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Page 36
| sone that reduce the inflammation and consequent pain caused by conditions such as arthritis. Ginseng and licorice offer additional benefits as we have seen earlier in that they enhance the immune system. |
| Cat's Claw |
| Cat's claw (Uncaria, various species), an herb that grows in South America, is not only known for its immunity-enhancing qualities, but has also been found to reduce inflammation. It received its name because of its claw-like stems. While only becoming popular in the United States in recent years, it has been used by the Peruvian Indians for centuries. It is used to treat a number of disorders related to the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, herpes and cancer. |
| Cat's claw (uño de gato), which is found mostly in tincture and pill formulas, should be taken as directed on the label. |
| Chinese Skullcap, Yucca and Devil's Claw |
| Used extensively both in Russia and China for its sedative action, Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria laterifloria) has also been found to have as good anti-inflammatory properties as ibuprofen and aspirin. It also helps increase blood flow to the inflamed region. |
| Another good anti-inflammatory herb is yucca (Yucca species). In work with arthritis patients in France, when patients took 1 1/2 grams of yucca a day, about 90 percent of the patients reported the intensity of their pain decreased. |
| The oddly named herb devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is so named because its large fruit is shaped like a large claw-like hand. It is available in tea, capsule and external ointment for pain from inflammation. In Africa, the herb has a long history of use for arthritis, inflammatory disorders and back pain. |
| Mushrooms/Fungi |
| Mushrooms have been consumed for thousands of years not only for their taste and nutrient content, but also for their medicinal properties. |
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