A Herbal Alternative - Herbal Formulations

BONE AND JOINT FORMULA

Arthritis is a term literally meaning "inflammation of the joint". There are over 120 forms of arthritis. Many of these forms are triggered by infections in the joints. For example Lyme disease, a form of arthritis, is created by a bacteria carried by ticks. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, is triggered by a form of Chlamydia bacteria. When cartilage between bone ends deteriorate the ends of the bone rub together leading to pain and inflammation. This form of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. Gouty arthritis, commonly called gout, occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints. The crystals are sharp and easily irritate the tissues. Uric acid is produced during the breakdown of proteins, and is found in meats. Beer is high in purines, which raise uric acid levels, and all alcohols inhibit the excretion of uric acid.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders occur when the adrenal glands become weakened through stimulants, stress, steroid based drugs, etc. This in turn results in immune depression and an overproduction of non-specific antibodies, known as low affinity antibodies or autoantibodies. Unlike the normal high affinity antibodies, low affinity antibodies cannot differentiate between dangerous foreign substances, pathogens, diseased tissues, and healthy tissue. Because autoantibodies are non-specific they can inadvertently attach to healthy tissue targeting it for destruction by white blood cells. Viral and bacterial infections have been associated with triggering many autoimmune disorders.

Bone is a complex mixture of substances including a protein, called collagen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, strontium, boron, and vitamin K. Collagen is composed primarily of silica, sulfur, vitamin C, and the amino acids proline and lysine. Collagen gives flexibility to bones to help reduce fracturing under force, and provides the majority of bone's strength. As the collagen is mineralized, the bones become stiffer, and stronger allowing more force to be applied to them.

Cartilage is made up primarily of collagen, sugar proteins, sulfur, and manganese. Because of the lack of minerals in cartilage, it is more flexible than bone. The flexibility of cartilage makes it an excellent secondary shock absorber for the bones.

Drinking plenty of water is very important when treating arthritis to prevent dehydration of the joints, and to assist in the removal of toxins, such as uric acid. Spring water is recommended since distilled and reverse osmosis waters leach vitamins and minerals from the body. If distilled or reverse osmosis water is going to be used, add some minerals back to the water first so the water is saturated with minerals to prevent leaching of vitamins and minerals from the body. Diuretics, such as caffeine, promote dehydration and should be avoided.

Maintaining healthy intestinal flora can also benefit your bones. Among their various jobs the intestinal flora produce vitamin K which is important for bone strength and formation.

Proteins block absorption of some minerals, such as calcium. Phosphates, found in beef and cola-type soft drinks, displace calcium from the body. Carbonic acid; from carbonated drinks, sugars, salt, and caffeine all demineralize bone tissue as well.

Cow's milk should be avoided. Contrary to popular belief, milk does not build bones, in fact it can break down bones several ways. The high protein content of milk blocks the absorption of calcium from milk. Phosphorus and sugar found in milk further demineralize bone. Sugars in milk lead to acid formation further demineralizing bone.

Antacids and acid blockers should be avoided as well if you want healthy bones. Calcium must react with an acid before it can be absorbed properly. Acid levels in the stomach naturally decline with age, which decreases the body's ability to absorb calcium. Antacids block the absorption of calcium by further reducing stomach acidity. Antacids and acid blockers also aggravate or create certain forms of arthritis by allowing undigested proteins to enter the bloodstream where they trigger inflammatory immune reactions.

The use of painkillers should be limited to facilitate healing. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), kill an estimated 20,000 people each year, primarily from chemically induced hepatitis, kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes. NSAIDs work by inhibiting hormones known as prostaglandins which increase blood flow to injury sites to speed healing. This increased blood flow though also creates inflammation and pain through leakage by dilated blood vessels. NSAIDs reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandins, but they also reduce oxygen and nutrient levels to the tissues that need them the most. This makes it much harder for the body to heal. Even though NSAIDs are effective in reducing inflammation, steroidal drugs can damage the thymus and adrenal glands. This leads to immune dysfunction and can make a treatable condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition.

INGREDIENTS:

Bone meal- Provides protein and all essential vitamin and minerals for proper bone growth.

Calcium malate- An acidified form of calcium for improved absorption. Malic acid aids in the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the fuel for proper cellular metabolism.

Gelatin- Dried and ground bone protein for building bone and cartilage.

Silica- Strengthens bones, cartilage, and other connective tissues through the formation of collagen and elastin. Enhances the absorption of calcium.

Magnesium Malate- Provides magnesium, essential for bone strength and ATP formation. Malic acid aids in the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the fuel for proper cellular metabolism.

Nettle leaf- Rich source of minerals, especially calcium and silica. Also an excellent source of vitamin C to improve calcium absorption, improve immune function, prevent free radical damage, and build collagen. The vitamin K in nettle strengthens bones. Nettle is anti-inflammatory and supports proper adrenal function. Nettle removes uric acid and supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora.

Oatgrass- Provides silica and vitamin C for collagen and elastin formation. Provides B vitamins, and vitamin C to support proper immune function. Also provides calcium magnesium, and manganese. As a phytoestrogen source oatgrass helps to prevent bone loss. Supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora.

Turmeric- Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Alfalfa- Vitamins supplied by this plant include C,D, and K for strong bones. Vitamin C, and B vitamins support proper immune function. Alfalfa is also an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, manganese, boron, sulfur, silica, strontium, zinc, as well as other minerals and trace minerals which are required for the growth and strength of bones and cartilage. Alfalfa reduces the level of acids in the blood, and supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora. Richest herbal source of phytoestrogens to prevent bone loss.

Kelp- Contains the same vitamins and minerals found in alfalfa. Supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora. Source of phytoestrogens to prevent bone loss.
Amla- Richest herbal source of vitamin C. Source of several antioxidants. Stimulates production of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune stimulating enzyme superoxide dismutase (S.O.D).

Chaparral- Kills viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Reduces pain, supports immune function by strengthening the adrenals, and helps build tissues. Chaparral is the strongest antioxidant known, being several hundred times more powerful than pycnogenols. And unlike pycnogenols (Procyanidins), chaparral works in both the water and lipid portions of cells.
Black walnut hulls- Provides manganese for cartilage formation and health. Strong antiseptic due to high iodine content.

Vitex (chaste tree berry)- Stimulates the pituitary to raise progesterone levels.

Progesteronestimulates bone growth. This hormone also converts to estrogen which prevents bone loss.

Wild yam- Provides building blocks for progesterone. Anti-inflammatory.

Licorice root- Powerful anti-inflammatory, strengthens adrenal glands, antiviral, antibacterial. Supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora. Source of phytoestrogens to prevent bone loss.

Dipsacus Root- Promotes circulation. Strengthens bones and tendons.

Vitamin C crystals- Helps build collagen and supports adrenal function. Improves mineral absorption. Antioxidant.

Boneset- Stimulates bone growth.

Yucca- Powerful anti-inflammatory, assists in absorption of nutrients, and kills pathogens. Supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora.

Stevia- Antibiotic, reduces sugars in the system which displace calcium.

Sulfur- Important component of bone and cartilage, detoxifying, antioxidant.

Boron- Stimulates the parathyroid gland which plays a role in the mineralization of bones. Prevents bone loss in post-menopausal women not taking estrogen replacement therapy.

Recommended use is 1/2 teaspoon of the powder 3 times daily on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes before meals. The powder can be mixed in juice, water, or unsweetened applesauce, or may be placed under the tongue and washed down with water.

Vegetarian Bone & Joint

INGREDIENTS:

Barley Grass- Supplies vitamins, minerals and trace minerals needed for the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Detoxifies the body and provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Helps reduce blood sugar.

Calcium malate- An acidified form of calcium for improved absorption. Malic acid aids in the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the fuel for proper cellular metabolism.

Burdock root- Rich in minerals and trace minerals for bone, cartilage, tendon and ligament formation. Blood cleanser, and removes acids from the blood.

Silica- Strengthens bones, cartilage, and other connective tissues through the formation of collagen and elastin. Enhances the absorption of calcium.

Dandelion root- Rich in minerals and trace minerals for bone, cartilage, tendon and ligament formation. Blood cleanser, and removes acids from the blood.

Turmeric- Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Kelp- Contains the same vitamins and minerals found in alfalfa. Supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora. Source of phytoestrogens to prevent bone loss.

Amla- Richest herbal source of vitamin C. Source of several antioxidants. Stimulates production of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune stimulating enzyme superoxide dismutase (S.O.D).

Black walnut hulls- Provides manganese for cartilage formation and health. Strong antiseptic due to high iodine content.

Vitex (chaste tree berry)- Stimulates the pituitary to raise progesterone levels. Progesterone stimulates bone growth. This hormone also converts to estrogen which prevents bone loss.

Wild yam- Provides building blocks for progesterone. Anti-inflammatory.

Licorice root- Powerful anti-inflammatory, strengthens adrenal glands, antiviral, antibacterial. Supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora. Source of phytoestrogens to prevent bone loss.

Dipsacus Root- Promotes circulation. Strengthens bones and tendons.

Vitamin C crystals- Helps build collagen and supports adrenal function. Improves mineral absorption. Antioxidant.

Boneset- Stimulates bone growth.

Yucca- Powerful anti-inflammatory, assists in absorption of nutrients, and kills pathogens. Supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora.

Stevia- Antibiotic, reduces sugars in the system which displace calcium.

Sulfur- Important component of bone and cartilage, detoxifying, antioxidant.

Boron- Stimulates the parathyroid gland which plays a role in the mineralization of bones. Prevents bone loss in post-menopausal women not taking estrogen replacement therapy.