AboutDennis Leppanen Expertise I can answer most questions on herb usage and and am very familiar with (gras) herbs, generally recognized as safe. I am very knowlegible
in nutritional healing. I have extended education in detoxing the body and fasting for health. I believe in the Naturopathic belief, the body get sick in only two ways; either because it is too toxic, or it is malnurished. I grow, wildcraft, and make most of my herbal remedies.
Experience
Past/Present clients Individuals, will furnish upon request
Question QUESTION: About two years ago, I was diagnosed with RA. I have tried most of the usual medications, as well as some of the new biologic response modifiers. None of them worked, and most of them increased the pain and swelling in my joints. I've been in a flare-up since early January and it is affecting nearly all of my joints. The only thing that seems to help any at all right now is prednisone but I've been on that before and really don't want to take it. Is there any herb that works like prednisone? Thanks for any help you can offer.
ANSWER: Hi Bernice,
RA usually occurs in people under forty. Oh, that Prednisone, please be careful. I don't know of any herb that works like it. Most herbs don't mask your symptoms.
ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Boron---3 mg daily. Do not exceed this amount.---A trace mineral required for healthy bones.
Bromelain---As directed on label, 3 times with meals---An enzyme that helps to stimulate the production of prostaglandins. Also helps in the digestion of proteins.
Glucosamine sulfate---As directed on label. Important in the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial (joint) fluid.
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)---500-1,000 mg daily.---Especially for rheumatoid arthritis; vital for the production of steroids in the adrenal gland.
Primrose oil or Salmon oil---As directed on label. Take before meals.---To supply essential fatty acids that increase the productivity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
HERBS
Alfalfa contains all the minerals essential for bone formation.
Cayenne pepper relieves pain. Can be taken in salve or capsule form.
Eat more sulphur-containing foods. Asparagus, eggs, garlic, and onions. Consume foods that contain the amino acid histadine. Rice, wheat and rye. Histadine ifs good for removing excess metals from the body.
Eat fresh pineapple frequently. Bromelain is found in them.
Eat fiber and reduce fat in your diet.
Avoid nightshade vegetables. Peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, white potatoes. Solanine interferes with enzymes in the muscles.
Consider a hair analysis. You could have excess metals in your system causing the RA symptoms.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Dennis
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks so much for your quick response! I will try what you have suggested. I'm happy that you addressed diet, also, as I had forgotten to mention it. I have noticed that soy and yeast create extreme problems for me so I have eliminated a lot of things from my diet but had not eliminated nightshade plants. In the past 24 hours, I've had some serious muscular pain, mostly across my shoulders, up the back of my neck into the back of my head and now muscles in the front of my neck. The rheumatologist said fibromyalgia is a pre-cursor to RA and it appears to have come back into my life. I used to use magnesium to ease the fibromyalgia pain. Is that ok to use now? Or should it be avoided? (I will attempt to have a hair analysis done...excellent point!!) Thanks so much for your help!
Answer Hi Bernice,
Glad to see that you're taking the necessary steps. Yes, you can take up to 1,000 mg of Magnesium daily.
I've been waking up with severe elbow pain which I tend to blame on all my time at the word processor. I started drinking a cup of 1/2 teaspoon of ginger mixed with a tablespoon of honey. I let it steep in boiling water till it cools enough to drink it. I do this morning and night. My elbows are decidedly improved. It's an old arthritis remedy that seems to be working with me.
