By Andrew Gaeddert
Herbs can be very effective in treating clients with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. Here are two illustrative case studies.
Nelson is a 7 year-old boy with juvenile onset rheumatoid arthritis that affected all of his joints. His right hip and ankle were more severely affected, causing him to walk with a pronounced limp. His joints usually felt hot except in the morning, when they were stiff and painful. His symptoms were only improved through daily soaking in the bathtub. He was taking Methotrexate and Prednisone. His tongue was purplish and dry, his pulse was rapid.
I recommended a dairy-free diet because dairy products appear to worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. I also suggested the herbal remedies, Mobility Two (2 capsules of each formula TID), and Colostroplex (a bovine colostrom preparation; 1-2 capsules per day). Mobility Two increases blood circulation and reduces swelling, and Clear Heat relieves inflammation. Colostrum has anti-toxin and immune strengthening properties. I also recommended White Flower Oil (Wintergreen, Menthol, Camphor, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Lavender) to be applied to his bath and topically several times per day. White Flower Oil has cooling and pain-relieving effects.
After two weeks there was very little improvement. It turned out that Nelson had stopped taking the Colostroplex, because he had become constipated, and had only been able to take the other herbs twice per day. His family had not made the effort to find alternative forms of milk, such as soy or rice, so he was still drinking at least one glass of milk per day with his cereal. I stressed the importance of the dairy-free diet, and also mentioned that he could reduce the dosage of Colostroplex to 1 capsules or 1/2 capsule per day if constipation was still a problem. I also recommended that he take 3 capsules of each herbal preparation formula twice per day since Nelson was having a hard time complying with the three times per day schedule.
One month later, both Nelson and his father felt the herbs were working and he was able to reduce the dosage of Prednisone under his doctor’s supervision. After two months, the more tonifying Mobility Three (3 capsules BID) was substituted for the Mobility Two formula. Nelson will remain on the Clear Heat as long as there are still Heat signs, and continue to use the White Flower Oil.
Marilyn is a 48 year-old stockbroker. Her chief complaint was rheumatoid arthritis, which mainly affected her hands, wrists, and forearms. She also had endometriosis, insomnia, and a history of depression. She was currently taking ibuprofen and glucosamine sulfate daily. She had been administered cortisone injections during episodes of severe pain. Her pulse was thin, weak, and slow, and her tongue was pale and dry.
Marilyn is a vegetarian, so I recommended that she increase her consumption of fish, particularly salmon and mackerel as they contain the anti-inflammatory Omega-3 oils. She was also counseled to go on a dairy-free diet, and to limit her intake of the unhealthy diet sodas that she was fond of. She was administered Mobility Three (3 capsules TID) and was advised to take Sea-Q (Sea Cucumber, Sea Weed; 2 capsules BID). Mobility Three is used to treat pain that worsens in cold or damp weather. Sea-Q has anti-rheumatic effects and in terms of Chinese medicine tonifies the Kidneys. Three weeks later she reported that she had significantly less pain and her sleep had improved. As her pulse was still weak but now faster, Nine Flavor Tea (2 capsules TID) was added, to introduce more Yin-nourishing ingredients. She also continued on Mobility Three.
Two weeks later, she complained that the pain had recurred, although her sleep continued to improve. At this point, I inquired what lifestyle and dietary changes she had made in the past two weeks. Marilyn admitted that she had started to eat cheese again in a big way, taking in several servings a day. When I mentioned this to her, she became defensive. I indicated that the choice was hers, but to me there seemed a clear correlation between her eating cheese and having more pain. The following month she was pain free, except for one week. During one of her visits, she mentioned that she had spent many years in the Third world as a volunteer. I suggested that she undergo tests for parasites and yeast. I recommended continuation of the dairy-free diet. As her pulse was stronger and rapid, and her tongue was still pale although more moist, I suggested Mobility Two (3 capsules QID) and Marrow Plus (3 capsules QID). Mobility Two increases blood circulation and addresses edema; Marrow Plus tonifies the Qi and blood, and enhances immunity.
The following month the lab tests revealed the presence of abnormal yeast (Goetrichum and Hyphae yeast) as well pollen in the stools. As a result, I recommended the Biocidin formula, also known as Gentiana formula as directed with meals, and continuing with the Mobility Two and Marrow Plus (3 capsules of each QID). Biocidin is anti-parasitic and anti-fungal. After two months on this protocol, all symptoms are 90% improved.
Andrew Gaeddert is author of Healing Digestive Disorders, and Chinese Herbs in the Western Clinic.