Relief from Arthritis using natural herbs

Any of the following can be taken as a capsule or in a tea... in tea, the rule of thumb is a teaspoon of herb per cup of boiling water, steeped in a covered cup for 5 to 15 minutes.

The more scent to the herb, the shorter the steeping time need be. (Think of it that the stronger scented herbs have more volatile essential oil)

Black Cohosh - Traditionally in a tea, not one of your better tasting herbs, available now in capsules. 

Black Mustard - In a poultice, 3oz freshly ground mustard seeds with fairly hot water (113 degrees F max), to form a thick paste. Place on a piece of cloth the size of the painful body area. Apply the cloth, remove after a minute. Dampened gauze over the skin will prevent the mustard mixture from sticking. If skin is reddened, apply a dab of olive oil after poultice is used.

Burdock - one ounce per cup of boiling water, infused for 15 minutes. 

Comfrey - Tea, 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the root, steep 10 minutes. 

Dandelion - Tea, 1 to 2 teaspoons shredded root (or mix of root and leaves) in a cup of cold water. Heat and boil one minute. Let stand 8 hours. Drink two ounce installments throughout the day, up to 2 cups a day, for 3 to 6 weeks. 

Devils Claw - extract was traditionally used, now commercially available preparations can be found at health food stores. 

Horseradish - fresh ground, very strong flavored but very much an internal cleanser (and will clear your sinuses also!). 

Juniper - Tea, 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon lightly crushed berries. Let stand covered for 20 minutes. Take a cup in the morning and in the evening for 4 to 6 weeks. 

Lavender - Liniment, pour one pint rubbing alcohol over 2 oz blossoms. Let stand tightly sealed for at least one week in a bright warm place. Shake often during this period. Strain and use liniment to rub painful areas. 

Licorice Root - Tea, 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the root, let stand covered 10 minutes. 

Rosemary - Liniment, pour one pint rubbing alcohol over 2 oz leaves. Let stand tightly sealed for at least one week in a bright warm place. Shake often during this period. Strain and use liniment to rub painful areas. 

Stinging Nettle - Tea, 1 to 2 teaspoons dried leaves, 1 cup boiling water, let stand 15 minutes. Take one cup twice a day for 4 to 6 weeks. Note: the greens can be eaten like spinach in the spring, very healthful, and the water used to boil the greens can be used as tea. 

White Willow - Tea - 1 tsp shredded bark in one cup cold water, heat and boil for 2 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes. Take one cup twice daily. 

Yucca - capsules are available commercially