Rheumatism. Some alternative cures

Many people are looking for alternative cures for rheumatism.

Some because they are concerned about the reported side-effects of some drug treatments. Others because their GP refuses to acknowledge that they have rheumatism because “they haven't got the rheumatic factor in their blood.”

These doctors then tell their patient to take simple and utterly infective pain killers. Such doctors are, of course, wrong, because a great many people who have rheumatism do not exhibit the rheumatic factor in their blood.

This series of articles in That's Health will look at a range of alternative cures that are available.

The first such product we will look at is Arkopharma’s Phytorhuma Gel (Devil’s Claw).

It comes in an 80ml tube, has the benefit of being non-greasy and rapidly absorbed and offers warmth, relief and relaxation.

What is Harpagophytum? It is a South African, creeping plant. It grows in Namibia and has been used for centuries by local healers to treat pain and joint inflammation.

Why is it called Devil's Claw? Because the fruits have hooked thorns which has given the plant its common name of "Devil’s Claw".

The part used comes from secondary roots. They are rich in glucoiridoids and in particular harpagosides. They have wonderful anti-inflammatory properties and are a great treatment for rheumatism and arthritis. They act on the pain and inflammation thus improving joint mobility.

Devil’s Claw can be used to progressively replace traditional anti-inflammatory treatments because it has no side-effects. Sports people often use Devil’s Claw with great success to help them avoid tendon and articular pain, caused by intensive sporting efforts.

Devil’s Claw root will also favour uric acid elimination so is also an efficient treatment for problems related to gout. Clinical studies have confirmed these properties.

 

INGREDIENTS:

Extract of Devils Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): 30% Warming agents: Capsicum frutescens: 0.1% / Methyl nicotinate: 0.08%.

Aqua, propylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Polysorbate 80. Arachis hypogea oil, harpagophytum procumbens, capsicum frutescens, carbomer, methyl nicotinate, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propyl paraben, BHA, benzyl alcohol, Parfum, Limonene, Citral.

DIRECTIONS:

Place a small amount of the gel into the palm of the hand and massage into painful areas 2-3 times per day. A month’s use will make the use of this gel apparent. It can also be used in conjunction with Arkocaps Phytoflex.

WARNINGS:

Do not apply to irritated or broken skin, varicose veins or mucous areas.

Cost: £8.19 for 80ml, available from health stores nationwide and www.healthy2u.co.uk

My wife will be testing Arkopharma’s Phytorhuma Gel (Devil’s Claw) on her non-rheumatoid factor rheumatism and we will be reporting back.