Natural Treatments for Hemorrhoids

  There are Three solutions I know of how to get rid of hemorrhoids:
1) the standard western medicine approach: a large cone shaped device is placed carefully up your rear end, after which you hear a quick zip sound, like the sound of one of those powerdrills for tightening bolts on car tires, and a chunk of your inner intestines is miraculously sliced out.
Make sure you have a full bag of amphetamines on your way home from the doctor.
2) the old wives tale approach (which worked for me).
Go to a pharmacy, or maybe a forest, and get a bunch of oak bark. Cut them into small shavings. Bring to boil about one liter of water per 50 g of shavings. Let your concoction boil for about 3 minutes, then seep for about 30. When your concoction is not so hot anymore, pour it into some plastic or other basin and let cool down until you can bear it (supposed to be applied lukewarm) and START SOAKING THAT CAULIFLOWER BABY!
The reason this works is because it causes the flesh in the burning inferno compression chamber to compress and become smaller, allowing the blood to flow through it easier and hence help the healing process. I usually soak it for about 25 minutes. I think the best time to do this is sometime shortly before noon, by which time you should have fully released your previous day’s meal. Otherwise, the compressed nature of your inner tubes might compress against any remaining processed food, aggravating your hemorrhoids and making matters potentially worse.  3. I think it should be the best one i ever know:  Offered by http://www.hemorrhoidmiracle.com, it can have hemorrhoids well controlled in very short time and in safe & effective way, which can be found here

Attempting to cure hemorrhoids without surgery is a difficult thing. Natural remedies play an important role in relieving hemorrhoids. When compared to medicinal remedies, natural remedies are cheap, available and their effect lasts for a longer duration. There are various natural remedies to get relieved of hemorrhoids, but as every other individual differs in health structure from others, the best-suited remedy is to be opted for better results. One should keep in mind that there is no guaranteed success - some cases improve, some are cured, others don't.
    The treatments for a home cure, as opposed to the doctor's surgery, revolve around strengthening the vein walls - not just in the hemorrhoids, but also throughout the entire body. Also, there are a series of non-surgical medical techniques that can be applied, depending on the types of hemorrhoids the patient has.

    In case of the internal type of hemorrhoid, legation is preferred by most of the patients. In this type of treatment, the affected part of the veins is tied with rubber knots, which stops blood supply for that area. Thus the affected part dries and gets separated from the body. This legation is a simple method and carried out by by doctors who specialize in this type of medicine.
    The herbal hemorrhoids treatment may sometimes be bought through a druggist / chemist, but you'll more than likely have to go to a health food shop or you could always buy online.
    Most of the herbal medicines and creams are prepared from various trees such as the horse chestnut tree, butcher broom tree and the pagoda trees that are mostly found in Japan. These herbal supplements provide temporary relief to the patients but they are to be followed regularly without fail. Along with these, Cranesbills and Aloe Vera are the natural astringents that provide smooth effect to the motion.
    Here are some natural remedies that will help you getting quick relief from the hemorrhoids. These natural methods do not have side effects and are safe with respect to medicines. Still, the best option remains precaution to carry out early treatment, so that hemorrhoids are prevented from further development.
    To achieve fast relief from hemorrhoids, cranberry poultice gives the best results. Here is a method to prepare it: take four teaspoons cranberries and blend it in a mixer. After blending wrap this powder along with cheese and push it in the anus for one hour. Again take fresh cheesecloth with mixture and repeat the process. This will enable a patient to get quick relief from thehemorrhoid symptoms.
    Another natural way to treat hemorrhoids is using onion and garlic. This treatment helps in destroying the bacteria and also helps in strengthening the damaged veins while the inflammation is minimized. The procedure is very simple, just remove the outer cover of the garlic or of the onion and insert it into the rectum. Next day morning the used garlic will be out along with the fecal matter. The patients are advised not to use this method if they are suffering from bleeding hemorrhoids.
    The other treatment available is shallow bath method. In this method the suffering patient has to dip his affected portion into water that contains iodine crystals. This provides a soothing effect to anus area and also repairs the ruptured tissues, but one has to regularly soak in shallow bath for fifteen to twenty minutes. Pain and swelling can also be reduced with hazels that contain astringent and the analgesics but more precautions have to be taken while using these creams.
    The next method that is very common is a mixture of germanium oil with almond oil. In this natural method, proper ratio of these two oils is mixed. After mixing thoroughly, apply it with the help of fingertips to affected areas around the anus. This helps in killing the germs and keeps the area at a low temperature. This mixture also enables the patient to pass fecal smoothly without applying more pressure.
    Ice Pack is another natural method that helps in relieving the symptoms of hemorrhoids. This pack can be prepared at home by taking small ice pieces in a bag and place the bag on to the effected area and replace the ice cubes every after half an hour, so that the bag remains cold. Nowadays, ice gel packs are also readily available in leading medical stores and can be used for treating hemorrhoids. Repeat this procedure until you get complete relief. Be careful not to insert ice directly into the rectum with out wrapping in cloth, because you may burn your skin.
    The last important natural method to get relief from hemorrhoids is using the juice of a lemon. Divide the whole lemon into four parts with out removing the skin. Pour half liter of water and boil it for fifteen minutes. Allow it to cool and consume this mixture as and when required. One cup per day will help you in passing fecal smoothly. This cup of lemon juice contains bioflavonoid rich in quantity and also vitamin C. This juice helps in strengthening the blood vessels and also the capillary tubes.
    Regular diet timings are to be followed and you must consume fibrous items in your daily meals. Try eating more fruits, cereals and vegetables. Avoid junk food and bakery products. To control constipation and diarrhea, you should consume large amounts water; this will help in softening the stool and decreasing the undue pressure on the veins. Make time for regular exercises. This will help you to have a healthy digestion and to keep your body fit. Maintain hygienic conditions and keep anal surrounding clean to avoid any viral infection. To reduce the effects of bacteria, antiseptics such as boric acid, phenol and resorcinol can be used, as these provide relief from itching and burning sensation.
    After following all these guidelines, if there is little or no improvement in a few days timeframe, you should consider a hemorrhoid surgery.
Reference: http://hemorrhoidmiracle.com
  

Premature Ejaculation Natural Home Treatments

By: http://www.OWorking.com

Premature Ejaculation  is really  big problem to some of people. Premature ejaculation or before ejaculation is a extensive erectile dysfunction which affects as several as 1 outside of each three adult men in the world. It’s got been linked to some several factors.

So far, One of the best easy natural treatments for Premature Ejaculation is offered by ejaculationtrainer.com, the  natural treatments is effective, safe, and easy to do at almost zero  cost, which can be  found here.

Previously erectile
Previously erectile experiences, horrible habits in teenage, in too much of enthusiasm and sometimes present conflicts or concerns within current relationship can all be doable basics for premature ejaculation.


This condition will most likely create feeling of frustration and shame. It causes anxiety for your partners occupied and can build a strain at the relationship.

During the intercourse with your partner, take a quick break and grasp your sex organ with the thumb and index finger. Keep the pressure on it until you feel that the climax impulse has been decreased.

Once you feel decrease impulse, release the squeeze and wait for 10-15 seconds and begin again intercourse. This will help your body to play longer and harder.

Women on top position assist many of the men to control the orgasm very effectively. This can decrease the sensitivity of the male organ and can help to stop the early ejaculation. But this may not set of clothes to all men. You can also try other positions with your partner and find out the top for both of you.

Premature ejaculation refers to the circumstance when the male lacks control overhis ejaculation and ejaculates before the female can orgasm.

This causes problems in a relationship as love making is important in order to express one’s emotions and feelings towards each other. In order to find some solution to this problem, one can turn towards natural home remedy for premature ejaculation.

Premature Ejaculation Treatment

A common misconception about premature ejaculation exercises is that it's all about masturbating away for hours, but a good premature ejaculation program covers a whole range of areas such as correct breathing, dream techniques, how to understand levels of arousal and what action to take for that reason, mental control techniques and pelvic and ejaculatory muscles control exercises.



Each of these exercises on their own will help you last longer, but the real power is seen when they are combined and start functioning together.

You will start feeling more relaxed and less anxious, your mind will begin to focus on the woman you are with and stop worrying in relation to ejaculating to soon, and your ejaculatory muscles will be in a state of total control.

Home Remedies for Premature Ejaculation

1. Avoid excessive use of alcohol and stop smoking if you feel the symptoms.

2. Regular exercise and behavior that relives from stress should be done to ease tensions.

3. Perform a gentle massage of the penis. To do so take 1 ounce of sesame oil, add 5 to 10 drops of mustard oil. This helps in producing a heating effect that further dilates the blood vessels and improves the circulation of blood to the penis.

4. Certain medicated ghees, such as Brahmi ghee, Shatavari ghee, or Ashwagandha ghee, can also be used for massaging the pubic bone and the glans penis before making love. A very useful home remedy in premature ejaculation.

5. Various helpful yoga asanas include the Bow pose, Fish pose, and Camel pose, Elevated Lotus, and Vajrasana. A very helpful home remedy in premature ejaculation.

6. Ginseng is also very helpful. It has properties similar to the Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha. Take 1/2 teaspoon after lunch and dinner with warm goat's milk. A very beneficial home remedy in premature ejaculation.
 

One of the best easy natural treatments for Premature Ejaculation is offered by ejaculationtrainer.com, the  natural treatments is effective, safe, and easy to do at almost zero  cost, which can be  found here.
Reference: www.medscape.com

Natural Treatments for Chronic tinnitus

By: http://www.OWorking.com

Chronic tinnitus is a condition that is symptomized by an irritating buzzing racket in the ears. While there are many prescribed medicines available for treating the condition, not all of them seem to be effective, not at least in the long run. Fortunately, there are several chronic tinnitus natural cures which can help you get rid of the problem.
So far, One of the best Natural Treatments for Chronic tinnitus is Tinnitus Miracle (tm): tinnitus, which can be found here

Chronic Tinnitus describes the sounds that sufferer’s experience when diagnosed with the condition.
Tinnitus sufferer’s are said to experience a subjective condition. This means that the noise is audible only to the patient. Tinnitus has been formally linked to a wide range of so-called causal variables. This includes variables such as head trauma, tumors of the ear canal, and exposure to loud noise. Some tinnitus symptoms tend to resolve themselves, however, the chronic tinnitus variety will often result in persistent bouts of buzzing, hissing noise pain.
Many times, regular medical treatments will see little success, this is because the condition tends to be very resistant to traditional medicine. Doctors will therefore misinterpret the condition as ‘incurable’ because they place less belief in holistic treatments due to their emphasis on ‘science’. I will now discuss two highly respected treatments undertaken by chronic tinnitus sufferers.
Yoga
Research often states that stress plays a major impact in the severity of the condition. The head and neck muscles may become tightened when the subject is under stress, and this can exacerbate the situation. Yoga and meditation are great tools to help you de-stress yourself. This will result in wide recognition amongst sufferers’ that their condition is much relieved.
The cat pose is a hugely popular pose. The subject sits on their hands and knees and arches their back upwards. This is then held for approximately ten seconds, and then this is followed by reversing the arched back (i.e. arching it downwards). Muscle tension is greatly reduced and the patient then feels the benefit of reducing their tinnitus effects. Sufferer’s have been recorded, claiming immediate relief from their symptoms, when using this technique. It is not necessary to join a yoga class for this purpose, but having a trained instructor will speed up the learning curve.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids is the second causal link claimed to invoke severe bouts of chronic tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus is widely reported to cause greatly reduced hearing. Hearing loss results from a reduced sensitivity to external noise. This may result in an overcompensating of sound of internal noise. Hearing tests are considered major tools in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.
In many cases, the doctor’s determine that the hearing aid has been the root cause of the chronic tinnitus condition. Hearing aids have also been considered important tools in the fight against tinnitus. This is because the hearing aid increases the level of external noise, and the external noise can then regulate that of the internal noise. The internal noise can then be ‘drowned out’, which provides enormous relief to the sufferer. This is why hearing aids are considered to be an extremely popular treatment for tinnitus.
These two treatments are actually only used in small numbers of chronic tinnitus cases, as there are many other factors at work in tinnitus sufferer’s conditions.
Other so-called natural remedies have gained an enormous following, in large part due to the failure of conventional medicine to tackle this problem.
The majority of these natural tinnitus remedies may be tried and tested from within the confines of one’s home.


One of the best Natural Treatments for Chronic tinnitus is Tinnitus Miracle (tm): tinnitus, which can be found here

 

Reference Source: http://www.homemademedicine.com

Right Diet Solution for guaranteeing quality weight loss

By: http://oworking.com
here are tons of Diet Solutions online, Some maybe even a scam. How to find the right one you really need?

So far, one of the BEST Diet Solution on line, is  The Diet Solution program  

It is easy to enter into the trap of exercising too often without paying much heed to the calories you are ingesting. With a good few hours at the gym under your belt, the seduction to give yourself a treat can quickly sneak into your mind vanquishing the reason you exercised in the first place.

If any area of this overview sounds like you, then the next tips can help.
First track your calorie intake during 7 days where you exercised excessively. Next repeat this same process but this time without exercising. More often than not when you compare your calorie intake over this month you will notice that you consumed less on the non-exercise week than when you worked out.
However before you decide to remove exercise from your weight loss plan, monitoring your dietary patterns isn’t enough for guaranteeing quality weight loss. Exercise too is important. The key to getting it right is being able to find the right balance between your calorie intake and export.

To help you achieve a balanced diet, free from the seductions of snacking when you exercise, we recommend including the following tips into your diet:

Oatmeal – this high fibre food is low in calories and sugar, making it the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings between breakfast and dinnertime.
Eggs – eggs are one of the few food options in your diet that include Vitamin D as well as minimal calories. Ripe in protein as well, eggs are a fantastic method for filling up quickly.
Blueberries – a great fibre provider, blueberries include little fat and are an excellent source for Vitamin C. Plus renowned for containing antioxidants, these free radical fighters have been found to burn fat for fuel.
Brown rice and whole wheat pasta – these renowned carbohydrates include tonnes of fibre with very little sugar at all. The ideal dinner fill up.
Ground turkey breast – the incredible thing about turkey is that you can use it for lots of meals whilst benefiting from its low fat and high protein intake.
Heated apples – healthy foods doesn’t have to be boring. By cutting out the core, cutting the apple and heating it up with cinnamon and sugar on top, this can create a great healthy dessert.
Wine – whilst you should always drink red wine in moderation a study by Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital has found that women who consume 1 glass of wine per day are 30% less likely to become overweight.
Yet if you need a supporting hand jumpstarting your weight loss, the aid of our natural slimming pill Proactol PLUS can help you to quickly lose weight and obtain your weight loss ambitions. Simply include Proactol PLUS as part of a healthy diet and you can lose a steady 1-2lbs a week.

The Diet Solution program is written by nutritionist Isabel De Los Rios. The basic premise of the book is a healthy nutrition which leads to increased health and weight loss do not require any special plan to maintain. In fact, your own metabolism type, a topic which explains in the book by Isabel De Los Rios can plan your own.
The Diet Solution Program is important about it dispels many myths and nutritional foods which are considered healthier because you may harm but actually exposes the truth about. For example, there are artificial sweeteners that shock you and change you’re eating habits may be enough for another is a chapter about soy.
And that’s what it’s all true: to change you’re eating habits to stay on your body to create a healthy environment. Food that we eat to how well our body functions and what determines our health years from now. As long as we live and to learn to eat sensibly, is there any diet plan very little chance to succeed.

The Diet Solution program  can easily be found here.

Natural Treatment for Tourette Syndrome

By: http://www.OWorking.com

Neurological disorders like Tourette’s Syndrome are becoming more commonplace in our society today because of poor diet and environmental toxins, which means it originates in the brain and/or the nervous system. It is believed it may be caused by a malfunctioning in the way the brain uses its neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit information from one nerve cell to another and play a crucial role in learning, behavior, mood, memory, sleep, pain perception and sexual desire. It is the brain’s communication system. The unusual and uncontrollable sounds and movements that occur with Tourette’s are a clear indication that something in the brain is not functioning properly.
So Far One of the best sellers as to  Natural Treatment for Tourette Syndrome is Ex-sufferer Of Tourettes Syndrome
which can be found  here
Imbalances and malfunctioning of neurotransmitters is extremely common in our society, although it is rarely heard about. When you hear someone saying that a health condition is caused by a “chemical imbalance,” what they are referring to are neurotransmitters. Not only are they connected to Tourettes, but they are also often at the root of depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, addiction, autism, chronic pain, fatigue, hyperactivity, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s eating disorders, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel, impulse control ,schizophrenia, aggression and many other conditions.

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that involves involuntary muscle twitching, violent jerking of the body, odd noises and obscene languages. Usually, people suffering from Tourette syndrome are treated with the help of pharmaceutical medicines, but it has also been seen that there are a number of herbal remedies that can be put into use to get relief from this disorder and also the symptoms associated with it.
There are certain steps that can be followed to help the people who are not only suffering from Tourette’s syndrome but also for anyone who is afflicted by some kind of neurological disorder or malfunctioning of the neurotransmitters. Avoiding the use of caffeine, sugar, refined foods and white flour can help the person minimize the symptoms. Also, identifying sensitivity to food and food allergies can also prove to be helpful. People suffering from this syndrome can switch over to organic food to help them get all the natural and vital nutrients and vitamins without any chemicals. Another important thing should be avoided is the use of any herbicide or pesticide in the house. It is of equal importance to replace any chemical based personal care product with environmental friendly products.
Identifying nutritional deficiencies and providing supplements along with a balanced diet can be a savior. It has been seen that supplements like niacin, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, and selenium have been quite helpful to people suffering from this syndrome. If there is an incidence of hypoglycemia, then it should be identified and a diet that brings relief from this syndrome should be put into use. People suffering from Tourette’s syndrome are prone to developing candida overgrowth. It is important to keep a check and take steps that can reduce this condition.
The tremors and tics associated with the syndrome can be controlled by giving the affected person some tea that has been made from passionflower, chamomile, skullcap, wood betony and lady’s slipper. These herbal supplements provide vital minerals and vitamins that can help the muscle and the nerves relax. To make this tea, you can add one teaspoon of each of these herbs in a cup of boiling water and strain it after a boil. This can be given three times a day to see the best effects. Another herbal treatment that can be done is by taking a tincture of St. John’s Wort or valerian root that can help relieve the muscle tension and also relax the nerves. You can add 20 drops of either of the extracts in a cup of water and have it daily.
It is important to include avocadoes and wheat germ in the diet of the person suffering from Tourette’s syndrome. These foods are rich in supply of niacin and have the ability to stop tics appearing during the syndrome. This should be given in association with a regular balanced diet. Taking evening primrose can help alleviate the tremors. It can also help by normalizing the important functions of the nervous system. One can take up two capsules each of 500mg three times a day. Also, the person can drink herbal teas that help in calming the senses. Green tea and eucalyptus tea have been found to be quite effective in relieving stress and keeping the person away from tension, which can trigger an attack.
Reference: http://www.holistichelp.net

Review of Causes and Treatments of Low Back Pain

 By: http://www.OWorking.com
 

If you are looking for "back pain treatment options" you have come to the right place.
Quite a number of different back pain treatments are known to relieve lower back pain but there is no guarantee that back pain won't return at some point. In addition, most treatments for back pain are either expensive drugs with horrible side effects; or extended pricey visits to your chiropractor, acupuncturist, osteopath or physiotherapist.

Back Pain Relief4life introduce an effective all natural scientifically proven method for lower back pain relief & prevention; So far, it already receive a lot of good feedback, maybe you should try; you can get you copy here

The complaint of back pain is among the most common medical conditions. To begin on the positive side, patients must understand that most episodes of back pain resolve, and usually within a few weeks. Unfortunately, back pain can be among the most difficult and frustrating problems for patients and their doctors.
Understanding the cause of your back pain is the key to proper treatment. Because back pain is sometimes difficult to treat, a better understanding of the cause of your condition will assist in your recovery.
Causes of Back Pain
Lumbar Muscle Strain
Muscle strains are the most common cause of low back pain. Patients may or may not remember the initial event that triggered their muscle spasm, but the good news is that most episodes of back pain from muscle strains resolve completely within a few weeks.
Ruptured Disc
A ruptured intervertebral disc, also called a herniated disc, is another common cause of back pain. How to treat the back pain from a herniated disc depends on the particular individual and situation.
Discogenic Back Pain
Discogenic back pain is thought to be a common cause of low back pain. Discogenic back pain cis the result of damage to the intervertabral disc, but without disc herniation. Diagnosis of discogenic back pain may require the use of a discogram.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis causes back pain in the aging population. As we age, the spinal canal can become constricted, due in part to arthritis and other conditions. If the spinal canal becomes too tight, back pain can be the result.
Lumbar Spine Arthritis
Arthritis most commonly affects joints such as the knees and fingers. However, arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the small joints of the spine. Arthritis of the spine can cause back pain with movement.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis causes back pain because adjacent vertebra become unstable and begin to "slip." The most common cause of spondylolisthesis is due to degenerative changes causing loss of the normal stabilizing structures of the spinal column. If the spine becomes unstable enough, back pain can become a problem.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can cause a number of orthopedic problems and generalized discomfort. Back pain from osteoporosis is most commonly related to compression fractures of the vertebra. Osteoporosis causes weak bones and can lead to these fractures.
When do I need to go to my doctor for back pain?
Most episodes of back pain last a few days, and have completely resolved within a few weeks. If you have new back pain, you should contact your doctor to see if you need further evaluation. There are also a few warning signs that may indicate a problem that needs immediate evaluation:
Your back pain persists beyond a few days
Your back pain awakens you at night
Your have difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder
You have a fever, chills, sweats, or other signs of infection
Any other unusual symptoms

Back Pain Treatments
The most frustrating aspect in treatment of back pain is that there is no "magic bullet." Most individuals recover completely by simply avoiding strain to their spine. Patients often find help from ice, heat, and medications. If the basic treatments for back pain do not relieve your symptoms, the next step is to seek medical evaluation. Depending on the symptoms and the length of the problem, your physician can properly organize a treatment schedule.
Depending on the condition that is causing your symptoms, a number of treatments may be recommended. Some options for treatment of back pain include:
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical options are usually the first step in treatment of back pain conditions. Rest, ice, heat, exercises, medications, and other treatments may all be useful in relieving your symptoms.

Alternative Treatments
Alternative treatments are popular and often as successful as traditional medical treatments for many types of back pain. These treatments are often safe and as effective as medicines used for treatment of back pain.

Spine Surgery
Spine surgery is usually reserved for treatment of back pain that does not resolve with simple steps. However, there are some conditions where surgery may be necessary. Your doctor can help you determine when surgery may be an appropriate treatment for your condition
  Reference: www.spine-health.com

 

Review of Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

By: http://www.oworking.com/

  Despite significant advances in treatment over the past decades, rheumatoid arthritis continues to be an incurable disease.Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has two components: (1) reducing inflammation and preventing joint damage and disability and (2) relieving symptoms, especially pain. Although achieving the first goal may accomplish the second, many people need separate treatment for symptoms at some point in the disease.
and there are well know side effects of allopathic medicines. So far, one of best Natural Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments is offered by Ebook "Arthritis Free For Life", which can be found  here.

Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Alternative therapies are popular among people with rheumatoid arthritis, however, they should complement, not replace, conventional care. Here are some natural remedies that are used for rheumatoid arthritis.

1) Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat. Our bodies can't make omega-3s on their own, so we must obtain them through our diet.

There is reasonably strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may help people with rheumatoid arthritis. The results of over 13 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving a total of more than 500 people suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. One of the ways it appears to work is by decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals.

Although omega-3 fatty acids reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, they don’t appear to slow the progression of the disease.

Cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies are the richest food source of omega-3 fatty acids. But instead of eating more fish which contain mercury, PCBs, and other chemicals, fish oil capsules are considered a cleaner source of omega-3 fatty acids. Many companies filter their fish oil so that these chemicals are removed.

Fish oil capsules are sold in health food stores, drug stores, and online. Most brands should be stored in the fridge to prevent the oil from going rancid.

Although flaxseed oil is often used as an alternative to fish oil, it doesn't appear to have the same anti-inflammatory effects as fish oil at achievable intakes.

Fish oil capsules may interact with blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin and aspirin. Side effects may include indigestion and bleeding. Fish oil should not be taken two weeks before or after surgery. Fish oil can also cause a fishy aftertaste. To prevent this, fish oil is usually taken just before meals.

2) Gamma-linolenic Acid

Although there is more evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may improve symptoms of rhematoid arthrits, some studies suggest that gamma-linoleic acid, another type of essential fatty acid, may also help. It is found in borage oil, black currant seed oil, and evening primrose oils.

A review of studies by researchers with the respected Cochrane Research Collaboration concluded that there was some potential benefit for the use of gamma-linolenic acid in rheumatoid arthritis, although further studies were needed.

3) Boswellia

Boswellia is a herb that comes from a tree native to India. The active ingredients are the boswellic acids, which have been found to block chemical reactions involved in inflammation.

It is used by people with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Although there have been a couple of preliminary studies that suggest boswellia may reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, we need more research to know whether it's effective. There is also no evidence that it can slow disease progression like some conventional drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.

Boswellia doesn't appear to cause gut irritation that can occur with many conventional pain relievers.

Boswellia is available in pill form. It should say on the label that it is standardized to contain 60 percent boswellic acids. It should not be taken for more than eight to 12 weeks unless under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.


4) Devil's Claw

Devil's claw is a plant native to southern Africa. Its name comes from the small hooks on the plant's fruit. The active ingredients in devil's claw are believed to be iridoid glycosides called harpagosides, which are found in the secondary root.

Devil's claw has been used for thousands of years in Africa for fever, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, and conditions involving the gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.

A study published in the journal Rheumatology compared a devil's claw extract providing 60 mg harpagosides a day and and 12.5 mg a day of the anti-inflammatory Vioxx (now off the market) for 6 weeks in 79 patients with an acute exacerbation of low back pain. Devil's claw was as effective as Vioxx in reducing pain.

More studies, however, are needed before we can confirm that devil's claw is effective for rheumatoid arthritis. For more information about devil's claw, read the Devil's Claw Fact Sheet.


Other Proposed Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Acupuncture

Adrenal extract

Balneotherapy

Beta-carotene

Burdock

Copper

Ginger

Magnesium

Magnets

Methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM)

Molybdenum

Pantothenic acid

Probiotics

Selenium

Turmeric

Vegetarian/vegan diet

Vitamin B6

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

White willow

Yucca

Zinc
Reference Sources: www.About.com