Arthritis Bursitis
Arthritis Bursitis
Welcome to Part 4 in the series of Ayurveda and the botanicals that are used in this 5,000 year-old medical science. In this edition we focus on Ginger, the herb that Ayurveda calls “The Univerisal Medicine”, and one that has perhaps the oldest tradition in the West of any botanical. Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) has a long history in both China and India for its medicinal properties, in both the fresh and dried root forms. Known popularly as a garnish in western culture, the health promoting properties of this root are vast, so let’s explore them in more detail.
Ginger is an herb that grows year-round and has irregularly shaped underground roots that are shiny and juicy when cut. It is this root that has the characteristic aroma and has the medicinal properties in the fresh and dried forms. In fact, Ginger has uses for so many illnesses that it is best to break the benefits down to the actions on individual organ systems.
Starting with the Digestive System, Ginger has been known to stimulate digestion and improve the tone of the intestinal tract, which can ease the process of digestion itself and lead to less overall irritation. Additionally, Ginger may be a protective agent for the stomach against the damage caused by both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alcohol. These findings indicate ginger can have a role in the prevention of gastric ulcers as well.
Ginger preparations are very user-friendly. Shredded fresh Ginger is frequently mixed with lemon juice and honey in Ayurvedic Medicine to reduce both nausea and vomiting, though the exact mechanisms behind these actions are not clear. Indigestion and biliary colic are other illnesses where Ginger has benefits.
The Musculoskeletal System uses for ginger are strongly focused on its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is known to inhibit the production of cytokines, which are chemicals that modulate the immune response and promote inflammation. Therefore, Ginger is used to treat disorders such as Arthritis, Bursitis other pain syndromes where inflammation is a culprit. Ginger has also been known to enhance circulation, thereby improving its efficacy for treating pain disorders. These characteristics of ginger, along with its relatively few side effects compared to pharmaceutical medications such as NSAIDS, give the root a niche in treating inflammation and pain.
Within Ayurvedic Medicine there is a belief that the body accumulates toxins which then lead to infection. The term in Ayurveda for these toxins is ‘ama’, and ama must be ‘digested’ by the immune system to rid the body of dis-ease. Ginger is used in this role of digesting infectious agents and has been effective in treating Sinusitis, Bronchitis and Allergic Rhinitis for thousands of years. These disease processes are similar in that the accumulation of bodily secretions causes symptoms. This is where the use of dried or fresh ginger in herbal teas can provide a defense against respiratory problems. Also, when taken during the course of viral illnesses such as Influenza, herbal teas with Ginger can induce sweating and fever reduction.
Further uses for Ginger in Ayurvedic Medicine are numerous and ancient vedic texts document Ginger having aphrodisiac properties. Pain relief from menstruation, irregular menses, treatment of impotence are other documented uses. Ginger has also been used externally to treat headaches, muscle and toothaches. The list is even longer and I am sure you are beginning to understand why Ayurveda calls this root “The Universal Medicine.”
Ginger, unlike Amalaki and Turmeric detailed in past articles, is readily available in many forms in the United States. Many Ayurvedic websites exist where Ginger can be ordered, and it is common to find fresh ginger root in grocery stores across the West. Remember, though, the real key to using these botanicals in Ayurveda is finding a synergistic combination where the potency of one herb or fruit can enhance the actions of the others. Look for combinations where Ginger is used with other Ayurvedic herbs and you can maximize your health benefits from every botanical.
The next installment in the series will look at an herb also known as “Holy Basil”, and why it has an honored place within Ayurveda.
For more information about Ayurveda and its synergistic products being introduced to the West, follow the link below. Thanks for reading!
To Your Health And Longevity,
Dr. Kevin Rosi
I messed up on my question, I meant to ask bursitis instead or rheumatism,?
So what is the difference for a doctor to say you have bursitis{hopefully spelling right} then to say rhuematism or arthritis?
Okay, I am glad I asked about rheumatism anyway, I have learned alot on both questions. Thanks.
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, a small sac of fluid that cushions and lubricates an area where joint-related tissues—including bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, or skin—rub against one another. Bursae (plural of bursa) are located throughout the body, in and on joints and other places that are at risk of rubbing or pressure. Bursitis can occur anywhere in the body where there is a bursa when inflammation causes the bursa to swell with fluid. The condition is often painful.
Bursitis can affect anyone, but those who perform repetitive tasks in their jobs, sports, or daily activities are at greater risk. It’s likely that some of your daily activities, such as tool use, gardening, cooking, cleaning, and keyboarding, require repetitive movement. Also, continuous pressure or stress on a joint or a certain spot increases your risk of developing bursitis. For example, carpet layers, roofers, or gardeners who work on their knees all day can develop bursitis over the kneecap, and people who sit for long periods on hard surfaces can have bursitis over their seat bones.
What are common causes of bursitis?
Bursitis is caused by overuse and repeated movements, a sudden injury (often mild), long periods of pressure on an area, or aging and gradual degeneration of the bursa. Bursitis can also be caused by systemic conditions such as arthritis, infection (septic bursitis), or trauma (traumatic bursitis).
What are the symptoms?
Bursitis typically causes a dull pain, tenderness, and stiffness near the affected bursa. Bursitis inflammation can also make the bursa swell and cause the skin around it to appear red and feel warm to the touch.
The joint areas most commonly affected by bursitis are the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Bursitis may also occur near the Achilles tendon or in the foot.
Symptoms of bursitis may be similar to those of tendinopathy, because both occur in the tissues in and around the joints.
How is bursitis diagnosed?
Your joint-area symptoms probably can be diagnosed with a review of your medical history and recent activities and a physical exam.
If bursitis persists or worsens despite treatment, your health professional may draw fluid from the bursa through a needle (aspiration) and test it for infection or inflammation.
How is it treated?
Bursitis can often be treated at home. Treatment usually includes resting the painful area, applying ice, taking pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]), and doing gentle exercises and stretching to prevent stiffness. These steps typically reduce pain and tenderness and allow the bursa to heal. Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles around your joints.
Severe or long-lasting bursitis is sometimes treated by removing excess fluid from a swollen bursa with a needle and syringe (aspiration), applying a pressure bandage to the area, or both. If the fluid shows signs of bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment is necessary. Bursitis may also be treated with an injection of corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation and, occasionally, with surgery to drain or remove the bursa.
Are tendonitis and bursitis considered arthritis?
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