Hip Flexor Stretch

If your hips aren't hoppin' the way they used to, try this hip flexor stretch to loosen them up.

• Lie on your back with your knees bent, with both feet flat on the floor about shoulder-width apart.


• Bring your right knee toward your chest, pulling the upper leg back with your hands in the crook of your leg behind the knee.
  
• The small of your back should be pressed against the floor. Without arching your back, slowly extend your left leg along the floor.


• Hold for 5-10 seconds. Slowly return both legs to starting position.
  
• Repeat with the other leg.

Depression and Other Chronic Conditions

If you suffer from arthritis, you are at risk for depression as well. A World Health Organization (WHO) survey compared depression and overall health, and with four other chronic diseases:

• Angina


• Arthritis


• Asthma
  
• Diabetes

This study, published in "Lancet," incorporated 240,000 people from over 60 countries around the world. Health scores were given to people without the above chronic conditions as well as those with. People answered questions on their ability to function daily activities, movement and memory, sleep, energy and interpersonal activities. Results ranged from 1 to 100.

• People WITHOUT chronic conditions averaged a score of about 90.
  
• People WITH chronic conditions dropped a full 10 points, to an average score of 80.

The possibility of further depression in patients with chronic diseases is high:

• angina - 15%


• arthritis - 11%


• asthma - 18%


• diabetes - 9%

Depression often goes hand in hand with chronic health problems. This study measured the impact of depression .

Clover Pain Relief Tea

Last week I gave you a recipe for “Pain Relief Tea” that is used during painful arthritis flare-ups. Now I am going to give you a great tea recipe that is used as a preventative. Starting your day with a cup of clover tea might just ward off flare-ups altogether.

To make this tea, combine 1 teaspoon of crushed red clover blossom and 1 teaspoon dried alfalfa leaves. Add to 1 cup of boiling water and steep, covered, for 5 minutes. Strain the herbs before drinking.

Red Clover is an amazing herb. Red clover is considered one of the best herbs to purify the blood. Red Clover is used to support the lymphatic system and support immune system function. Red clover is also known as a blood purifier. Red clover helps with muscle relaxation and provides a mild sedative effect that can relax and relieve muscle cramping and nervousness.

Like Red Clover, Alfalfa is also a folk remedy for arthritis. Alfalfa also purifies the blood and supports the immune system. Additionally, Alfalfa tea is rich in nutritive minerals. Enjoying a daily spot of tea using these herbs can do wonders for your achy joints and your overall health.

Remeber also to use your formulated arthritis supplements and Opti-MSM alongside these arthritis home remedy tips.

Arthritis Pain Relief w/out the Side Effects

Arthritis can cause debilitating pain and limit your activities. Sometimes the "cure" is no better than the condition.

Here are a few natural arthritis pain relief options:
•Herbal supplements
•Magnet Therapy
•Acupuncture
•Ayurveda

Canine Arthritis

Yes, dogs get arthritis too. It is estimated that over 10 million dogs have been diagnosed and 31% of owners state that it is an a real problem for their pets. Canine arthritis is most common in older and large breed dogs since they will put more weight on their joints than the smaller pets.

Pain and discomfort is the same for pets as it is for humans, cartiliage breaks down around the joint in them as it does in us humans. The same medication glucosamine and chrondroitin work for pets as well as humans in relieving pain. MSM also works beautifully for dogs with arthritis. There are an assortment of pet foods that already include these supplements for the older pet.

Remember that your pet cannot speak to you about what ails him, so keep an eye on your pet, recognize the signs of pain and find a safe canine arthritis treatment for your achy pooch.

Pain Relief Tea for Arthritis Flair-Ups

Use this calming and pain relieving during painful flare-ups. Drink two or three cups daily until the flare-up subsides.

To make this tea, combine 1 teaspoon each of black cohosh, devil’s claw, passion flower and ginger. Add to 4 cups of boiling water and steep, covered, for 20 minutes. Strain the herbs before drinking.

To understand why this tea works so well, let’s take a look at each ingredient;

Black cohosh contains aspirin-like substances as well as other anti- inflammatory constituents.

Ginger is used for arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory effects. Many people drink ginger tea for osteoarthritis.

The primary use for devil's claw is for conditions that cause inflammation and pain including back pain, neck pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and tendinitis.

Passionflower is a general nerve tonic with a calming influence. This herb has also shown ability to lesson pain.

Remeber also to use your formulated arthritis supplements and Opti-MSM alongside these arthritis home remedy tips.

Arthritis Pain Relief Tips

There are many different ways to decrease your chances of suffering from arthritis pain:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce wear and tear on weight bearing joints.
• Regular exercise program will help strengthen muscles around joints.
• Don't over exert yourself in work or exercise as this may be harmful to your joints.
• Avoid repetitive movements to prevent problems later on when you age.
• Eat healthy and drink plenty of water to avoid early onset of arthritis.

Once you have started to feel the effects of arthritis you will need to manage it:

• Regular exercise- if you have no program it is important that you start now.
• See your physician- he can help you with medication to manage your pain.
• Herbal supplements - you may be able to avoid the risks with other medications you currently take.
• Be informed about alternative medicines such as; magnet therapy, acupuncture, ayurveda as they do not work for everybody.

Remember that it is important to research and learn as much as possible about all the arthritis remedies available to you. Then you can make an informed decision on treating your arthritis.