Arthritis Introduction

The word ‘arthritis’ means ‘inflammation of joints.’ It comes from two Greek words, athron meaning joints and itis meaning inflammation. It is a chronic disease process. In the early stages, the whole body is usually involved and one or two joints may become completely deformed, leaving the patient handicapped and somewhat weakened. It is mostly seen in the elderly. Inflammation is the main feature of arthritis, which is a reaction of the joint tissues to some form of damage or injury and it highly affects joints and bones.

Types of Arthritis

There are more than 150 different types of arthritis and all affect joints and bones. The most common forms of arthritis are:

1. Osteoarthritis

2. Rheumatoid arthritis and

3. Gout.

Osteo-arthritis:- it is the most common degenerative joint disease and occurs after the age of 40. In this the bones increase in size and the space between them decreases, making the bones rub against each other, causing pain. It also results from structure changes in the particular cartilage, in the joints, mainly of spine and knees.  Read more...

Here is some info on a few herbal essential oils that are a very helpful addition to your familys First Aid kit

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

* Clary Sage is used in aromatherapy in preference to Sage (Salvia Officinalis) because Sage can be quite toxic. Clary possesses the positive effects of Sage without the danger. One should avoid the use of alcohol while using Clary Sage because the combination can bring on severe Nightmares. Clary produces a heightened state akin to euphoria and relaxation. It is used in treating Asthma, and during convalescence of the flu. It is used in abdominal massage for digestive problems. (Source: A-Z Aromatherapy by Patricia Davis)
* Most valuable uses: Muscular fatigue, menstrual problems, PMS, Fertility, exhaustion, Insomnia, Menopausal problems, calming, stress, depression, cramps, excessive Perspiration.
* Therapeutic properties: Antiseptic, calmative, tonic, emmenagogue, anti-infectious, anti-spasmodic, anti-sudorific, Aphrodisiac, Nerve Tonic, nervine, estrogen-like
* Main chemical components: Linalol, Linalyl Acetate, Germacrene, Ceranyl acetate
* Contraindication: Avoid during Pregnancy.

(Source: Essential Aromatherapy: A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Susan Worwood Valerie Worwood)  Read more...

Joint pain is a generic term used to describe discomfort and pain stimuli that originates from the joint or joint space. And joint pain can be caused by several different types of injuries work conditions, however, no matter what causes it is usually bother some and uncomfortable if not downright painful.

Joint pain can be caused from one of the over 100 different types of arthritic conditions which can affect the human body. The most common of these arthritic conditions is osteoarthritis which affects approximately 27 million Americans alone. Rheumatoid arthritis is another common autoimmune disorder that causes stiffness and pain in the joints.

Joint pain can also be caused by bursitis which is the generic term to describe any inflammation of the bursa. The bursa are fluid filled sacs that cushion and protect bony prominences in the body and allow the muscle and tendons to move freely over the bone. When the bursa becomes inflamed motion of the muscle and tendon over the joint surface will cause pain and discomfort.  Read more...

Gout is one of over 100 different types of arthritic conditions that can attack the human body. It is a type of arthritis that causes sudden burning pain, stiffness and swelling in a joint, often the big toe.

Gout is a condition which affects more men than women. The risk is higher if the individual is overweight, drinks alcohol, or if a high amount of fish or meats high in purines are eaten consistently. Purines are a colorless crystalline organic based nitrogen that is the component in certain foods which are then metabolized into uric acid. The cause of gout is too much uric acid in the blood stream which then forms hard crystals inside the joints.

The most common symptom of an attack is night time swelling, tenderness and redness in the joint. This is accompanied by sharp pain. The attack can last a few days or many weeks before it resolves. Some individuals may not get another flareup for many months or years while others remain pain-free for the rest of their lives.  Read more...

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints, or specifically the cartilage that cushions the two bones within the joints. The cartilage breaks down and provides less cushion, resulting in pain, swelling and deformity. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis because of the nature of the disease.

The wear and tear on the cartilage is known as degeneration and increases with frequency as people age. In fact, there are now over 27 million people in the United States alone who suffer from degenerative arthritis. Individuals who have suffered an injury to a joint will often find as they age that these joints are at greater risk for developing wear and tear arthritis.

The joints which are typically affected are the knees, hips, big toe, finger and spine. When a joint is affected not only does the cartilage disintegrate but bone spurs can also develop. The combination of these two factors are what contribute to the pain of individuals who suffer from degenerative arthritis.  Read more...

Knee pain is an extremely common complaint among older men and women. There are many causes, not the least of which is osteoarthritis which affects over 27 million Americans. Some of the more common causes include arthritis, already mentioned, ligamental injuries, cartilaginous injuries, patellar tendinitis, dislocated kneecap, bursitis and Baker’s cyst. Less commonly conditions such as gout, Osgood-Schlatters and osteochondritis – the previous two seen almost exclusively in adolescence- will cause knee pain.

The knee is a hinge joint which is formed by two bones and held together by four ligaments. The kneecap covers the ventral side of knee enabling a friction free pain free movement. The joint is surrounded by a membrane that produces a fluid which helps to nourish the cartilage and keep the slippery. Between the bones in the upper leg in the lower leg, which meet at the knee, is cartilage. This cartilage also helps to cushion the joint and create a friction free motion.  Read more...

Episcleritis is an eye condition where the soft tissues, or episclera, becomes inflammed and red. Most of the time, it looks much worse than it actually is. Episcleritis is not a health threat and typically disappears within a week or two. Medical treatment is not usually necessary.

Women are much more likely to get episcleritis than men and the most affected age groups are thirties to forties. Episcleritis often keeps coming back to cause discomfort over and over. The biggest medical threat it poses is that it can develop into scleritis.

Episcleritis symptoms are very mild. The most obvious symptom is the deep redness that covers the white area of the eye. In fact, it looks a lot like pink eye. Episcleritis is not normally painful and most of the time there is no discharge. If there is any pain then it is typically very mild and can be managed easily.  Read more...

ABCESSES Lavender, Tea Tree, Thyme, Myrrh, Frankincense, Birch (Blends: Antiseptic, Antibacterial, ImmuniBoost, Antimicrobial)

ABDOMINAL CRAMPS Lavender, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Ginger, Basil, Peppermint, Anise, Fennel (Blends: Antimicrobial, DigestAid)

ACCUMULATION OF Toxins Birch, Carrot Seed, Juniper (Blends: Liver Detox, Kidney Clear, Circulate, Energy Balance)

Acne Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Vetiver, Lemongrass, Rosewood, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus Radiata, Orange, Neroli (Blends: Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Liver Detox, MenoPal)

AGING SKIN Frankincense, Helichrysum, Cypress, Rose, Lavender, Patchouli, Sage, Geranium, Rosewood, Sandalwood (Blends: Youthful, Oasis, FirmUp)

Allergies Chamomile, Lavender , Melissa, Patchouli, Ledum, Nutmeg (Blends: Energy Balance, DigestAid, RespiRescue, CongestAid)

AMENORRHOEA (Missing or scanty periods) Basil, Fennel, Clary Sage, Marjoram, Myrrh (Blends: Regulate, MenoPal)

Arthritis Benzoin, Birch, Black Pepper, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniper, Helichrysum, Balsam Fir, Rosemary, Oregano, Clove, Nutmeg, Tansy, Elemi, Peppermint (Blends: Joint Dr, GoutBGone, BackacheAway, Circulate, PainAway)

Asthma Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram, Hyssop (Blends: DigestAid, RespiRescue)

ATHLETES FOOT Tea Tree, Myrrh, Balsam Fir, Lavender, Peppermint, Lemongrass (Blends: Antimicrobial, Antiseptic)  Read more...

Now modern research agrees: color can positively affect our state of mind and health.

Here is a list of common ailments and symptoms, with the colors that can be helpful in healing them. We also include several easy ways to use colors for healing. It’s all right here:

We do not recommend that you use Color Therapy instead of allopathic medical treatment, but as a helpful partner along with more conventional therapies.

Red: anemia, cold, leukemia, numbness

Orange: agoraphobia, alcoholism, Arthritis, common cold, Constipation, Depression, fatigue, gallstones, gout, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Rheumatism, muscular stiffness, ulcers

Yellow: Arthritis, jaundice, Rheumatism

Green: Angina, chest pain, gastric ulcer, Heart Disease, peptic ulcer, trauma, tumors, warts

Turquoise: abscess, Acne, Asthma, boils, cold sore, dermatitis, Eczema, fatigue, fever, hay fever, pneumonia, stings, stress, swelling, Tension

Blue: Anxiety, Acne, Asthma, backache, blisters, Bruises, burns, cough, cramp, dermatitis, earache, emphysema, Flatulence, gallstones, German measles, glandular fever, hay fever, hernia, herpes, hiccups, influenza, itching, laryngitis, lumbago, mumps, PMS, sneezing, sores, sprains, stammering, stiffness, stings, stress, sunburn, Tonsillitis, toothache, wheezing  Read more...

Color has a powerful influence on our body chemistry and emotions. The strongest effect is through the eyes. Colored light therapy can be produced by using colored glass or cellophane filters placed in front of light bulbs or the sun.

Ideally, stimulating colors should be used in the morning and sedating colors in the evening. If a sequence of colored lights is used, start with stimulating colors, to proceed to Blue, and finish with green.

Red (Bright Red): Warm and stimulating, this color is good for anemia, or whenever you feel pale or cold or have chilled extremities; it’s also useful for ultraviolet and X-ray burns and frostbite. Red is a liver stimulant and counterirritant (it brings internal inflammations to the surface.)

Orange: A respiratory stimulant, this is useful for weak lungs, Asthma, consumption, and emphysema; it is also for overweight and underactive people with an Underactive Thyroid (because it energizes the thyroid and sedates the parathyroid). Orange can relieve spasm, cramps, and other abdominal issues.  Read more...

The following oils may assist in alleviating the complaints featured. This is not a comprehensive list nor is it considered to be a prescription for the named complaint.

Angelica Herb Seeds Roots Cough, Cold, Fever, Flatulence, Indigestion.

Aniseed Herb Seed Pod Indigestion, Coughs, Bronchitis, Catarrh.

Apricot Kernel- Oil From the Kernel premature skin aging, inflammation, dryness use 100% Minerals and Vitamins.

Avocado Pear Oil From the fruit dry skin, Eczema Add 10% to Base Oil Vitamins, protein, lecithin, Fatty Acids.

Basil Herb:- Whole Plant Bronchitis, Fatigue, Colds, Loss of Concentration, Migraine, gout, Aches & Pains, Depression, Fainting, Mental Fatigue, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Stimulating.

Bay Tree, Leaves Sprains, Colds Flu, Insomnia, Rheumatism, Antiseptic, Decongestant, Tonic.

Benzoin- Tree, Trunk Coughs, Itching, Arthritis, Colds, Sedative.

Bergamot Peel of fruit Fevers, Acne, Tension, Wounds, Coughs, Stress, Anti-Depressant, Uplifting.

Birch Tree, Bark Gout, Rheumatism, Eczema, Ulcers.

Black Pepper- Vine, Berries Colds, Aches, Influence, Flatulence, Rheumatism.

Bois de Rose Tree, Wood Tonic, Coughs, Headaches, Antidepressant.  Read more...

Some of the common problems that cause back pain merge from musculoskeletal conditions and neurological conditions. However, back pain also arises from arthritis, muscle disorders, etc, including multiple myeloma. Muscle myeloma is abnormalities and proliferation of the plasma cells within the bone marrow. According to etiology aspects, doctors believe that multiple myeloma derives from genetics, environment, and unknown sources.

The physical condition merges from a single tumor, which starts in the bone marrow and disseminates into the liver, lymph nodes, spleen, bones, and kidney. Tumors of this nature set up in plasma cells, which manufacture abnormal counts of immunoglobulin. The tumor then triggers activities, such as osteoblastic, which leads to destruction of bones and extends all through the body.

Symptoms emerge from the actions, which include headaches, hemorrhaging, height loss, severe, and constant bone pain, splenomegaly, fractures, hepatomegaly, deformations of the skeletal muscles, ribs, sternum, and renal calculi. Multiple infections often emerge from the tumor as well.

As you can see, the symptoms will cause back pain as well, since the skeletal system, muscles, ribs, etc, are affected.  Read more...