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The word rheumatism results from the Greek word 'rheuma', which means a swelling. It refers to an acute or chronic illness which is recognized by pain and swelling of the muscles, ligaments and tendons, or the joints
Rheumatism symptoms
Fever, pain, strong soreness and stiffness
The onset of the acute variety of rheumatism is recognized by fever, intense soreness, and pain. In the acute muscular type, the area develops into so sensitive that even the weight of bed clothing aggravates the pain.
It may resolve into a chronic state under a wrong mode of treatment. If the disease is not treated correctly in the acute stage, it may become chronic. The symptoms of chronic muscular rheumatism are pain and rigidity of the affected muscles. In the case of chronic articular rheumatism (pain in the joints), pain and rigidity are felt in one or more joints of the body, with swelling in most cases
Rheumatism reasons
Poisonous waste products in the blood
The main cause of rheumatism is the presence of toxic waste products in the blood. The liberal use of meat, white bread, sugar, and refined cereals leaves a large residue of toxic wastes in the system. When the strength is low, the toxic wastes are concentrated around the joints and bony structure, where they form the origin of rheumatism
Illness of teeth, tonsils and gall-bladder
In certain cases, infection from the teeth, tonsils, and gall bladder may create rheumatism. The disease is aggravated by exposure to cold water
Home Remedies for Rheumatism
Rheumatism treatment with Potato Juice: Home Remedy for Rheumatism
The juice of raw potato is considered as excellent remedy fur rheumatism. One or two teaspoons of the juice, taken out by pressing mashed raw potatoes, must be taken before meals. This will help to get rid of the toxic condition and relieve rheumatism. The skin of the potato is also excellent medicine fur rheumatism. The skin is very rich in vital mineral salts, and the water in which the peelings are boiled is one of the best medicines for ailments caused by too much toxic matter in the system. About thirty grams of the potato peelings should be thoroughly washed and boiled in half a litre of water till it is decreased to half. The decoction should then be strained and a glass of the same must be taken three or four times every day.
Rheumatism treatment with Bitter Gourd: Home Remedy for Rheumatism
Bitter gourd is considered helpful in the treatment of rheumatism. A cup of juice, extracted from the vegetable, should be mixed with a teaspoon of honey, and taken every day for treating this condition. This treatment should be repeated for at least three months to provide relief
Rheumatism treatment with Celery: Home Remedy for Rheumatism
Celery is another useful remedy for rheumatism. A fluid extract of the seeds is more strong than the raw vegetable. This also has a stimulant action on the stomach and kidneys. Five to ten drops of this fluid must be taken in hot water before meals. Crushed seeds can be used as a condiment
Rheumatism treatment with Lemon: Home Remedy for Rheumatism
Lemons are helpful in the treatment of rheumatism. The patient must take the juice of two or three lemons each day. This will fetch good results
Rheumatism treatment with Walnuts: Home Remedy for Rheumatism
Walnuts are important in rheumatism. They should, however, be thoroughly masticated to achieve helpful results. Half a dozen can be taken every day in the treatment of this condition
Rheumatism treatment via Rhubarb: Home Remedy for Rheumatism
The herb rhubarb has been found precious in rheumatism. The green stalks of this herb should be pounded with an identical quantity of sugar. A teaspoonful must be taken three or four times a day. This remedy rarely fails
Rheumatism diet
Orange juice and water
In the case of sharp rheumatism, the patient should be put on a short fast of orange juice and water for three or four days. After the juice fast, the patient should be placed on a limited diet for fourteen days. In this routine, orange or grapefruit may be taken for breakfast; lunch may consist of uncooked salad of seasonal vegetables with raisins, prunes, figs, or dates; and dinner may consist of one or two steamed vegetables
Proportionate diet
Thereafter, the patient may regularly adopt a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. In case of chronic rheumatism, the patient may be sited on an all-fruit diet for four or five days. He may, after that, gradually adopt a well-balanced diet. The patient should take ripe fruits, fresh vegetables, and buttermilk in great quantity
Avoid meat, hard to digest and highly-seasoned foods
He must avoid all meat and fish, white bread, sugar, and refined cereals, rich, hard to digest and highly-seasoned foods, tea and coffee; alcohol; sauces, pickles, and condiments
Other Rheumatism treatment
Warm-water enema
In the case of acute rheumatism, the bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm-water enema throughout the first three or four days of the juice fast
Apply heat and hot packs to the affected parts
Other useful methods in the treatment of rheumatism are application of heat and hot packs to the affected parts, a hot tub bath, a cabinet steam bath, dry friction, and a sponge bath
Hot Epsom salts bath
Hot Epsom salts baths are also helpful and should be taken twice a week for three months in case of chronic rheumatism and once weekly thereafter. The affected parts should also be bathed two times daily in hot water containing Epsom salts, after which some olive oil must be applied
Fresh air exposure and light outdoor exercises
Fresh air, deep breathing, and light outdoor exercises are also helpful
Avoid dampness and cold
Dampness and cold must be avoided
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