Alternative meds for humans?

[snigsby]

I have,in the past,tried cider vinegar and also Cortaflex for humans but neither made any difference. At the moment, I relay on prescription anti inflammatories and painkillers but have to stop the anti inflammatories as they are affecting my kidneys.

The main problems are muscle pain in my back, and joint and muscle pain in my hands. Osteoarthritis being the culprit.

I am about the have my yearly "fix" of physio/massage for my back and wonder if anyone has tried anything alternative eg Devil's Claw and if so,how effective was it?

Very,very fortunately, the actual riding is fine,in fact very helpful to my back but it is all the other stuff that is causing a problem at the moment,especially my hands which usually feel as if they have just been slammed in a door!

Any suggestions?

[frenchie]

Haven't tried these but seem to be a lot written up about benefits of tumeric for inflammation. The pain clinic often recommends magnesium to help with pain too (have just got myself some to try). Have tried devils claw a few years ago, think it did help a bit but not massively.
What about asking your doctor if you can use topical anti-inflammatory creams? might not reach the kidneys that way but check first.
Could also think about a tens machine for your back? (your physio can probably tell you if it would be helpful, easily available but vary in effectiveness and more a distraction than a treatment.
Hope you find something that works for you.

[tommytrot1]

A good quality Aloe Vera drink will help, it has anti-inflammatory properties amongs other good things I have a small glassful each morning it includes cranberry juice, as it is not a drug, you don't notice the benefits until you stop taking it, and all you ache's and pains come back

[louisec]

I've been giving the horses a mixture of turmeric black pepper and oil to ease there aches and pains, they are behaving like 4yos rather than 19 & 21!!.

[snigsby]

Thanks for your suggestions!

I think I will explore the turmeric and aloe vera possibilities.

In the meantime, I have been for a couple of micro electro stimulation sessions (with a physio) and it is fab. The pain level has come down to the point where I am practically skipping along. Certainly standing up straight!

[kas]

Snigs, if you look on my FB I'm following a Turmeric group there. It's fascinating. They've spent a huge amount of time uploading facts about the best way to use it, suppliers etc. I'm definitely going to give it a go - for horses and humans.
Have you tried a TENS machine?

[beksnjake]

There's research going on at the moment in turmeric's anti cancer properties too

[kas]

The stuff on the FB group is fascinating. Turmeric face masks for acne was one that caught my eye. It can't hurt to try for sure.

[breakfast]

Turmeric certainly seems to be currying favour with the alternative health community.

[beksnjake]

Ha ha ha - nice one breakfast.

[nikki]

Just a word of warning! There is more research being carried out in to turmeric as their is anecdotal evidence that it should be used in moderation by people with certain conditions.

I tried it as I was having back issues plus a severe stomach complaint. Within a few weeks I had a small stomach bleed. I can't say for certain if it was the turmeric but have decided to use it with caution.

Sorry to be a bore but while turmeric is helpful to some people in some circumstances I'm yet to be convinced that it is quite the miracle all-round cure that some like to believe.

[beksnjake]

Like many things sadly - in my many years in critical care I saw many things hailed as the new panacea, the new cure all only to see them fail miserably when stringent research trials were carried out.

[snigsby]

I have started myself on turmeric. There are 50 day's worth in the container so I think that should be long enough to judge whether or not it has any good effect