SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE AND ARTHRITIS

Benefits:  Relieves Pain and Inflammation

Background:   Symphytum officinale, or Comfrey, has been used as a healing agent since ancient times.  (Symphytum is of Greek derivation, from the words sympho, meaning “growing together” and phytum, or “plant”.)   The Greek physician Dioscorides (50 A.D.) is known to have prescribed comfrey leaves for the treatment of broken bones.  Herbalists in the Middle Ages also recommended using comfrey salve to help promote the healing of bruises and broken bones, hemorrhoids and sore breasts.

Description:   Comfrey is a stout, vigorous perennial herb with thick taproots which can reach up to 3 feet in height. The large, dark green leaves are hairy and have a rough texture.  Pinkish-blue tubular flowers are borne in drooping clusters in the summertime.  Both the leaves and roots contain allantoin, a compound which is known to promote cell regeneration and tissue healing, as well as large amounts of mucilage, which acts as a demulcent (soothing agent).

Cultivation/Growing Conditions:  Comfrey grows best in damp soil in partial shade.  It is both invasive and deep rooted, and may be difficult to eradicate once established.  It cay be started by sowing seed into growing trays inside a heated (60 degrees F) greenhouse in the springtime or by planting root divisions in the summer or fall.

Parts Used:  Leaves and roots.

Harvest:   The leaves may be picked throughout the summer and used fresh for poultices, compresses or salves.  The roots may be lifted during the winter and crushed.  The liquid extracted from both leaves and roots is used for preparing salves and ointments.

Research:   Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of comfrey to relieve the pain of arthritis.  A study published in the Journal “Advanced Therapy” in 2000 [i] documented the effectiveness of comfrey ointment in reducing muscle and joint pain in 105 patients.  Another study in 2005 [ii] compared the effectiveness of two different creams with differing amounts of comfrey extract in treating 215 patients with back pain.  This study found that the cream with a higher percentage of comfrey extract was more effective and considered the results to be “clinically highly relevant”. In 2007 the journal “Phytomedicine” published a study [iii] examining the effectiveness of a comfrey root ointment used to treat patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee.  This study found that patients treated with a comfrey root extract had less pain and greater  knee mobility than patients  treated with a placebo.  Finally, and perhaps not surprisingly, a recent comprehensive review of clinical studies examining comfrey [iv]  found that comfrey root extract is “clinically proven to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints in the case of degenerative arthritis…”

[i]  Kucera M. et al “Effects of Symphytum ointment on muscular symptoms and functional locomotor disturbances” Adv. Ther. 2000 Jul-Aug: 17(4):204-10

[ii]  Kucera M., et al “Topical symphytum herb concentrate cream against myalgia: a randomized controlled double blind clinical study” Adv Ther. 2005 Nov-Dec;22(6):681-92

[iii]  Gube B., et al “Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti office. Radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double blind, randomized, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial” Phytomedicine, 2007 Jan; 14(1):2-10.

[iv]  Staiger C., “Comfrey Root: from tradition to modern clinical trials”, Wein Med Wochenschr. 2013 Feb; 163(3-4):58-64

GARDEN HERBS THAT RELIEVE ARTHRITIS PAIN

For the past several weeks I have been discussing garden herbs which can lower high blood pressure naturally, inexpensively, and without adverse side effects.  Recently, I received several requests to discuss herbal remedies that can relieve the pain of arthritis.  Consequently, I am going to switch focus this week to address that topic.  (Those interested in learning more about herbal blood pressure medicines are invited to review my book, The Blood Pressure Garden, available at www.bloodpressuregarden.com.)

I think that it is worth noting at the outset that the Centers for Disease Control has reported that arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States today [i] (even more common that back/spine problems and heart trouble).  Over 50 million U.S. adults are reported to have doctor diagnosed arthritis, and 21 million of them report suffering physical limitations as a result. [ii]  The most common physical limitations reported were difficulty climbing stairs (21.7 million, or 10%) and walking 3 city blocks unaided (22.5 million, or 10.3%). [iii] The incidence of arthritis increases with both age and gender.  For example, we know that arthritis rates are higher among women than men in every age group. [iv] We also know that excess body weight can be a contributing factor in the development of arthritis.  While arthritis is found among 16.9% of normal weight adults, its prevalence increases to 29.6% among those who are overweight. [v] By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million U.S. adults are expected to have arthritis (as compared to 50 million today). [vi] Two thirds of those affected are expected to be women.  Some 25 million of those affected are expected to suffer significant physical limitations as a result.

While over a hundred different types of arthritis have been identified to date, the vast majority of cases in the United States today are caused by just two kinds:  osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a localized joint inflammation, typically of the hands, knees or hips.  It generally appears among people by 50 years of age, and the symptoms typically worsen with age.  It is caused by the loss of joint cartilage, which usually occurs because the cartilage in the joints has worn away.  Typical symptoms include pain and swelling, heat and redness in the affected joints, stiffness form joint damage and increased bone density.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease which occurs when the body’s autoimmune system malfunctions and attacks the connective tissue in the joints, causing swelling, stiffness and inflammation.  Joints in the finger and toes, wrists, ankles, shoulders and elbows may all be affected.  It is most commonly found among women 30 to 50 years in age.  While the pain of rheumatoid arthritis is initially caused by joint inflammation, it may later be exacerbated as a result of mechanical stress between the bones.  Typical symptoms may include chronic aches, stiffness, weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, fever and depression.

At this point, I should note that there is no known cure for arthritis, short of joint replacement.  However, alleviating arthritis pain is possible, and this fact is the source of enormous profits for the pharmaceutical drug industry in the U.S.

There are many different drugs prescribed for arthritis in the United States today.  These include analgesic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), biological response modifiers (BRMs), disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS), counter-irritants, steroids, muscle relaxants and physical therapy.  All of these treatments (with the exception of physical therapy) have potentially serious adverse side effects.

However, the question we need to answer today is which garden herbs can be used to alleviate arthritis pain.  The list of effective natural remedies is extensive and includes Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera), Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum), Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioca) and White Willow (Salix alba).  I will discuss some of these herbal medicines individually in my next few posts.

[i] Helmick C.G. et al. “Prevalence and Most Common Causes of Disability Among Adults United States, “ 2005, MMWR 2009;58 (16) 421-426

[ii]  Centers for Disease Control, National Health Interview Survey, 2007-2009

[iii]  Shih, M., et al. “Physical Activity in Men and Women with Arthritis,” National Health Interview Survey 2002. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2006;30(5):383-93

[iv]  Theis, K. A., et al. “Arthritis burden and impact are greater among U.S. women than men; intervention opportunities.” Journal of Women’s Health 2007; 16(4):441-453

[v]  Cheng Y.J. et al. “Prevalence of doctor diagnosed arthritis and arthritis attributable activity limitation” United States, 2007-2009. MMWR 2010;59:1261-1265

[vi]  Hotman J.M. et al. “Projections of U.S. prevalence of arthritis and associated activity limitations.” Arthritis Rheum 2006;54(1):226-229

CRATAEGUS MONOGYNA AND HYPERTENSION

Today I would like to discuss the use of Crataegus monogyna, or hawthorn bush, as a natural way to control high blood pressure.  Hawthorn is a member of the rose family.  It is an aromatic, sweet and warming herb whose various hybrids (C. lavigata etc) are used interchangeably for medicinal purposes.  Unlike many medicinal herbs that act on the heart, it is non-toxic.  In China it has been used for thousands of years to treat high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and heart pain.  Hawthorn is also used to treat a number of functional heart disorders, including congestive heart failure, angina, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia (irregular heart beat).

Description:  Hawthorn is a deciduous, thorny shrub or tree native to northern Europe.  It is typically found growing in pastures and along hedges.  Although usually relatively small in habit, some specimens have been found which reached up to thirty-five feet in height.  Hawthorn produces small, white flowers in May followed by red berries in September.  The leaves are dark green and have five to seven lobes.

Growing Conditions:  Hawthorn trees do best in moist soils in part to full shade.  They may be pruned in winter and are hardy in the United States from Zones 4-7.

Propagation:  Hawthorn can be started by seed separated from ripe berries, planted in a seedbed or cold frame in the autumn.  However, germination can take up to eighteen months, and cultivars do not always come true from seed.  Consequently, this herb is usually propagated by stem cuttings taken in the spring.

Parts Used:  Berries, leaves and flowers.

Harvest:  Flowering sprigs with leaves are harvested in late spring and dried.

Preparation and Use:  Commission E recommends 600-900 mg (.02-.03 oz) of hawthorn extract daily, taken orally.  Alternatively, you can take one to two teaspoons of dried herb steeped in eight ounces of hot water for fifteen minutes as a tea drunk three times a day.  (Note:  the benefits of hawthorn can take up to six weeks to take effect.)

Research:  Clinical studies have shown that the hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) provides a number of positive effects to the heart, including dilation of major coronary blood vessels which leads to lower blood pressure.  For example, a 2002 study of hypertensive subjects given 500 mg of hawthorn extract daily [1][i] found a significant decrease in resting diastolic blood pressure as well as reduced anxiety among study participants who received hawthorn extract.  Another study in 2006 [2] demonstrated that type 2 diabetics given a daily 1200 mg hawthorn extract for 16 weeks showed significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure as compared to those who received a placebo.  This herb has been extensively studied in Germany, where other clinical studies have demonstrated that it also increases the strength of heart muscle contractions, increases the amount of blood pumped, and fosters a stable, steady heartbeat.[3]

[1] “Promising hypotensive effect of hawthorn extract: a randomized double-blind pilot study of mild, essential hypertension” Phytother Res 2002; 16:48-54  Walker A.F. et al.

[2] “Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomized controlled trial” Br J. Gen Pract 2006; 56:437-443 Walker A. F., et al.

[3]  Blumenthal, M., et al., The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines (1998).

[i] 

ALLIUM SATIVUM – A NATURAL BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE

I want to start by talking about herbal medicines for hypertension, or high blood pressure.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), (1) over 33% of all U.S. adults over the age of 20 have high blood pressure.  Of those affected, 71% report using hypertension drugs, but only 48% believe their condition is under control.

There are a number of herbs which can be effective treatments for high blood pressure.  Allium sativum, or garlic, is one of the most effective and among the easiest to use.  Much of the following information is extracted from my book “The Blood Pressure Garden”, available at http://www.bloodpressuregarden.com.

Research:  Numerous scientific studies over the past 25 years have documented the capacity of garlic to reduce high blood pressure.  For example, a pilot study in 1993 at the Clinical Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana (2) found that patients with severe hypertension could reduce their blood pressure readings for up to 5 hours after taking a garlic preparation.  A 1996 study done at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island (3) found that a daily garlic extract could reduce systolic blood pressure by 5.5%.  In 2006, the Journal of Nutrition published a review of epidemiologic studies (4) which examined the effects of garlic on cardiovascular disease.  This review found that not only did garlic reduce blood pressure in test subjects, but that it also provided a host of other health benefits, including reduced platelet aggregation (blood cell clotting), reduced cholesterol, and improved antioxidant status.  More recently, a 2008 review of clinical studies relating to the effect of garlic on blood pressure published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders (5) found that hypertensive subjects reduced their average blood pressure readings by an average of 8.4+/-2.8 mm HG for systolic and 7.3+/-1.5 mm HG for diastolic blood pressure, respectively, after taking a garlic preparation.

Background:  Garlic is part of a large genus of over 700 species of strong smelling perennials, which include onions, scallions, leeks and shallots.  Of all these different species, garlic is the most pungent variety and has the most therapeutic value.   Used by the ancient Babylonians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans, this herb is surrounded by many legends, the most famous of which is its ability to ward off vampires.

Description:  Allium sativum is a strong smelling, perennial herb with a rounded bulb containing five to ten cloves, or bulblets.  These are encased in a papery white or mauve colored covering, with narrow, flat, green leaves up to twenty four inches long.  The plant bears small white flowers in July or August, which signal that the bulbs are fully grown and ready for harvest.

Growing Conditions:  Hardy and adaptable, garlic does best in loose, dry,  well-drained soils in sunny locations, and is hardy from Zones 4-9.  It is virtually invulnerable to pests, and makes an excellent co-planting herb which can protect other crops in the garden.  In addition, the small, complex flowers, which are borne in the summertime, attract beneficial insects.

Part Used:  Bulbs

Preparation and Use:  Remove the papery external covering from the outside of a garlic bulb and separate the individual cloves.  Chop up one fresh clove (4 grams) daily (6) and use as seasoning,.

Footnotes:

(1)  Centers for Disease Control, National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008

(2) “Can garlic lower blood pressure? A pilot study” McMahon F.G., et al, Pharmacotherapy 1993 Jul/Aug: 13(4):406-7

(3) “A double-blind crossover study in moderately hypercholesterolemic men that compared the effect of aged garlic extract and placebo administration on blood lipids” Steiner M, et al, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1996 Dec: 64(6):866-70.

(4) “Garlic and Cardiovascular Disease: A Critical Review” Rahman, K. et al, Journal of Nutrition, March 2007 vol 136 no. 3 7365-7405.

(5) “Effect of garlic on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis” Ried, K., et al, BMC Cardiovascular Disorder 2008 8:13.

(6)  Physician’s Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition, p. 353.

 

 

GREEN MEDICINE: HERBAL REMEDIES FOR OLD AGE

The purpose of this blog is to discuss the use of simple herbal medicines to treat the common health problems associated with old age. Low cost, natural treatments for problems like high blood pressure and arthritis allow people to avoid the purchase of expensive pharmaceutical drugs which, unfortunately, often have unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

We know that the ancient Egyptians, Indians, Romans, Greeks and Chinese all used herbal medicines extensively. Native Americans are also known to have used over 2600 different species of plants medicinally. Not surprisingly, herbal medicines provided the vast majority of available health remedies in colonial America, and their use continued into the 19th century. Indeed, the popularity of medicinal herbs in the United States peaked in the 1870’s, when over 636 different herbs were listed as medicines in the U.S. Pharmacopeia. This popularity lasted until the 1920’s, when these natural medicines began to be replaced with pharmaceutical drugs.  For example, in 1899 the Bayer Company in Germany introduced a new drug (aspirin) which was based on an existing compound (salicin) which occurs naturally in willow bark. Yet even today, anyone with a white willow (Salix alba) tree in their yard can prepare a natural substitute for aspirin from the fresh leaves or bark.

Ironically, it was only after drug companies began to extract, manufacture and patent key healing compounds from plants that the American public gradually lost its knowledge of natural medicines.  As a result, far too many older Americans today find themselves at the mercy of rapacious pharmaceutical companies for medicines to treat even the most common health problems.

It is my hope that the information provided in this blog will help remedy this situation.