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| Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) |
| This antispasmodic, alternative and nervine herb is used in the treatment of rheumatic pains, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, neuralgia, neurological pain, muscle pain and sports injuries. The dried (not fresh) root and rhizome is brewed as a decoction by simmering 1 teaspoon root per cup of water. |
| Blue-Red Berries |
| Cherries, hawthorn berries, blueberries, grapes and other dark red-blue berries are more properly a food than an herb, but they are so effective in the treatment of inflammatory illnesses, especially gout and arthritis, that they deserve consideration here. These berries are rich sources of compounds that improve collagen metabolism and reduce joint inflammation. The famous botanist Linnaeus reportedly cured his gout by eating large quantities of strawberries morning and night, which led him to call them a "blessing of the gods." More recently, a gout "strawberry cure" of eating nothing but strawberries for several days was made popular by the French herbalist Maurice Mességué. James Van Fleet prescribes 1/2 cup of cherries daily for his arthritis patients, in keeping with that fruit's well-established reputation as a cure. During summer months, when these fruits are abun- |
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