< previous page | page_42 | next page >
Page 42
| Herbal Categories |
| Herbs are defined according to their therapeutic benefits, and you will find the following terms used in herbal reference books. The categories of interest in the treatment of arthritis and related illnesses are alternatives, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antirheumatics, antispasmodics, circulatory stimulants, nervines, rubefacients and sedatives. |
| ALTERATIVE herbs, traditionally known as blood purifiers, gradually improve the body's overall condition by enhancing digestion and the assimilation of nutrients while eliminating toxins and neutralizing acidic conditions. Generally high in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, they have a tonic influencethat is, they restore and strengthen the entire system rather than any specific part. The alteratives most useful in the treatment of inflammation include bog bean, devil's claw, nettle and sarsaparilla. |
| An ANALGESIC is any substance that relieves pain. Most analgesic herbs reduce pain signals to the brain, easing discomfort, but like aspirin and other pharmaceutical analgesics, they do not affect the illness itself. Skullcap, chamomile and valerian are examples. |
| An ANTI-INFLAMMATORY herb does just what its name implies: it reduces inflammation. Some herbs contain salicylates, so they act like aspirin (willow bark and meadowsweet, for example) and others help elimi- |
< previous page | page_42 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!