IMPORTANT
Unless otherwise stated on the package, most supplements and herbal remedies aren’t suitable for children under 12.
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Arthritis

What you need to know:

There are more than 200 different types of arthritis - ranging from a single painful joint in one finger, to crippling damage in several parts of the body. Some of the severe conditions aren’t appropriate for natural remedies or complementary therapies - see your doctor before you try them - but nearly all types respond to dietary changes.

For all types of arthritis (except gout) in children and young people, you should get them to eat more:
  • Oily fish and shellfish - for their omega-3 fatty acids
  • Sweet potatoes, broccoli, apricots, carrots, liver (but not if your teenager may be pregnant) - for Vitamin A and beta-carotene
  • Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi fruits and dark green leafy vegetable - for Vitamin C and bioflavonoids
  • Olive oil, sunflower seeds, unsalted nuts and avocadoes - for vitamin E
Cutting down on red meat, game and coffee can also help reduce the inflammation.

The most useful Herbs:

  • Birch
  • Black cohosh
  • Celery seeds
  • Meadowsweet
  • Poplar
  • Willow
  • Devil’s claw
  • Ginger - extracts of the medicinal Chinese variety of this herb

The most useful Supplements:

  • Green-lipped mussel extract
  • Glucosamine
  • Cod liver oil
  • Fish oils
  • Pycnogenol

Homoeopathy

The homoeopathic remedies Bryonia, Guaiacum and Rhododendron can also help, but as different remedies are appropriate for different types of arthritis in different parts of the body, it’s better to consult a homeopath or a doctor also qualified in this skill rather than treat yourself with the easily-available homeopathic remedies sold in shops or supermarkets these days.

Other useful advice:

If the joints are very painful, it’s tempting and understandable that they’ll just want to rest them. That’s the worst thing they can do. Exercise keeps the supportive muscle healthy, which helps the joints become more supple. They need exercise, which is non-weight bearing - which means they’re not on their feet and putting pressure on their back and leg joints. Swimming is ideal as the water bears the weight.

Several complementary therapies will also keep them mobile. They include the Alexander Technique Yoga and Reflexology. For killing the pain, try the Aromatherapy oils lavender, Roman Chamomile, eucalyptus, juniper and Ginger - either buy the oils and add them to the bath, or a foot or hand bath, or give them a relaxing professional massage.

Ginger is also worth trying. There’s now significant scientific evidence to show that it works, and many naturopaths now recommend not only the medicinal extract of the Chinese herb, but also the use of Ginger in cooking and in Ginger tea.

Another, rather unusual, treatment which many people find instantly soothing is a cabbage poultice. Take one or two large outer leaves from a green cabbage, bruise them with a wooden spoon or rolling pin, heat in a micro-wave, steamer, oven or on a radiator, wait until they’re still warm but comfortable to handle, then wrap them around the painful joint and keep in place with a towel or long bandage.
 

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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.