< previous page page_59 next page >

Page 59
as one gets older," she wrote. "Make each cup last a whole day, taking little sips at regular intervals."
In addition to taking horsetail tea or capsules, traditional Europem arthritis treatments include horsetail baths. To make your own, simply brew a strong horsetail tea by covering 1/4 cup dried horsetail with I quart boiling water in a glass jar, cover and let stand for half an hour. Stram into bath water.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Meadowsweet blossoms are used in many arthritis tea blends because of their antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory influence. In addition, the plant is a natural antacid that aids digestion, treats gastritis and peptic ulcers and increases the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients.
Meadowsweet's almond-scented flowers were used in the Middle Ages as a strewing herb. Walking on the plant released its fragrance and freshened the air. Meadowsweet contains salacin, a natural form of the key ingredient in aspirin. According to William Keller, PhD., "Once the salicin from meadowsweet is in the stomach, it breaks down to create salicylic acid, and basically that's what happens when you take an aspirin. It definitely has an analgesic effect."
Meadowsweet is often combined with white willow bark in equal proportions for improved performance. It combines well with other herbs and can be taken as tea or tincture or in capsules.

 
< previous page page_59 next page >

If you like this book, buy it!