't have the look of more jelly beans stuffed into it anymore!

Take care,

Jade

[Guest guest]

That's wonderful to know Jade, I used to take more herbs than I do now. I

couldn't afford a doctor or hospital care. I have health insurance now and as

you know herbs can cost a lot but I think they are natures medicine, and modern

medicine borrows nature to learn how to make synthetic versions in pill form to

charge an arm and a leg for.

I know an Amish Herbalist not too far from me. I ought to go see him. He's an

old old man now. I know about cat's claw. My ex husband was told to take it

for his bad knees. He was also taking Yucca which is also anti inflammatory. I

really need to turn to herbs again.

I've got osteoarthritis in my spine and knees and hips and I think it's just

about everywhere now. I need to know what I'm dealing with for sure but you've

given me good ideas.

Jennette

Jade wrote:

I use herbs for anti-inflammatories. I have to, because I am allergic to NSAIDs

and MOTRIN. It's important to remember - as always ask your doc before starting

any new herbs ,and try to research what you can to make up for what the doctors

don't.