Arthritis.. wat ,about and remedies..

Arthritis is a joint disease.
Its usually either classified as osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

OA is a condition in which the cartilage of the joints slowly deteriorates and hardens. It leads to deformity and limited mobility.
Inflammation is not present or is minimal.
Affected age group: age 65 and older.

RA is characterized by inflammation of the membranes surrounding joints.
They become tender and swollen. In this case,the body's immune system is attacking its own tissues!
Affected age group: people between the ages of 20 and 40, crippling more women than men.
RA often attacks joints in a symmetrical fashion, e.g., both hands or both knees.
Joints can become deformed.

Some remedies--
pain relieving herbs:

• A cream made from peppers is most effective for people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Arnica (which is used externally only) in a massage oil or ointments are available used to rub sore joints. cayenne,juniper,rosemary,chamomile are some other herbs which can be used in the same way as arnica.

anti-inflammatories :

• Foods such as apples, parsley, and hot peppers help decrease inflammation.
• Chamomile, elderberry, feverfew, goldenseal, licorice, marshmallow, nettle, skullcap, wild yam, wormwood, and yarrow all have compounds that fight inflammation.You can add some of these to your garden varieties and make an infusion of several and sip as tea. Combine with other pleasant-tasting herbs if you prefer.Fennel, peppermint,anise,lemon balm and cinnamon are some examples of pleasent tasting herbs.

Recently glucoseamine(not a herb) is being used for treatment of arthritis.It reduces the pain and also helps in rebuilding joints!