ARTHRITIS
There are many types of arthritis, and no one treatment can improve them all. But the following are worth trying...
Cherries. Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, a class of chemical known to suppress the production of inflammation-related compounds in the body. Eat fresh, canned or frozen cherries daily, or drink 100% pure cherry juice. A dozen cherries a day and a glass of cherry juice is a good starting point, but feel free to eat more if your body doesn't protest. Note: Excessive cherry consumption causes diarrhea in some individuals.
Cod-liver oil. Cod-liver oil is an anti-inflammatory, and research suggests that it might limit cartilage damage caused by osteoarthritis. Cod-liver oil is also rich in vitamin D. People who consume diets rich in vitamin D have been shown to be less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
Take one tablespoon daily with a meal. Emulsified Norwegian cod-liver oil is less fishy-tasting than other cod-liver oils.
Important: If you take supplements that contain vitamin D, adding a daily tablespoon of cod-liver oil is not likely to push you beyond the maximum recommended intake. However, it's best to check with your doctor.
Avoid nightshade foods. Eliminate the nightshade family of plants -- white potatoes... eggplant... all peppers (including table pepper and cayenne pepper)... and tomatoes -- from your diet for a few weeks. If your arthritis improves, give them up permanently. Consumption of these foods might create a buildup in the body of an inflammation-causing enzyme known as cholinesterase.
FATIGUE
If you've lost some of your get-up-and-go and your doctor can't find an underlying medical explanation, try...
Figs. Dried figs contain slow-burning natural sugars for a lasting energy boost. They're also full of potassium and calcium and low in fat, cholesterol and sodium.
Cayenne pepper. Mix 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into a cup of water and drink it down for a spicy eye-opener.
Chia seeds. Chia seeds, a staple of Native American cultures, are high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, and they seem to aid the circulatory system, even reducing high blood pressure. Available at health food stores, they can be ground and sprinkled on salads or soups.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
This swelling of tendons in the wrist can compress the median nerve, causing pain, numbness or other unpleasant sensations in the hands. The problem is most common among those who regularly use their hands in rapid, repeated motions, such as for typing. Proper ergonomics can reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, while prescription drugs can lessen the pain and surgery can correct very serious cases. Some home remedies that also might ease the discomfort...
Willow bark. Willow tree bark contains salicylates that reduce pain and inflammation and was the original source of aspirin. Steep one to two teaspoons of dried, powdered willow bark (or five teaspoons of fresh bark) in hot water for 10 minutes, then strain out the plant material. Drink three cups a day. If it's too bitter, mix it with lemonade.
Warning: Don't take willow bark if you are using blood-thinning medications or are allergic to aspirin.
Chamomile tea. The herb chamomile contains the anti-inflammatories alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene and has long been used to treat ailments that involve swelling. Drink several cups daily.
Pineapple, ginger and papaya. Pineapple and papaya contain enzymes that act as anti-inflammatories. Compounds in ginger known as gingerols have a similar effect. Eat at least one of these daily.
URINARY PROBLEMS
Bladder and kidney ailments can be serious, so always consult a doctor. With your doctor's permission, also try the following...
Parsley. This diuretic can help treat urinary tract infections and kidney and bladder stones. Drink parsley tea or juice three or four times daily until the condition improves, or sprinkle fresh parsley flakes on your food. Parsley tea bags can be found in health food stores, or you can steep fresh parsley leaves in hot water. Combine fresh parsley and water in a food processor to make parsley juice (add carrot juice to dilute the taste).
Cranberry juice. Cranberries contain a compound called proanthocyanidin that makes it difficult for the strains of bacteria responsible for certain urinary tract infections, kidney infections and bladder infections to adhere to cells in the body. Drink two ounces of pure cranberry juice (no sugar or preservatives added) diluted in six ounces of water at room temperature three times a day as long as urinary discomfort persists.
Buchu leaves. Used for centuries to treat incontinence, painful urination and bladder inflammation, Buchu's effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. It's available in health food stores if you would like to give it a try. Steep three to four tablespoons of dried buchu leaves in hot water, strain and drink three times a day until the condition improves.
INSOMNIA
Pharmaceutical sleep aids often leave users feeling drowsy or drugged the following day. Consider these natural cures instead...
Socks. Keep your bedroom cool, but wear warm socks to bed, or rest your feet on a hot-water bottle when you climb into bed. A Swiss sleep experiment conducted in 1999 confirmed that while most people prefer to sleep in cool rooms, we fall asleep faster when our feet are warm.
Chamomile tea. Drink a cup of chamomile tea next time you can't sleep. Recent experiments on mice indicate that this herb is indeed a mild sedative.
Nutmeg. The oil in nutmeg can act as a sedative. Steep half of a crushed nutmeg (no more) in hot water 10 minutes, strain and drink a half hour before bedtime. Or, stir a half teaspoon of powdered nutmeg into a glass of warm milk. Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, which encourages sleep by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
VARICOSE VEINS
Surgery isn't the only way to minimize varicose veins...
Apple cider vinegar. Twice a day, soak a cheesecloth bandage in apple cider vinegar and use it to wrap the affected area for 30 minutes. After wrapping, recline with your legs at heart level or above. Vinegar is believed to encourage varicose veins to contract. Some folk remedies suggest drinking two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water after each session.
Bromelain. This collection of enzymes found in pineapples has anti-inflammatory properties believed to inhibit the uncomfortable and unattractive swelling that often occurs around varicose veins. It's available at health food stores in pill form. Take 500 mg to 1,000 mg with each meal.
Note: Check with your doctor before drinking vinegar or taking bromelain if you have ulcers or gastritis.
Sit with uncrossed legs. Crossing the legs puts unnecessary strain on the veins. Also avoid high heels, knee-high stockings and tight socks.
