Science Horizons

Reishi extract has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat arthritis and other forms of inflammation for over 2,000 years. Also commonly known by its Latin name as “Ganoderma,” or Chinese “Ling Zhi,” Reishi is by far the most searched medicinal mushroom on the Internet with over 200,000 searches per month. And although it may not be the panacea (“cure-all”) that some hold it to be, the fact that modern research confirms it as an inflammation modulator may help explain why it has long been heralded as such in the Orient.

Reishi frequently gets prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Much recent research appears to validate this traditional use, as the majority of studies have yielded positive results. While looking through published articles on Reishi and arthritis, I found only two studies that showed inconclusive results, both of which were conducted by the same team of researchers. (1,2)

A U.S. based study conducted in 1993 showed that a water extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) exhibited “significant anti-inflammatory activity.” (4) Ten years later, an Indian research paper was published which stated that the use of Reishi extract helped decrease inflammation in acute edema by 56% and in chronic edema by 60%. (3) Using the “Article References” link on this page, you will find references to seven additional research articles that confirm Reishi extract as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. (5,6,7,8,9,10,11)

Other Reishi studies have been performed which more directly relate to arthritis. A 2006 report by Kenneth Blum et al. provided support that clinical evidence demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of natural substances for joint health, such as glucosamine sulfate , chondroitin sulfate, and Ganoderma lucidum [Reishi]. (12)

The same year, another study summarized findings that Reishi in combination with a Chinese herbal remedy known as San-Miao-San demonstrated a positive “immunomodulatory effect” on rheumatoid arthritis. (13)

The answer as to how, precisely, Reishi extract accomplishes this “immunomodulatory effect” may have been given by another Chinese study the following year, which states that an isolated Reishi polysaccharide peptide “significantly inhibited” RASF, which is an indicator of rheumatoid arthritis. (RASF stands for “Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts.”) (14)

A number of other studies also report positive findings for using Reishi extract with arthritis (15,16,17) One of them even reports favorable results in comparing Reishi with prednisone, and without the side effects. (18) Furthermore, a different study found that supplementation with Reishi extract actually helped to balance the side effects of prednisolone experienced by some patients, including proteinuria and cell toxicity. (19) (Prednisone breaks down in the body to form prednisolone, which is the active compound.)

In conclusion, the body of research does seem to support the use of Reishi extract in cases of arthritis. Remember that it is important to always work with a licensed medical practitioner when using any herb for medicinal purposes.

Note: “Reishi” is the Japanese name on the mushroom known in English as “Varnished Conk.” It actually encompasses several closely related species, the most common of which is Ganoderma lucidum (Common Reishi or Red Reishi). This species can be found in the U.S. but is much more common in South East Asia. It is also well known by its Chinese name, Ling Zhi.

Other species frequently referred to as Reishi include: Ganoderma tsugae (Hemlock Reishi, common on Hemlocks in Eastern U.S.), Ganoderma sinense (“Black Reishi), Ganoderma resinaceum (Red Reishi), Ganoderma japonicum (Purple Reishi) and Ganoderma neo-japonicum (no common name or simply Reishi).

Dr. Markho Rafael Wellness arthritis, biology, bronchitis, disease, Fitness, herbal, herbs, Medicine, Nature, Nutrition, Supplements, Wellness

Many factors affect the health of joints. The main cause of sore joints, osteoarthritis, occurs with age and therefore affects almost everyone. In younger people, sore joints are caused by overuse. Several illnesses also have an affect on joint health.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Most people over the age of 70 are afflicted with severity ranging from mild to severe. However, after the age of 55, the illness affects more women than men. Osteoarthritis is the erosion of the cushion between the bones. The cushion is a layer of cartilage – the same tissue that makes up the bridge of your nose. Age and normal use causes some of the wear. However, with osteoarthritis the cartilage completely disappears, which leaves the exposed bones to rub against each other. Painful outgrowths of bone, called spurs, can also occur.

Tendons, ligament and bones can all be affected by overuse. Tendons connect muscle to bone. Repetitive motion can cause tendons to swell and the joints to become sore. This phenomenon is called tendonitis. One of the most common forms of tendonitis is carpal tunnel syndrome. Ligaments connect bone to bone within a joint.

Overuse is a common problem among younger people. Tendonitis is usually caused by repetitive motion activities. A common form of tendonitis is called carpal tunnel syndrome which affects the wrists and forearms. Ligaments are the fibrous tissue that holds bones together. Ligaments can be damaged in two ways. A strain occurs when the ligament is stretched too far or used too much. Tiny tears occur in the fibers of the ligament which cause the tissue to swell. Sprains are the result of the joint being bent in an unnatural direction.

Osteoarthritis is not the only illness that affects joint health. An autoimmune disease called rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling in the joints for unknown causes. A bacterial infection can cause septic arthritis. Many other forms of arthritis also exist.

Mitchell Tyrell Nutrition arthritis, Health, joint pain, Nutrition, sore joints

Someone who has migrating joint pain suffers either all over or joint by joint. Health care professionals have 2 classes for migrating joint pain; sub acute or acute. It is believed that the pain is a result of injury or sickness. Typically when someone has rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic, systemic, inflammatory condition), they agonize over migrating joint pain all over the body. Sometimes, the painful joints may only feel inflexible or tight. For example, this might occur only in the a.m. This can get really bad when it targets the joints of the wrists, knees, elbows, and ankles. As for systemic lupus erythematous, (an inflammatory infectious tissue disease that is similar to rheumatoid arthritis) migrating joint pain is frequent. One more cause for migrating joint pain can be metabolic. Negative metabolic conditions can cause single joint and or multi-joint pain. Don’t forget about viruses such as the common cold, influenza, chicken pox, German measles, and herpes simplex, as they can leave many people with migrating joint pain too. Complications such as inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can cause different strains of arthritis affecting any or all areas of the body. Joints are typically inflamed when the digestive system is malfunctioning as it should. Inflammation as a result of migratory arthritis can continue for days or even weeks and only gets better, in the case of Crohns disease, when the autoimmune system works well.

There are many other ailments that result in migrating joint pain but the real issue is what can you do about it?

Migratory joint pain can be reduced with many kinds of natural medicines. Actea spicata is a plant that has shown good results with lowering migrating joint pain in the lower extremities and hands, and with swelling and lack of suppleness. Apis Mellifica, another healing plant can be taken throughout day to get rid of joint pain and inflammation. Arctium is also beneficial. This herb focuses on nerve pain too. This herb needs to be taken a few times day for best results.

Migrating joint pain can also be treated with Belladonna, but you should check with your physician first because of the special properties of this herb. This should be taken only when the painful joints are also swollen and inflamed. Berberis vulgaris is a homeopathic medicine that will work with joint pain, and this herb works great with knee joint pain. It is suggested to take this herb every four hours to get rid of pain once and for all.

For migrating joint pain that gets worse when you are active, Bryonia Alba taken three times a day can significantly improve your joint condition and eliminate pain. It is suggested that dulcamarta should be taken on the hour for joint discomfort that is severe to relieve discomfort. It has been found that Chamomilla works well on severe pain, making it possible for you to move freely.

Migrating joint pain can disrupt your everyday life. If the pain strikes daily activities are impossible and this can make a cycle that will leave you with even more pain.

As a result of the discomfort and stiffness you do not move as much. When you restrict your movement the joint pain, stiffness, and swelling becomes worse. Exercise is needed for the joint to stay is flexible, but when movement is painful many of us do not use it, and this is a big mistake. Talk to your doctor about exercises that can help with migrating joint pain.

There are other supplements which promote healthy joints while reducing migrating joint pain. A top joint supplement will contain glucosamine to help the body in its efforts to rebuild cartilage tissue, and antioxidants that will help the body resist free radical damage to the body’s tissues.

Always consult your health care provider first when you commence any health program, especially with migrating joint pain.

Margaret Savorente Health arthritis, exercise, Fitness, Health, inflammation, joint pain, migrating joint pain, sore joints, sudden onset joint pain

There are plenty of differing kinds of arthritis that you can be afflicted by, but one of the commonest by far is rheumatoid arthritis. Though the fundamentals of this form of arthritis compared to others are terribly similar, there are several big differences too.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune illness, one that causes inflammation, swelling, discomfort, pain, and which has a tendency to become worse if not treated. The soreness due to this illness can even affect internal organs of the body, for example the eyes, heart and lungs. Though rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic sickness, sufferers may go long periods without any symptoms.

It is a progressive disease however, and this means that if left unnoticed or otherwise untreated, it is able and in fact very likely to cause joint destruction and functional disability.

There’s no one single cause or factor that is thought about as being in charge of rheumatoid arthritis, but there are some factors that are recognized as being doubtless responsible. Infectious agents like bacteria and fungi have for ages been hooked up to this illness, and it’s also had a suspicion that certain environmental components play a part in its development.

In a few cases the indicators of rheumatoid arthritis are way more obvious than others, but for the most part patients have a tendency to experience a burning or tenderness in their joints, and other symptoms include fatigue, restlessness, shortage of appetite, fever, muscle aches, and rigidity in the joints and muscles.

Multiple joints are generally inflamed at the same time, and often in a symmetrical pattern, suggesting that each side of the body are influenced concurrently. When there’s only 1 joint concerned, the arthritis is able to mimic the joint swelling due to other kinds of arthritis, potentially making it much tougher to diagnose.

It’s important to understand that in a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, there are sometimes remissions, which are amounts of time in which the symptoms don’t appear. During these remissions, the indicators of the illness will vanish, and then once the illness becomes active again, and it usually always will, then the symptoms will return suitably.

The only real way to ascertain what the categorical form of treatment is that should be employed in your own case, you must get in to see your GP straight away and work along with them to debate your condition and figure out what the best methodology of treatment is going to be.

Lizzie S Joyner Health arthritis, arthritis symptoms, arthritis treatment, Health

Although living with a true diagnosis of arthritis can be exasperating, this is the first step in treatment. One must understand that arthritis comes in many forms and knowing your exact diagnosis is helpful when dealing with treatments, pain and discomfort.

General treatment for arthritis consists of occupational and/or physical therapy, medications, prescribed exercises and possibly surgical intervention, with the first four options available as home care services. One good note is that with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, there have been recent advances in the treatment that can create a slowing or even eliminating the progression of this type of arthritis.

Ordered rest periods sometimes are the only way to get relief from pain and discomfort from osteoarthritis, which often times comes from home care. This allows healing of injured joints which is often followed by, to rebuild strength, exercise. Sometimes there is nothing you can do for this type of arthritis, which causes, no matter what you do, continuing pain and discomfort.

Protecting your joints is the most important thing you can do to prevent arthritis. An occupational therapist can teach you some techniques through home care services. You can learn certain exercises that will protect you joints. You can build your muscles without straining your joints, thus strengthening your joints.

In addition, the use of joint braces can help you stabilize an injured joint to prevent further injury. Many home care services will also advise the inclusion of grab bars in places where you are required to stand from sitting positions. One common area is the bathroom. By placing grab bars to assist you when entering or exiting the tub will not only prevent undue stress on already damaged joints, it is also a great safety feature to help prevent falls.

The use of canes and walkers can also help reduce the intensity of the force applied to arthritic joints, preventing further damage and discomfort especially on the lower joints in the body. Relief of discomfort or ease of routine activities in the joints of the upper body is also available. Through the use of appliances available that assist one in opening jars, putting on socks and shoes and closing zippers, much stress and strain is removed from afflicted joints.

Heat can relieve some pain as well but use caution when using heating pads; they have been known to cause severe burns, which will cause even more problems. Hot water bottles are a great alternative, along with some medicated creams.

Possibly the last option that many want to consider is the use of medication. However, many cases of arthritis will require some sort of medical intervention at some point. Many arthritic sufferers will start with anti-inflammatory medication to assist in the relief of discomfort, but only under the supervision of a physician.

Jose Smith Elder Care arthritis, Elder Care, Elderly Care, home care, medication, physician, seniors

Joint pain relief is truly something to hope for when you turn to alternative medical treatments for solutions. Joint pain relief is the single most important consideration for arthritis sufferers. Arthritis pain and joint pain relief is curable. Joint pain relief is not always an easy thing to achieve for those suffering from any form of arthritis. For chronic problems a major step in achieving muscle and joint pain relief is a balanced life style with proper supplements and a good healthy diet.

Natural arthritis joint pain relief is a very popular method for alleviating pain, especially when dealing with arthritis pain. Natural options have become increasingly popular because many people feel that it is a safer and healthier way to treat their pain. Natural joint pain relief can take many different forms. Fortunately for arthritis sufferers, there are some natural supplements that not only help relieve pain, but they provide nutritional support to the joint as well.

Natural arthritis joint pain relief is a very popular method for alleviating pain, especially when dealing with arthritis pain. Natural options have become increasingly popular because many people feel that it is a safer and healthier way to treat their pain. Natural joint pain relief can take many different forms. Fortunately for arthritis sufferers, there are some natural supplements that not only help relieve pain, but they provide nutritional support to the joint as well.

Each year, millions of people from various corners of the world present to the doctor with joint pain and arthritis pain, and seek medical treatment. Treatment for the arthritis symptoms and anxiety should start immediately upon on diagnosis result. There are alternative treatments for arthritis that have found to be useful in improving the condition. Physical therapy has proven to be an ideal solution for arthritis treatment as it improves mobility, reduces dizziness and pain, and improves balance, strength and function. The quest for the most efficient treatment is a never ending journey.

Also, it has been found that most of the people who seek join pain relief have suffered in the past a sports injury that affected their joints. Thus, one can certainly acknowledge that joint pain relief medication is sought by even the most active persons, wanting to stop the progression of such symptoms and to protect their joints.

When you realize you are suffering from joint pain or arthritis,the first thing to do is to relieve pain. There are things that can be done that will quickly relieve the pain without high costs or invasive procedures. Water exercises have proved to be effective in treating arthritis.

Yoga stretching ensures enhance blood flow to your joints, which relieves pain. As with yoga, massage increases the blood flow and relieves pain. Most injuries require a period of rest, and joint pain can be relieved with warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises.

If youre wondering about how to get joint pain relief is to first understand joints themselves. Thus, joint pain relief is all about straining your joints or muscle while doing some actions. One of the most common forms of chronic joint pain relief is medication, such as analgesics (pain relievers) and non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs. If you would like to consider a natural proven relief then visit http://arthritisoil.net

Trish Williamson Health aromatherapy, arthritis, arthritis oil, arthritis relief, deep pain, essential oil blend, Health, joint pain relief, natural pain relief

A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is likely to leave you very confused and completely overwhelmed. It is time to take a breath and to assess where you are and what the next step is.

There is so much information on rheumatoid arthritis that it is hard to know where to start. Below I have details three points which I believe will help you to keep your focus and stay on track.

1. Every patient is different. There are no two people in the world the same. The same it true for patients – there are no two patients who will respond exactly the same way. However tempting it may be you must try not to compare your treatment or progress against others.

2. How to manage your pain. Pain management is an important aspect of any illness. Why do you need to manage pain? Pain can affect all sorts of areas of our lives. Although you may be able to live with a pain it does not mean that you should. Firstly, why should any one live in pain if it is not necessary? Secondly, there are side affects to living with pain – a patient may become irrational or emotional. This can have a devastating affect of areas of your personal life.

3. Physical changes – there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but that does not mean that you will see your body change as per a text book description. There are medications and lifestyle changes which will affect how your body handles the arthritis. It is important to understand the overall picture of your health, but it is most important to deal with each aspect separately and not to get overwhelmed.

Now is a good time to evaluate what is important – top of your list should be quality of life. Happiness is one of the best treatments for anything. Rheumatoid arthritis does not mean that you have to give up living.

You are not an island and you cannot stand alone. Take on board what other people say, but don’t think that you have to follow their advice. You should always feel comfortable with decisions about your treatments. Doubt and scepticism do not often lead to success.

Remember,a good way to stay positive is to surround yourself with positive people

Nicholas Somerville Diseases and Conditions arthritis, disease, diseases and conditions, disorders, Fitness, Health, health and fitness, health conditions, health issues, information on arthritis, lifestyle, pain management

What are the major causes of hip pain? They are Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Hip Pain Strain, and Back Pain. There are stretches and hip pain exercises that you can do every day to decrease your hip pain and strengthen your hip muscles.

Stretching in the morning and in the evening will help decrease your hip pain and loosen up your hip muscles. You should focus on stretching your hips, upper and lower back, and legs. The 3 main stretches you should do are: knees to chest, hip and glute stretch, and spine twist stretch. Try to make this a morning and evening routine you do every day. After a while, it will become just a part of your daily routine.

How does stretching decrease your hip pain? When you stretch, you stretch the hip muscles and joints which increase the blood flow to that area. By increasing the blood flow, you are decreasing hip joint inflammation and loosening up the joint motion.

The #1 hip pain exercises both Orthopedic Doctors and Physical Therapists recommend are walking, biking, and swimming. These exercises increase hip strength and decrease hip pain. Doctors believe these exercise are great for people who have hip pain because it is physical strengthening exercises that does not put overdo stress on hip joints.

After you have control over your hip pain, you can start to do more strenuous hip exercises to increase your hip strength. Some of these exercises are: squats, lunges, and even speed walking. However, I recommend staying away from running. Running tends to put more stress and increased impact against the hip joints. By doing this, you are increasing the risk of causing more damage and pain.

One of the most important steps you can take to decrease your hip pain is sitting down or lying down. This is especially important if you have been on your feet a lot or you just finished doing hip exercises. Giving your body a chance to recover and rebuild is just important as doing hip pain exercises.

When you choose to sit down to recover from being on your feet or when your hip pain just becomes little too much, you can apply heat to loosen up your hip joints and muscles. Heat be applied to your hip by taking a hot bath, applying heat wrap, or using an electric heating pad. After applying heat, you can then apply an over-the-counter pain reliever cream called Arnica. Dont worry it does not smell bad; it absorbs into the skin instantly, and does not feel sticky.

If the pain becomes unbearable, contact your Orthopedic Medical Doctor. He or she is trained in pain management. An over the counter pain reliever or prescription may be suggested. Make sure you tell your Doctor all the medications you are taking plus any allergic reactions you have to medications.

Fred Fares Health arthritis, avascular necrosis, back pain, Fitness, Health, hip arthritis, hip avascular necrosis, hip joint replacement, hip pain, hip pain causes, hip pain diagnosis, hip pain exercises, hip pain strain, hip pain treatment

Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Hip Pain Strain, and Back Pain all cause mild to severe hip pain. When you do daily stretches and hip pain exercises, you will decrease your hip pain and strengthen your hip muscles.

A good habit to get into is to do daily morning stretches. Some of the most popular recommended stretches are knees to chest stretch, hamstring stretch, and lying down spine twist. At first it will be little hard to get into the morning routine of stretching however it will get easier over short period of time.

How does stretching decrease your hip pain? When you stretch, you stretch the hip muscles and joints which increase the blood flow to that area. By increasing the blood flow, you are decreasing hip joint inflammation and loosening up the joint motion.

Hip Pain Exercises decreases your hip pain and also strengthens your hip joints and muscles. 3 highly recommended exercises are walking, swimming, and biking. First, start out doing these exercises for about 10 to 15 minutes a day and then increasing the time at your own rate. Another reason why these exercises are highly recommended is because it does not put high impact pounding affect on the joints like running does.

After you have control over your hip pain, you can start to do more strenuous hip exercises to increase your hip strength. Some of these exercises are: squats, lunges, and even speed walking. However, I recommend staying away from running. Running tends to put more stress and increased impact against the hip joints. By doing this, you are increasing the risk of causing more damage and pain.

One of the most important steps you can take to decrease your hip pain is sitting down or lying down. This is especially important if you have been on your feet a lot or you just finished doing hip exercises. Giving your body a chance to recover and rebuild is just important as doing hip pain exercises.

When you choose to sit down to recover from being on your feet or when your hip pain just becomes little too much, you can apply heat to loosen up your hip joints and muscles. Heat be applied to your hip by taking a hot bath, applying heat wrap, or using an electric heating pad. After applying heat, you can then apply an over-the-counter pain reliever cream called Arnica. Dont worry it does not smell bad; it absorbs into the skin instantly, and does not feel sticky.

If the pain becomes unbearable, contact your Orthopedic Medical Doctor. He or she is trained in pain management. An over the counter pain reliever or prescription may be suggested. Make sure you tell your Doctor all the medications you are taking plus any allergic reactions you have to medications.

Fred Fares Health arthritis, avascular necrosis, back pain, Fitness, Health, hip arthritis, hip avascular necrosis, hip joint replacement, hip pain, hip pain causes, hip pain diagnosis, hip pain exercises, hip pain strain, hip pain treatment

In most cases gout will normally, attack one joint only in the body but when it does it is often very sudden as well as being a very intense pain. In most cases, the most common part of the body that this ailment affects is the big toe (metatarsophalangeal). When it comes to gout treatment, there are certain things that the person suffering from this ailment are looking for it to do.

Gout treatment needs to deal with not only the pain but the inflammation or swelling of the joints. There are many medical solutions that seem to treat either the pain or the inflammation, treating both while also keeping the user lucid and active is the ideal solution.

The market for gout pain relief medication is growing rapidly as people diet causes more and more of us to suffer with gout. So many people eat on the run, eat rich food and don’t take in enough fluids that Gout is a growing medical problem.

Anti inflammatory treatment has been the standard treatment for gout sufferers for a long time. They are usually of the non steroidal variety and they are known as NSAIDS in Dr speak, they are not the only treatment but when you first get Gout pain NSAIDS are the first path of pain relief.

The pain is gone! Now don’t stop taking the medication, one of the biggest mistakes that people with gout make is to stop taking the medication as soon as the pain goes away. Your Dr has most likely given you anti inflammatory drugs and you must take the full course of these tables as they are designed to help prevent further outbreaks of Gout as well as relieving the pain you feel right now.

NSAIDS are not the only treatment available for gout attacks, they just happen to be the best ones for most people. If for some reason you can’t take NSAIDS then there is no need to despair, there are other treatments available. Ask your Dr if it is possible to see a Gout specialist, if there is one available near by.

Gout affects different people in different ways, some people will have a small amount of constant pain while others will get rare but more intense flare ups. With this in mind you may need to change your regime of medication taking, some people benefit from taking small amounts of medication regularly each month while other s who have gout will take huge doses much less frequently.

You health right at this moment will affect which drug treatment you find is best for you. Before you settle on any one treatment make sure that you discuss all the options and all the possible side effects with your Dr.

Kathy Nelson Diseases and Conditions arthritis, diseases, diseases and conditions, Fitness, gout, gout diet, gout symptoms, gout treatment, Health, medical conditions, medical problems