Soothe away January’s aches and over-indulgences
Joint pain – and even gout – can benefit from herbal help
Gout sufferers have been the butt of jokes for centuries, but it’s no laughing matter. Gout is horrible! A form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in a joint, its onset is typified by a sudden pain and inflammation, most usually in the big toes or heel. Low-grade fever may be present – but so also may the residues of a hangover, given the foods that trigger the problem!
Over the counter (OTC) analgesics (Ibuprofen/Naproxen) may provide temporary relief; physicians may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which are prone to having gastric-related side effects. If uric acid levels remain high, Allopurinol may be prescribed but I’d suggest dietary changes and herbal supplements before embarking on this long-term treatment for chronic gout.
All the Christmas goodies – goose, mincemeat, red wine, refined sugars, even Filfar – have high purine levels: the baddies that raise uric acid levels. Others include fish like anchovies, mackerel and sardines; dried legumes, which we’re all using at this time of year; most offal, plus scallops, mussels and shrimps. Beer should be avoided; wine limited to a glass a day. Nobody suggests this diet is fun!
An excellent dietary helper is Black Cherry Juice; Rabenhorst make a good brand (from local healthfood shops) that’s palatable enough to be able to drink in quantity.
Supportive herbal supplements include nettle, a long-respected anti-inflammatory. Test tube findings indicate nettle prevents the body making inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins: more specifically, research suggests it enhances the effect of NSAIDs, allowing the dose to be minimal for the shortest time to get control over pain levels. Nettle is best in a liquid tincture: try Bioforce Urtica tincture (mail-order from www.nutriglow.com). Locally, call Savvas Charilaou (25 369061), the Cyprus distributors of the FSC brand, for stockists.
Acute gout attacks can be treated with the prescription drug Colchicine: side effects may include impaired digestion of beta-carotene and potassium, among other nutrients. In preference, the homoeopathic preparation colchicum – derived from crocus – is often very effective. There are at least seven potential homoeopathic remedies specific to gout. Qualified homoeopaths are hard to find in Cyprus: if you know any registered practitioners, please let me know (as below).
Ongoing preventive supplementation is better than cure: new on the UK market and formulated in America is the well-named Infla-eez. Well-named because it combines four recognised anti-inflammatories – bromelain, papain, ginger root and turmeric. The latter – as circumin – was tested in a double-blind trial where it proved superior to the NSAID phenylbutazone. Infla-eez also contains wild oregano to combat infections and royal jelly, the Queen Bee’s answer for healing cell damage. (Available from Tigon, mail-order on www.oliveleaf.co.uk or call Derek on 00 44 116 236 6841). Arthritis sufferers should also benefit from Infla-eez and additionally from a diet high in alkaline foods.
Finally, encouraging the joints to release toxic crystals can also be achieved by Aqua Detox sessions. Contact me at the Cyprus Mail (22 818585) for a therapist in your area plus any other queries/information you may have or [email protected]
Your questions answered
My husband has to go into hospital for surgery, requiring a minimum four-day stay: what supplements will best support him?
Mrs GF Peyia
Firstly, I am sorry to hear about the hospitalisation, although from my experience, standards of care in Cyprus hospitals exceed what you might experience on the British NHS.
Stock up now with the things you are going to need: arnica (30 strength) pillules and arnica ointment for post-operative swelling. Paphos is lucky enough to have Pitsa’s Pharmacy (26 935495) – Pitsa really knows her subject: take her advice on dosage.
Consult with your GP who’ll probably be looking after your husband’s general welfare while in hospital: it’s important your GP knows what herbal supplements he takes regularly – particularly garlic (for its anti-clotting properties). Ensure the surgeon knows of any allergies, particularly antibiotics as he may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics against infection. Many GPs will recommend/allow the use of probiotics to replace the good flora in the gut, which are killed by antibiotics (HealthBac from Tigon – www.oliveleaf.co.uk or any branded multi-acidophilus like Quest – follow the instructions with maximum daily dose). Watch for any signs of medication allergy: this may manifest as gastric discomfort or a rash on the back/arms. At the first sign, alert the staff and relieve itching with cooling Aloe Vera gel. Tigon’s Germaclenz spray is also invaluable to combat airborne bugs and skin infections.
If constipation is likely to be a problem, invest in some Lepicol now (www.nutriglow.com) and administer daily half an hour before main meals; for real problems, castor oil capsules (Tigon as above) – deep frozen – immediately before breakfast work a treat (enlist freezer help from friendly night staff!). Don’t let constipation take hold.
For every health benefit from prescription medication, there may also be side-effects: check these on line by using a search engine like google and type in the medication name followed by ‘side-effects’. Or e-mail/call me as main article: I have a specialised ‘safety checker’ on my computer system.
Nikki’s column appears every four weeks. Please address your questions to [email protected] PO Box 21144, Nicosia. Tel: 22818585
