By Dr. Henry Cheng
Rheumatism is a loose term used to describe a group of clinical pains and inflammation involving joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It may be due to old or recent injuries, degenerative arthritis, fibro-myalgia, and auto-immune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Old age, humidity and weather change are aggravating factors. Usual orthodox treatment includes anti-inflammatory drugs, topical rubs, and steroids. Natural remedies can be divided into three categories: those for healing, those for controlling inflammation, and those that act like catalysts. The first category includes those that promote healing. The Green Lipped Mussel (Perna Canaliculus, Perna Caps®”, Sea Mussel®) has proven its effectiveness for 20 years and remains one of the most effective healing agents for joints and muscles. The flesh of this New Zealand green lipped mussel is made of 9 different glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) and is more effective than a glucosamine or a chondroitin used alone. It is made by dry-freezing and lyophilizing the flesh of the mussel. The new generation of the Perna found in Maori Miracle® is an extract from the mussel called GlycoMarine™ that has anti-inflammatory, Cox-2 inhibitory, chondro-protective and lubricating properties. Thus, not only does it improves joint structure and mobility but also brings about pain killing benefits. This GlycoMarine™ is reinforced by Collagen Type II (patented as Kolla2®) refined from chicken sternum cartilage that repairs cartilage and lubricates joints. Maori Miracle has a third component which is a fatty acid ester called Cetyl-Myristoleate (Myristin®). This is not only a joint lubricant but also an immune modulator so it is effective also for systemic auto-immune diseases including rheumatoid and fibromyalgia. The fatty acid ester also mediates histamine and leukotrene response hence it controls the damage caused by inflammation. The fourth component is a popular herbal pain-killing and anti-inflammatory agent called salicin extracted from White Willow Bark. These 4 components in Maori Miracle® form a strong team in the fight against rheumatic conditions. The only contraindications are allergies to shell fish and aspirin. If you want to enhance the effect of Maori Miracle®, you can take MSM and an anti-oxidant together with the Maori Miracle®. The anti-oxidant reduces the MSM into active sulfonyl groups which in turn activate the glycosaminoglycan healing pathway.
The second category of rheumatism remedies are anti-inflammatory enzymes and herbs. Inflammation is due to the release of a hormone like substance called prostaglandin (PGE-1) and an enzyme called Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Curcumin (from tumeric) has strong COX-2 inhibiting properties without the side effects of Aspirin and selective COX-2 inhibitors. A new product (Curamin® – Terry Naturally – EuroPharm) contains a patented micronized form of curcumin mixed with turmeric oils and phospholipids. This has been found to be 7 times more bio-available than the ordinary tumeric. Curamin® also contains boswellia, d,l-phenylalanine, and nattokinase. Boswellia is an anti-inflammatory herb. d-L-phenylalanine is an amino acid that can elevate pain threshold by blocking an enzyme (Carboxypeptidase A) in nerves that intensifies pain signals. Nattokinase is an enzyme that clears the inflammatory debris so the body immunity can fight the inflammatory process. This is probably the most effective herbal preparation today for relieving inflammation and pain.
The third category of natural rheumatism remedies are the catalysts that kick start or activate the healing and pain killing effects. Catalysts are required for very severe cases or when the combination of tissue healing and anti-inflammatory remedies fail to produce satisfactory results. The catalyst can be in the form of a mineral like Serrasil® or a homeopathic medicine like Zeel Compositum®. When satisfactory benefits are felt you can stop taking the catalysts. When pain and inflammation has subsided, you can stop the anti-inflammatory remedies, but a maintenance dose of the healing Perna will be advisable for a long period of time.
Henry Cheng is a medical graduate of the University of London, England and is now a Natural Products Consultant in Pharmasave Downtown Cloverdale.
