Q. I have arthritis in my fingers and I'm sure using the computer has compounded the pain. I can't take anti-inflammatory medication due to an ulcer, so I am hoping you could suggest other supplements that might help.
A. There are lots of approaches to arthritis pain besides non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen, which can cause ulcers, high blood pressure and perhaps even heart attacks and strokes.
Herbs such as ginger, turmeric or boswellia have anti-inflammatory action. Pomegranate, grape and cherry juice may also be helpful. One reader said, “My husband and I both have severe arthritis and bad experiences with drugs. Our family doctor recommended that we drink cherry juice, saying that some of his patients had good results. Now we both drink it and have considerably less pain.”
Home remedies such as gin-soaked raisins or Certo in grape juice also help many people. We are sending you our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis with more information on these options. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (63 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. AA-2, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
