Part 1 – The First Two Weeks

This post will be the first of three that outline how you can greatly improve your problems with gout.  The program is in 2-week segements and we will cover the first two weeks in this post.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the concentrated essences of flowers, fruits, herbs, and plants, and have been proven to be extremely potent when used medicinally.

For hundreds of years, all around the world, essential oils and aromatherapy have been used successfully in the treatment of many adverse conditions, and gout pain relief is one of them.

What Oils Will We Use?

The essential oils we’ll be using during the first two weeks are Fennel, Cypress, and Juniper, and are great for treating gout.

Here is a brief explanation of what each of the oils does:

Fennel

Fennel has a long list of properties that benefit the health.  The properties that help with gout are as follows:

• Anti-inflammatory – reduces swelling and inflammation.
• Depurative – a detoxification alterative which purifies the blood. Most alteratives also promote cleaning action of the spleen, liver, kidneys, and bowels.  Alteratives typically produce a gradual, beneficial change in the body, and restore the body to normal functioning.
• Diuretic – aids in the elimination of toxins in the body by increasing urine flow. This helps flush the uric acid and monosodium urate crystals out of your system.
• Stimulant – induces temporary improvements in physial function. For example, a stimulant  can promote enhanced alertness, wakefulness, and locomotion.
• Tonic – helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs.

Cypress

Cypress has the following properties:

• Anti-inflammatory – reduces swelling and inflammation
• Anti-rheumatic – prevents and/or relieves chronic rheumatic pain and swelling. Gout has been associated with rheumatic arthritis and is often called “gouty arthritis.”
• Diuretic – aids in the elimination of toxins in the body by increasing urine flow. This helps flush the uric acid and monosodium urate crystals out of your system.
• Tonic – helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs.

Juniper

Juniper essential oil promotes elimination of uric acid, and helps cleanse the blood.  It’s properties are:

• Anti-inflammatory – reduces swelling and inflammation
• Anti rheumatic – prevents and/or relieves chronic rheumatic pain and swelling. Gout has been associated with rheumatic arthritis and is often called “gouty arthritis.”
• Diuretic – aids in the elimination of toxins in the body by increasing urine flow. This helps flush the uric acid and monosodium urate crystals out of your system.
• Tonic- helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs.

These are the three essential oils we will be using during the first two weeks.

The First Two Weeks

The focus for the first two weeks is detoxifying your body and flushing out the excess uric acid and monosodium urate crystals which are responsible for your gout pain.

These are the steps:

1.  The first thing you must do is eliminate the foods from your diet that are prone to bring on an attack of gout.  These include:

• Alcohol, especially beer
• Caffein drinks
• Chocolate
• Red meat
• Pork
• Lamb
• Processed meats, such as bacon and hot dogs
• Shellfish/seafood
• Anything made with yeast, such as bread

2.  It’s always wise, if you are subject to gout attacks, to drink adequate amounts of water each day.  This helps flush the uric acid from your system and may prevent a gout attack.  So, make sure you drink a lot of water each day.  It’s really not that hard.  If you ask yourself, “Can I drink 1/2 a cup of water every hour of the day?”, the answer will be “Yes, I can do that.”

3.  Take the following vitamins, in additional to a Multi-Vitamin Supplement:

• 1,000 mg of Vitamin C
• 250 mg of Vitamin E
• B-Complex Supplement
• Beta-Carotene
• Fish Oil Capsules.

4. Make a blend of the three essential oils as follows:

• Fennel…..30 drops
• Cypress..16 drops
• Juniper…10 drops

You can usually buy a small, brown glass bottle that has a dropper, or a plug like the one in the essential oil bottle,from the pharmacist.  If you can’t find one, you should be able to find one of those empty plastic bottles that people buy to put shampoo in when they travel.  They usually have a plug in the top that would allow you to dispense the essential oil blend drop by drop.  If you do use the plastic bottle, keep it wrapped in a dark cloth or bag so it doesn’t get exposed to the sun.

5.  Each day take a warm bath to which you’ve added one cup of Epsom Salts, and four (4) drops of your essential oil blend.

Follow this routine for the full two weeks.  The next post will have the steps for the second two weeks.

I have put together a list with the items you will need for the first two weeks from amazon.com.  I have found their prices to be better than those at a health food store.  Click Essential Oils For Weeks 1 & 2 to purchase the items.  You have the option of purchasing them individually so, if you already have some, it is not necessary to buy them again!

If you have any questions at all about this method of treating gout, please leave a message below. . . .I would love to hear from you.

Treating Gout with Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, Part 1 is a post from: Gout Cures Now

A six-week program for treating gout suffering using diet, essential oils and aromatherapy

This post will be the second of three that outline how you can greatly improve your problems with gout. The program is in 2-week segments and we will cover the second two weeks in this post.  If you missed the first two weeks, you will find them here: Treating Gout with Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Part One.

A Recap – What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the concentrated essences of flowers, fruits, herbs, and plants, and have been proven to be extremely potent when used medicinally.
For hundreds of years, all around the world, essential oils and aromatherapy have been used successfully in the treatment of many adverse conditions, and gout pain relief is one of them.  Gout and aromatherapy have been companions for many years.

The essential oils we will be using during the second two weeks are Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Lemon Eucalyptus, and Peppermint, all of which are very helpful in treating gout.
photo credit: Juan Barrio

Here is a brief explanation of what each of these oils does:

Lavender

Lavender is my favorite essential oil.  It’s fantastic for stress relief.  Just take a sniff from the bottle and instantly relax.  It’s the only essential oil you can put undiluted directly on your skin.  Here are the properties that help with gout:

• Analgesic – helps deaden pain
• Antidepressant – reduces or prevents depression
• Anti-inflammatory – reduces swelling and inflammation
• Antirheumatic – prevents and/or relieves rheumatic pain and swelling.  Remember, gout is a form of arthritis called “gouty arthritis.”
• Antinfectious – helps detoxify the body
• Tonic – helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs

Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile has the follow qualities:

• Antispasmodic – relief from spasms and cramps
• Analgesic – helps deaden pain
• Anti-inflammatory – reduces swelling and inflammation
• Tonic – helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs

Lemon Eucalyptus

This delightful, lemon scented essential oil aids gout in the following ways:

• Antimicrobial – aids the body in strengthening resistance to infective organisms
• Antiseptic – fights germs/infections
• Anti-inflammatory – reduces swelling and inflammation
• Bactericidal – destroys bacteria

Peppermint

This essential oil is amazing for all the things it can help with in treating gout.  And, it smells just wonderful!  Put 8 drops in 2 cups of water in a sprayer and use it to refresh your home!

Here are the benefits for gout:

• Analgesic – helps deaden pain
• Anti-inflammatory – reduces swelling and inflammation
• Antiseptic – fights germs/infections
• Antispasmodic – relief from spasms and cramps
• Tonic – helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs
• Febrifuge – reduces fever
• Immune Stimulant – stimulates the circulatory system
• Protects the Liver

We will also be using Sweet Almond Oil and Jojoba Oil as the carrier oils for massaging.

Sweet Almond Oil is made from the kernel and contains glucosides, minerals, and vitamins, and is rich in protein.  It relieves soreness and inflammation.

Jojoba Oil is really a wax and never becomes rancid.  It contains protein, minerals, and a substance that mimics collagen.  It is excellent on inflammed skins and is very penetrative, so it gets the essential oils to the joint quickly.

The Second Two Weeks, What to Do:

The first step is to continue to follow the diet outlined in Part 1.  Here is a recap:

1.  Eliminate these foodsd from your diet because they can bring on an attack of gout:

• Alcohol, especially beer because it contains YEAST
• Caffein drinks
• Chocolate
• Red Meat
• Port
• Lamb
• Processed meats, such as bacon and hot dogs
• Shellfish/seafood
• Anything made with yeast, such as bread

2.  If you are subject to gout attacks (even if you’re not!) drink adequate amounts of water each day.  This helps flush the uric acid from your system.

3.  Take the following vitamins in addition to a Multi-Vitamin Supplement:

• 1,000 mg of Vitamin C
• 250 mg of Vitamin E
• B-Complex Supplement
• Beta-Carotene
• Fish Oil Capsules

Here’s the treatment plan for this two weeks:

4.  Make a blend of the three essential oils as follows.  Put the blend in a separate bottle and keep it in a dark place:

• Lavender………………10 drops
• Lemon Eucalyptus….30 drops
• Roman Chamomile….16 drops

5.  Each day take a warm bath to which you’ve added one cup of Epsom Salts and four (4) drops of your Essential Oil Blend.

6.  Massage your whole body each morning and evening with the following Essential Oils mixed with 2 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil and 2 teaspoons Jojoba Oil:

• Roman Chamomile…………..8 drops
• Lavender………………………10 drops
• Peppermint…………………….2 drops
• Lemon Eucalyptus…………..8 drops

Follow this plan for the next two weeks.  In the next post I will give you the steps and oils for the third, and final, two weeks, and  a Maintenance Plan.

I have put together a list with the items you will need for the second two weeks from amazon.com.  I have found that their prices are better than at a Health Food Store. Click Essential Oils for Weeks 3 & 4 to purchase these items.  As before, you have the option of purchasing them individually so, if you already have some, it is not necessary to buy them again!

As always, if you have any questions about this method of treating gout, please leave a comment below with your thoughts and how you are doing treating your gout with Essential Oils and Aromatherapy.

Treating Gout with Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, Part 2 is a post from: Gout Cures Now

A six-week program for treating gout using diet, essential oils, and aromatherapy

This post will be the third of three that outlines how you can greatly improve your problems with gout. The program is in 2-week segments and we will cover the third two weeks in this post. If you missed the first two parts, you will find them here: Treating Gout with Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Part 1 and Treating Gout with Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Part 2.

A Recap – What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the concentrated essences of flowers, fruits, herbs, and plants, and have been proven to be extremely potent when used medicinally, and is one of the holistic remedies for gout.

For hundreds of years, all around the world, essential oils and aromatherapy have been used successfully in the treatment of many adverse conditions, and gout pain relief is one of them. Gout and aromatherapy have been companions for many years.

photo credit: Ozchin

The essential oils we will be using during the third two weeks are Lavender, Ginger, Rosemary, and Geranium, all of which are very helpful in treating gout.

Here is a brief explanation of what each of these oils does:

Lavender

Lavender is my favorite essential oil. It’s fantastic for stress relief. Just take a sniff from the bottle and instantly relax. It’s the only essential oil you can put undiluted directly on your skin. Here are the properties that help with gout:

• Analgesic – helps deaden pain
• Antidepressant – reduces or prevents depression
• Anti-inflammatory – reduces swelling and inflammation
• Antirheumatic – prevents and/or relieves rheumatic pain and swelling. Remember, gout is a form of arthritis called “gouty arthritis.”
• Antinfectious – helps detoxify the body
• Tonic – helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs

Ginger

Gout, or any form of rheumatism or arthritis,  can be worse in damp weather.  Ginger has warming properties that add a spicy, warming, soothing sensation that is so necessary during cold and damp weather, and also stimulates the circulation in the areas where this is needed.

Here are the features of Ginger that can help with gout:

• Analgesic - numbs pain, which helps during a gout attack;
• Anti-inflammatory - alleviates swelling and inflammation through circulatory action, and offers gout pain relief;
• Antiseptic - fights germs and infections;
• Antispasmodic - relieves spasms and cramps and benefits relaxation and calmness;
• Tonic - helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs;
• Diaphoretic - promotes perspiration, helping skin eliminate waste;
• Warming.

Rosemary

Rosemary creates circulation and warmth,  soothing sore muscles,  aches and pains.

Here are the ways Rosemary can help you in treating gout:

• Analgesic – numbs pain, which helps during a gout attack;
• Anti-inflammatory – alleviates swelling and inflammation through circulatory action, and offers gout pain relief;
• Anti rheumatic – prevents and/or relieves rheumatic pain and swelling. Gout has been associated with rheumatic arthritis and is often called “gouty arthritis”;
• Antiseptic – fights germs and infections;
• Restorative, Tonic – helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs;
• Stimulant – induces temporary improvements in physical function.  For example, a stimulant can promote enhanced alertness, wakefulness, and locomotion.

I always find that putting a couple of drops of Rosemary in my shampoo makes my hair stronger.  This doesn’t have anything to do with gout, but I’m passing it along for the ladies!

Geranium

Geranium is a lovely essential oil that has the following properties to help with gout pain, and to prevent a gout attack:

• Antidepressant – aids in alleviating and preventing depression;
• Antiseptic – fights germs and infections;
• Anti-inflammatory – alleviates swelling and inflammation through circulatory action, and offers gout pain relief;
• Antispasmodic – relieves spasms and cramps and benefits relaxation and calmness;
• Bactericidal – destructive to bacteria;
• Diuretic – aids in the elimination of toxins in the body by increasing urine flow.  This helps flush the uric acid and monosodium urate crystals out of your system;
• Cicatrisant – cell-regenerative for skin, healing for scars;
• Tonic – helps to strengthen the entire body or specific organs.

Again, we will be using Sweet Almond Oil and Jojoba Oil as the carrier oils for massaging.

Sweet Almond Oil is made from the kernel and contains glucosides, minerals, and vitamins, and is rich in protein. It relieves soreness and inflammation.

Jojoba Oil is really a wax and never becomes rancid. It contains protein, minerals, and a substance that mimics collagen. It is excellent on inflamed skins and is very penetrative, so it gets the essential oils to the joint quickly.

The Third Two Weeks, What to Do:

The first step is to continue to follow the diet outlined in Part 1.   Here is a recap:

1. Eliminate these foods from your diet because they can bring on an attack of gout:

• Alcohol, especially beer because it contains YEAST
• Caffein drinks
• Chocolate
• Red Meat
• Port
• Lamb
• Processed meats, such as bacon and hot dogs
• Shellfish/seafood
• Anything made with yeast, such as bread

2. If you are subject to gout attacks (even if you’re not!) drink adequate amounts of water each day. This helps flush the uric acid from your system.

3. Take the following vitamins in addition to a Multi-Vitamin Supplement:

• 1,000 mg of Vitamin C
• 250 mg of Vitamin E
• B-Complex Supplement
• Beta-Carotene
• Fish Oil Capsules

Here’s the treatment plan for this two weeks

4. Make a blend of these three essential oils as follows. Put the blend in a separate bottle and keep it in a dark place:

• Ginger………………8 drops
• Rosemary…………15 drops
• Geranium…………..5 drops

5. During this two weeks, you will alternate between the above blend, and the blend from Part 2. Each day take a warm bath to which you’ve added four (4) drops of your Essential Oil Blend for that day. You do not add the Epsom Salts to your baths any longer.

6. Massage your whole body each morning and evening with the following Essential Oils mixed with 2 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil and 2 teaspoons Jojoba Oil:

• Rosemary…………………..8 drops
• Lavender……………………7 drops
• Geranium…………………..10 drops
• Ginger……………………….3 drops

Follow this plan for the next two weeks.

For maintenance, after the six weeks, make a blend of any combination of the essential oils you have used during this program and use 4 drops each day in a warm bath. At any time you feel it is necessary, you can repeat the complete 6-week program.

I have put together a list with the items you will need for the third two weeks from amazon.com. I have found that their prices are better than at a Health Food Store. Click Essential Oils for Weeks 5 & 6 to purchase these items.

As before, you have the option of purchasing them individually so, if you already have some, it is not necessary to buy them again!

As always, if you have any questions about this method of treating gout, please leave a comment below with your thoughts and how you are doing with your gout and Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. . .

Treating Gout with Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, Part 3 is a post from: Gout Cures Now

Since before the days of Rome, people have been using Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica or Urtica urens) for treating gout (also known as “gouty arthritis”), arthritis, and rheumatism. The method they used was called flagellation or urtification. They would take a handful of the plant by the stems and “slap” the painful area repeatedly.

The first time I heard Nettles used as a treatment for gout was by this method.

This method decreases the original pain by reducing the level of inflammatory chemicals in the body and interfers with how the body sends pain signals to the brain.

What are Stinging Nettles?

The Stinging Nettle is a herbaceous shrub that grows worldwide. You may have had a tenacious patch of it in your yard at one time or another!

Each Spring, it is one of the earliest plants to appear.  It grows well in nitrogen-rich soil, blooms between June and September, and can grow up to five feet in height. The stems are upright and rigid, it has heart shaped leaves which are finely toothed and tapered. The flowers  are yellow or pink and the entire plant is covered with tiny stiff hairs which release formic acid when touched, which is a skin irritant. The best time to harvest the young leaves, which are rich in iron, calcium and the Vitamins A and C, is in May or June.

How Stinging Nettles Help With Gout Pain Relief

• Used in a COMPRESS or CREAM it’s good for treating joint pain;
• Chopped leaves can be applied topically to the painful area;
• INFUSIONS  made with fresh nettle leaves stimulate  circulation and cleanse the system;
• TINCTURES are used in combination with other herbs for joint pain;
  Compresses soaked in diluted tincture can be applied to painful joints;

The TEA has many uses, such as:

• Kidney and urinary system ailments;
• It aids in the discharge of metabolic wastes, such as uric acid crystals, which are a by-product of protein metabolism and, as they build up in the blood, they turn into monosodium urate crystals that lodge in the joints, causing extreme pain and inflammation.  Actually, the inflammation is caused by the body’s own white blood cells that head for the area to “fight” off the crystals.
• It’s a diuretic and flushes the toxins from your body;
• The tea has been used for centuries as a “Spring Tonic” to cleanse the blood, tone and purify the body, and replenish the body with nutrients.

Different Ways to Use Stinging Nettles

• Tea made with nettle tops can be used as a blood cleansing diuretic that also stimulates the formation of red blood cells;
• To prepare the tea,pour 2/3 cup of boiling water over 3 – 4 teaspoons of the dried leaves and steep for 3 – 5 minutes. Drink 3 – 4 cups a day
• It’s great cooked up  like spinach or other leafy greens. It’s flavor is pleasant and earthy flavor;
• An infusion can be made as follows: take 1/2 ounce of fresh nettle leaves to a pint of water. Pour boiling water over leaves a let stand for a short time.
• To make a tincture, add 4 ounces of water and 12 ounces of alcohol to 1-4 ounces of the powdered leaf or root. Let stand for 2 weeks. You may add a teaspoon of glycerin. After two weeks, drain off the liquid and put it in a bottle to use as needed.
• After harvesting, wash and cover with hot water for 20 minutes. This reduces their stinging power. Then used the “soak” water as a tea or a base for soup.

Available as. . .

Stinging nettle is available as dried leaf, freeze-dried leaf, extract, capsules, tinctures, infusions, and powder.  Visit my STINGING NETTLES STORE for a good selection of all the different forms of nettles.

You can also find the different Stinging Nettles products at good online sources for the such as GNC or WALMART and AMAZON is always a good source and usually has the best prices.

In the Spring, you can harvest the fresh, tender leaves and dry them for use throughout the year.  Watch the video below for pointers on how to harvest the leaves.

Historical Uses

Besides being used by the Romans, the ancient Greeks used nettles to treat arthritis. 1st Century Greek physician, Dioscorides listed many uses for the plant, from the fresh, chopped leaves, to the juice, and cooked leaves.

The Aztecs used it medicinally in Mexico. The Aztec Herbal of 1552 recommended using crushed nettles boiled in water to be used as a poultice for arthritis.

Native Americans have long used it for urinary tract disorders.

How to Harvest Stinging Nettles

OK, who out there has actually done this? Is it as easy as it looks?
Let us know. . .

Treating Gout with Stinging Nettles is a post from: Gout Cures Now

Burdock originated in Eurasia and Europe and was introduced to the United States by European Settlers. It is now widespread throughout the US, especially in the  northeast.

It is a member of the thistle family (arctium Lappa), and can grow as tall as nine feet during its second year.  The flowers are purple, and the plant usually blooms between the months of June and October. The deep roots are brownish-green, and are the most important part of the plant used for medicinal purposes.

Burdock roots and leaves have been used for years to help heal many conditions, among them gout.  Some of its beneficial properties are as follows –   it is diaphoretic (makes you sweat), diuretic (increases the flow of urine because of action on the kidneys),  an alterative (promotes gradual change to the organs it helps),  an aperient (laxative), and a depurative (detoxifies and purifies the system, especially the blood).

It has antibacterial and antifungal properties,  is anti-inflammatory,  and helps get rid of free radicals.

In one study, burdock root was found to protect the liver cells from damage from taking acetaminophen.  Acetaminophen is one of the main over-the-counter pain relievers suggested for gout sufferers.

Another  study reported that burdock root can inhibit the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is the enzyme that produces uric acid.  This is the same method that medications, such as allupurinol and febuxostat reduce uric acid levels in the body.

What Does It Contain That Helps Gout?

One of the active components of burdock is sesquiterpene lactones, which are biologically active plant chemicals found in the essential oils of burdock, and have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Burdock also contains high amounts of the carbohydrate inulin (or fructosan), which is believed to correct irregularities of the immune system and reduces inflammation.

Who Recommends It?

Native American healers used burdock as a medicinal plant as a tonic and blood purifier, and as a treatment for gout.

Herbalist, both American and English, acclaim burdock as an anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, and pain reliever, and have done so for over 200 years.  These three factors alone can aide in gout pain relief.

English herbalists, during the Middle Ages, preferred burdock root to sarsaparilla for treating rheumatism.

How Does It Work for Gout?

Here is a summary of the ways burdock root can help gout sufferers:

• It helps flush uric acid from the system, shortening a gout attack
• It stimulates the liver
• It promotes persperation
• It acts as a blood purifier
• It helps the kidneys and liver eliminate waste
• It is believed to stimulate the gall bladder and encourage liver cells to regenerate
• It detoxifies the kidneys

How Should I Take It?

Joseph E. Meyers, in his book, The Herbalist, suggested preparing a tea with a teaspoon of the root to a cup of boiling water, and drinking one or two cups throughout day, cold, a mouthful at a time.

It is also available in capsules from most health foods stores.

But Don’t Do This!!

A folk remedy for treating gout, written about by Michael Weiner in his book, Weiner’s Herbal, goes like this:

“Boil the [burdock] leaves in urine and bran until the liquid is almost gone; apply the sodden remains to the affected area.”

Cautions:

The only cautions to using burdock are as follows:

Since it is a diuretic, make sure to drink plenty of water when you use burdock. Keep your body hydrated.

The lactones in burdock leaves can be irritating to the skin, so if you are harvesting fresh burdock, try not to handle the leaves.

Women who are pregnant or nursing shouldn’t take burdock because it can stimulate your uterus and cause a miscarriage.

Diabetics should talk to their doctor before using burdock as it can cause hypoglycemia.

Have you tried any of the Burdock Root products? If so, did it help your gout? . . .

Burdock Root – an Herbal Gout Remedy is a post from: Gout Cures Now

~~~Renée~~~

A preliminary study in 1950 proposed that eating cherries each day was helpful in relieving gout attacks and gout pain. Patients who consumed cherries, or cherry juice, had reduced levels of uric acid in their blood, and the inflammation around the joint improved.

As we know, when the uric acid level in the blood becomes too high, it turns to monosodium urate crystals and settles around a joint. The body’s white blood cells then attack the crystals, causing extreme pain and inflammation. So including tart cherries in your gout diet can be a good remedy for gout. Watch the video below for some tips for treating gout with cherries:

I hope eating these luscious cherries while they’re nice and fresh helps with your gout like it has mine!

If you prefer a cherry extract or cherry concentrate, you can find them at the better health food websites such as GNC (www.gnc.com).

Have you had any experience treating gout pain by eating cherries. . . If so, could you tell us about it below? . . . Thank you very much!

Treating Gout With Cherries is a post from: Gout Cures Now

WD-40 for Arthritis?

By Janet Martin

A popular lubricant developed in 1953 is making waves as an arthritis “treatment” even though there is no scientific evidence behind this claim.

Thousands of people around the world swear that WD-40 (short for water displacement – 40th attempt), a rust-prevention product created by chemist Norm Larsen, has helped them cope with arthritis pain and stiffness. Users claim the household lubricant works miracles if sprayed on stiff knees, hips, and wrists.

Golfer Eric McKaig is one of them. The 70-year-old retired sales manager and former professional football player said the product has put an end to years of suffering. He got arthritis seven years ago and has tried a lot of painkillers and supplements for quick relief but to no avail.

His 78-year-old friend Ron Andrew told McKaig about his secret. Since then, the two claim they have found instant relief.

“It’s been an absolute godsend for me. WD-40 has given me a hell of a lot of relief. A few weeks ago, I was even running around the garden with my grandson. I haven’t been able to do that for about three years,” McKaig said.

“There was a slope at my local golf course that used to really hurt my knees. But within a few days of spraying WD-40 it didn’t hurt nearly as much. I only sprayed it three or four times and I’ve been fine since. It was unbelievable,” Andrew added.

Although WD-40 has thousands of uses such as protecting tools from rust, silencing squeaky hinges, and removing crayon marks from most surfaces, the manufacturer stressed that it is a household product not a miracle cure for arthritis. In response to queries from users, it issued this statement:

“WD-40 is not a medical product. We would never recommend to people that they spray WD-40 onto the skin. Our recommendation is to see your GP (general practitioner) for expert advice on alleviating arthritis.”

Doctors say the reason why people think WD-40 works is because of the placebo effect – meaning if you sincerely believe something will work, sometimes it does but only temporarily. That positive effect may be reinforced by the cooling effect of WD-40 that is similar to other topical painkillers or due to improved blood circulation when users massage the product into their skin.

Arthritis expert Professor Robert Moots from Liverpool University said a lubricant similar to WD-40 is used to treat stiff joints. Unlike WD-40, however, the treatment is injected into the joints not merely sprayed.

“By spraying the outside of the knee with WD-40 I doubt if any would actually get into the joint. I’ve no doubt people who use it do feel better but it’s probably only a simple placebo effect,” Moots explained.

To top it off, arthritis is characterized by flare-ups and remissions. A remission is the absence of symptoms that occur for no known reason in 30 percent of arthritis patients. Thus, people who feel better after using WD-40 may actually be experiencing a remission.

“To date, no credible scientific studies have shown any benefit from the use of WD-40 for arthritis. In fact, there may be cumulative harmful effects. The manufacturer’s warning indicates that contact with skin and vapors should be avoided. WD-40 contains petroleum distillates, as do gasoline and oil. Problems ranging from mild skin rash to severe allergic reactions have been reported. Prolonged exposure can cause cancer and other serious health problems,” warned Dr. Katherine Poelhmann, author of “Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Infection Connection.”

If you have arthritis, don’t waste time on questionable remedies. While there is no cure for the disease, painful symptoms can be controlled with the right medication. One popular product is Flexcerin that helps soothe inflamed joints, relieves swelling, and restores flexibility and mobility. Check out http://www.flexcerin.com for details.

Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.thearticleinsiders.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Martin
http://EzineArticles.com/?WD-40-for-Arthritis?&id=796483

I would really love to hear from anyone who has tried WD40 for their gout pain. . . .

Treating Gout Pain with WD40? is a post from: Gout Cures Now