Rheumatoid arthritis ?

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most debilitating forms of the arthritis family. Unlike most forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis does not come from wear and tear on the joints but is known as an inflammatory condition that stems from the immune system. It can strike at any age and can lead to degeneration of the joints as well as joint deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50, and is three times more likely to affect women than men. While there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, proper treatment can help alleviate symptoms and decrease or even stop the progression of the disease.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include swelling of the joints, in particular the small joints of the hands and feet, loss of range of motion in affected joints, loss of muscular strength in the muscles attached to the affected joints, low grade fever, fatigue which can become severe during times of flare ups, a feeling of stiffness or aching most noticeably after a period of rest or sedentary activities, malaise, a general sense of feeling ill and slow, and with enough time, deformity of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is known for involving several joints at one time. It is likely to affect the hands, knees, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, jaw, neck, and feet, and can progress from just a few joints to several or all joints in a relatively quick time frame. Rheumatoid arthritis generally affects tear glands, the lining of the heart and lung, the salivary glands, and even the lungs.

Image: Rheumatoid Arthritis

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CAUSES Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by confusion of the immune system. Instead of just attacking potential illnesses, the white blood cells also attack something known as the synovium, which is a membrane the body uses to protect and line the joints. By attacking the synovium, the immune system causes damage and can eventually destroy this lining of the joints as well as the joints themselves. As the synovium is attacked, a protein is released in an effort to fight back and this builds up around the joints, causing irreversible damage.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS RISK FACTOR Risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include being female, age, although the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis after the age of 80 declines sharply, inheriting specific genes that create a higher degree of potential, and being exposed to an infection, most likely a bacterial or viral that may trigger the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DIAGNOSIS X-rays and MRIs can often help in determining if the patient complaints are symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays taken over a period of time will often show

the progression of the arthritis at a much faster rate than osteoarthritis. Blood tests to determine the presence of an antibody known as the rheumatoid factor can also help in the diagnostic process. This antibody is only developed in patients with a rheumatoid disease, like lupus, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests which determine a patient’s SED rate can also detect abnormal amounts of swelling present in the body.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS COMPLICATIONS Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to complications related to severe pain and stiffness, including difficulty dealing with nominal, everyday tasks as well as depression over the loss of life quality. Rheumatoid arthritis also increases a patient’s likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, as the wear and tear is now intensified as well as an effect of taking corticosteroids. Rheumatoid arthritis once meant a destiny confined to a wheelchair, but better treatments now make that only a possibility, not a certainty.

Image: Joint Pain

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT Medications for rheumatoid arthritis are either aimed at relieving the painful symptoms or are aimed at ceasing the damage. Thus many patients take numerous medications and may have to go through a phase of experimentation overseen by a physician in order to determine the right medication combination for that patient. NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressant medication, and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs can all be part of a patient’s daily medication cocktail. There are also surgical procedures for the right candidate that can alleviate a lot of the pain and immobility caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Joint replacement as well as

tightening tendons, loosening others, fusing bones, and removing diseases bone can all be part of a surgical therapy plan. Surgical procedures are painful and should be performed only when the benefits are sure to outweigh the recovery pain and the therapy pain associated with these types of surgical procedures. Daily exercise, a healthy diet, and controlling weight gain are all essential parts of keeping the pain of rheumatoid arthritis under control. Applying heat and cold as appropriate and maintaining a healthy spiritual or emotional outlook are also good management tools. Rheumatoid arthritis is not easy to live with, but there is great hope as treatment options continue to improve.

Medication commonly used for these disease:

Rheumatoid arthritis drugs

Rheumatoid arthritis videos:

Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Exclusive 3D Animation video,www.anytimework.com

Du Huo Botanical name: Angelica pubescens Common name: Pubescent angelica root Family: Apiaceae, parsley family Part used in Chinese medicine: root Major Chinese medicine actions: Dispels wind-dampness, alleviates pain, treats bi obstruction

Comments: Angelica pubescens is native to east Asia and Japan, growing in damp habitats in hills and low mountains. Growing and Propagation The plant is an herbaceous perennial growing about 1-2 feet high, with white flowers blooming in July to August. It does best in full sun or light shade and requires deep, moist, fertile soil to grow well. Plants are hardy to USDA zone 7. Plants generally do not flower until their second year, and after that they are only reliably perennial if they are not allowed to go to seed. In order to prolong the life of the plant to 3 or 4 years, the flower buds should be removed. To propagate, seeds should be allowed to form, then planted as soon as they are ripe as they have a very short viability. If seeds are collected for later planting, they must be stored in an air-tight plastic container and kept in the freezer or refrigerator, and even then will only be viable for about 6 months. Seeds require light and warmth for germination, so when planting, they should either not be covered with soil, or only lightly pressed down just below the soil surface. They generally take 21-28 days to emerge as seedlings. If started indoors, the plants can be transplanted when they have 4-6 leaves. Harvesting and Preparation

The young stems and leaves of the plant are edible and can be harvested for food as desired, as soon as the plants have become established. For Chinese medicine, the roots are used, harvested after the second year of growth. They are cleaned and dried and cut into strips. For medicinal use, the roots should be large, solid and thick with a strong aromatic fragrance.

These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or

prevent any disease

Clematis .

Clematis

Clematis 'Nelly Moser' Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

(unranked): Angiosperms

(unranked): Eudicots

Order: Ranunculales

Family: Ranunculaceae

Subfamily: Ranunculoideae

Tribe: Anemoneae

Atragene L. Coriflora Weber Viorna Rchb.[1]

Clematis (KLEma-tis)[2] is a genus of about 300 species[3] within the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids have been popular among gardeners,[4] beginning with Clematis × jackmanii, a garden standby since 1862; more hybrid cultivars are being produced constantly. They are mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin. Most species are known as clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, a name invented for the sole British native, C. vitalba, by the herbalist John Gerard; virgin's bower for C. viticella; old man's beard, applied to several with prominent seedheads; and leather flower or vase vine for the North American Clematis viorna.

Contents

• 1 Etymology • 2 Botany • 3 Species

o 3.1 Formerly placed here o 3.2 Subdivisions

• 4 Garden history • 5 Cultivation • 6 Pruning • 7 Cultivars • 8 Use and toxicity • 9 Pests and diseases • 10 References • 11 Further reading • 12 External links

Etymology

The genus name is from Ancient Greek clématis, a climbing plant, most probably a periwinkle. There are approximately over two hundred and fifty species and cultivars, often named for their originators or particular characteristics.

Botany

The genus is composed of mostly vigorous, woody, climbing vines / lianas. The woody stems are quite fragile until several years old.[4] Leaves are opposite and divided into leaflets and leafstalks that twist and curl around supporting

structures to anchor the plant as it climbs.[4] Some species are shrubby, while others, like C. recta, are herbaceous perennial plants. The cool temperate species are deciduous, but many of the warmer climate species are evergreen. They grow best in cool, moist, well-drained soil in full sun.[5]

Clematis species are mainly found throughout the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, rarely in the tropics. Clematis leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, including the Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).

The timing and location of flowers varies; spring-blooming clematis flower on side shoots of the previous year's stems, summer/fall blooming clematis bloom only on the ends of new stems, and twice-flowering clematis do both.[4]

Species

Purple clematis

Clematis montana

Flowers of Clematis vitalba

Seed heads of Clematis vitalba growing in a hedge, showing why it is known colloquially as "Old man's beard"

Closeup of a Clematis flower, cultivar 'Multi Blue'

Achenes

A partial list of species:

• Clematis addisonii Britt. – Addison's Leather Flower • Clematis albicoma Wherry – Whitehair Leather Flower • Clematis alpina (L.) Mill. – Alpine Clematis • Clematis armandii – Armand Clematis • Clematis baldwinii Torr. & A.Gray – Pine Hyacinth • Clematis bigelovii Torr. – Bigelow Clematis • Clematis brachiata Thunb. – Traveller's Joy • Clematis campaniflora Brot. – Portuguese Clematis • Clematis caracasana DC. – Clematis • Clematis catesbyana – Satin curls • Clematis chinensis Osbeck – Wei ling xian in Chinese (Chinese: 威靈仙;

pinyin: Wei ling xian) • Clematis chrysocoma Franch. – Gold Wool Clematis • Clematis cirrhosa L. – includes the 'Freckles,' 'Wisley Cream' and

'Jingle Bells' cultivars. o Clematis cirrhosa v. balearica (Balearic Islands)

• Clematis coactilis (Fern.) Keener – Virginia Whitehair Leather Flower • Clematis columbiana (Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray – British Columbia

Virgin's Bower • Clematis crispa L. – Curly Virgin's Bower • Clematis dioica L. – Cabellos de Angel • Clematis drummondii Torr. & A.Gray – Drummond Clematis • Clematis durandii • Clematis flammula L. – Fragrant Virgin's Bower • Clematis florida Thunb. – Asian Clematis • Clematis fremontii S.Watson – Fremont's Leather Flower • Clematis glaucophylla Small – Whiteleaf Leather Flower • Clematis glycinoides DC. – Headache Vine • Clematis henryi Oliv. • Clematis hirsutissima Pursh – Hairy Clematis • Clematis integrifolia L. • Clematis × jackmanii T.Moore – Jackman's Clematis • Clematis lanuginosa Lindl. & Paxton • Clematis lasiantha Nutt. – Pipestem Clematis • Clematis ligusticifolia Nutt. – Virgin's Bower • Clematis macropetala Ledeb.

• Clematis marmoraria Sneddon – New Zealand Dwarf Clematis • Clematis microphylla DC. – Small-leaved Clematis • Clematis montana Buch.-Ham. ex DC. – Anemone Clematis • Clematis morefieldii Kral – Huntsville Vasevine • Clematis napaulensis DC. • Clematis occidentalis (Hornem.) DC. – Western Blue Virginsbower • Clematis ochroleuca Ait. – Curlyheads • Clematis orientalis L. – Chinese Clematis • Clematis palmeri Rose – Palmer Clematis • Clematis paniculata J.F.Gmel. – Puawhananga • Clematis patens C.Morren & Decne. – President • Clematis pauciflora Nutt. – Ropevine Clematis • Clematis pitcheri Torr. & A.Gray – Bluebill • Clematis recta L. – Ground Clematis • Clematis reticulata Walter – Netleaf Leather Flower • Clematis rhodocarpa Rose • Clematis smilacifolia Wall. • Clematis socialis Kral – Alabama Leather Flower • Clematis stans Siebold & Zucc. – Kusabotan • Clematis tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh. – Golden Clematis • Clematis terniflora DC. – Leatherleaf Clematis, Sweet Autumn Clematis • Clematis ternifolia – aka Clematis paniculata[6] • Clematis texensis Buckley – Scarlet Leather Flower • Clematis versicolor – Manycolored Leather Flower • Clematis viorna L. – Vasevine or Traveller's joy • Clematis virginiana L. – Devil's Darning Needles, Virginia Bower • Clematis vitalba L. – Traveller's Joy or Old Man's Beard • Clematis viticaulis E.Steele – Millboro Leather Flower • Clematis viticella L. – Italian Clematis, 'Alba Luxurians'[7][8]

Formerly placed here

• Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz. (as C. trifoliata Thunb.) • Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC. (as C. zeylanica (L.) Poir.)[7]

Subdivisions

One recent classification recognised 297 species of clematis, so it is not surprising that taxonomists and gardeners subdivide the genus. Several classification systems exist.

Magnus Johnson divided Clematis into 19 sections, several with subsections.[9] Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 subgenera (Clematis, Cheiropsis, Flammula, Archiclematis, Campanella, Atragene, Tubulosae, Pseudanemone, Viorna), several with sections and subsections within them.[10] Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between these two systems; for example, all of Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson. Alternatively, John Howell defined twelve groups: the Evergreen, Alpina, Macropetala, Montana, Rockery, Early Large-Flowered, Late Large-Flowered, Herbaceous, Viticella, Texensis, Orientalis, and Late Mixed groups.[11]

Many of the most popular garden forms are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus Flammula as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger-flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, pergolas, wall-mounted trellis or to grow through companion plants. These forms normally have large 12–15 cm diameter upward-facing flowers and are believed to involve crosses of C. patens, C. lanuginosa and C. viticella.[12] Early-season, large-flowering forms (e.g. "Nelly Moser") tend towards the natural flowering habit of C. patens or C. lanuginosa while later-flowering forms (e.g. x jackmanii) are nearer in habit to C. viticella.

Garden history

The wild Clematis species native to China made their way into Japanese gardens by the 17th century. Japanese garden selections were the first exotic clematises to reach European gardens, in the 18th century, long before the Chinese species were identified in their native haunts at the end of the 19th century.[13]

Cultivation

The climbing varieties are valued for their ability to scramble up walls, fences and other structures, and also to grow through other plants, notably shrubs and trees. Some can be trained along the ground to provide cover. Because of their adaptability and masses of spectacular flowers, clematis are among the most popular of all garden plants. Many choice and rare cultivars are to be had from mail order and online catalogues. Specialists regularly put on displays in national flower shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show. In theory it is possible to have a clematis in flower at any time throughout the year.

Many varieties provide a second period of interest with a flush of flowers, or decorative seed heads.

They will grow in any good garden soil. The basic requirement is for the roots to be moist and cool, and the crown to be in full sun (or light shade in the case of the more delicately coloured blooms such as ‘Nelly Moser’). They can be grown successfully in containers.[14][15]

Pruning

The pruning regime falls into three categories:-

1) Vigorous species and early-flowering hybrids do not require pruning, other than to occasionally remove tangled growth (C. armandii, C. montana, C. tangutica)

2) Large flowered hybrids blooming in early summer on the previous season’s growth: prune lightly in the dormant season to provide a good structure

3) Late-flowering hybrids, which bloom on the current season’s growth: prune hard back to a pair of buds in the dormant season[16][17]

Cultivars

Over 80 varieties and cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[18] The following is a selection:-

Atragene group: woody deciduous climbers with bell-shaped flowers in Spring, produced on last year’s growth (pruning group 2):-

• ‘Markham’s pink’ (pale pink double)[19]

Early large flowered group: flowering on last year’s growth (pruning group 2):-

• ‘Arctic Queen’ (‘Polar bear’) (double white)[20] • ‘Marie Boisselot’ (white)[21] • ‘Miss Bateman’ (white with red stamens)[22] • ‘Nelly Moser’ (white with pink stripe)[23] • ‘Niobe’ (maroon)[24] • ‘The President’ (blue)[25]

Integrifolia group: non- or semi-climbing, flowers on current year’s growth (Pruning group 3):-

• ‘Arabella’ (violet pink)[26]

Late large flowered group: flowering on this year’s growth (pruning group 2):-

• 'Jackmanii' (purple)[27] • ‘Polish spirit’ (purple)[28] • ‘Prince Charles’ (violet)[29]

Montana group: vigorous climbers, flowering in Spring (pruning group 1)

• ‘Mayleen’ (pale pink, vigorous)[30] • montana grandiflora (white, vigorous)[31] • montana rubens ‘Tetrarose’ (rose pink with green stamens, vigorous)[32]

Viticella group: compact deciduous climbers with small flowers produced on current year’s growth (pruning group 3):-

• 'Alba Luxurians' (white)[33] • ‘Betty Corning’ (pale lilac pink)[34] • ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ (crimson)[35] • purpurea plena elegans (purple double)[36]

Miscellaneous groups:-

• ‘Princess Diana’ (texensis group – deep pink)[37] • x triternata rubromarginata (white & purple)[38]

Use and toxicity

The European species did not enter into the herbalists' pharmacopeia.[39] In the American Old West the Western white clematis, Clematis ligusticifolia, was called pepper vine by early travelers and pioneers of the American Old West, who took a tip from Spanish colonials and used seeds and the acrid leaves of yerba de chivato as a pepper substitute.[40] The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Unlike black pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested

in large amounts. C. ligusticifolia is essentially toxic. When pruning them, it's a good idea to wear gloves. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.[41] Clematis is also a constituent of Bach's Rescue Remedy. Leaf extracts from two Ethiopian species (Clematis longicauda steud ex A. Rich. and Clematis burgensis Engl.) are used locally to treat ear disorders and eczema. Phytochemical screening of the extracts from both of these species showed antibacterial and antifungal activity.[42]

Pests and diseases

Clematis are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Clematis wilt, a stem rot caused by the fungus Phoma clematidina, causes dramatic wilting and death of whole branches, although many species are resistant to it.[43] Other pests and diseases include powdery mildew, viruses, slugs and snails, scale insects, aphids, earwigs and "green flower disease" (usually caused by infection with a phytoplasma).[44]

These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or

prevent any disease

Fang Ji/ Fourstamen Stephania Root/ Radix Stephaniae/ Stephania Tetrandra/ Aristolochia Fangchi/ Chinese Herb

Place of Origin: China (Mainland)

Product Details Type : Crude Medicine / Function : Diuretics For Eliminating Dampness / Chinese name : fang ji / Type : herbal material / Form : sun dried /

Properties : bitter, spicy, cold, toxic / Part Used : root / Place of Origin : Guangxi, China (Mainland) / Product Detail Fourstamen Stephania Root as herb can dispel wind-dampness,relieve pain and induce diuresis for removing edema.

Actions 1. Expels Wind Damp Heat and Relieves Pain For diffuse painful joints and achinesss due to Wind Damp or Wind Damp Heat. 2. Promotes Urination, Reduces Swelling For dysuria, edema, and leg qi. Chemical Composition

tetrandrine, fangchinoline, dimethyltetradine iodide, cyclanoline, menisine, menisidine, oxofangchirine, stephenanthrine, stepholidine bisbenzylisoquinoline, flavanoids and so on.

These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Gentiana macrophylla

Large Leaf Gentian

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

(unranked): Angiosperms

(unranked): Eudicots

(unranked): Asterids

Order: Gentianales

Family: Gentianaceae

Genus: Gentiana

Species: G. macrophylla Binomial name

Gentiana macrophylla

Gentiana macrophylla, Large leaf Gentian, is called Qin Jiao in Chinese. Synonyms include G. staminea, G. crassiaulisor, G. dahurica.

Traditional medicine

The root is the most commonly used part. It is traditionally used to relieve rheumatic conditions,[1] and to remove damp-heat.[citation needed]

Chemistry

Active chemical constituents include gentianine, gentianidine, gentiopicroside, gentianol.[citation needed]

These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Qiang Huo/Notopterygium Root

Common Names: Notopterygium Root, Chiang Hwo

Chinese Name: Qiang Huo

Species Name: Notopterygium incisum & Notopterygium forbesii

Properties: acrid, bitter, & aromatic with a warming effect

Organs Effected: Bladder & Kidney

Traditional Actions & Indications: According to Dave Bensky’s “Materia Medica”:

With a clear, strong aroma it travels through the qi/muscle layers; light in weight, it reaches to the vertex and upper body, travels through the limbs, and expels superficial dampness.

Releases the exterior and disperses cold; for exterior cold patterns with such symptoms as chills, fever, headache, body aches and pains. Most commonly used when accompanied by dampness/rheumatism with joint pain, a general feeling of heaviness, sleepiness, or when there is pain in the occipital region.

Unblocks painful obstructions/arthritis and alleviates pain: for wind-cold-damp painful obstruction, especially in the upper limbs and back. Also for sores and boils using its ability to expel pus and draw out toxins, bring lesions to a head, and regenerate tissues.

Guides qi/energy/circulation to the greater yang channels (bladder & small intestines) and Governing vessel (spine & center of head): to direct other herbs in a prescription to the areas served by these two channels.

Dosage: 3-9 grams in decoctions.

Toxicity/Side Effects: forbidden for internal injury causing blood-deficient headache and generalized pain, resulting in chills and hot flushes, because these wind herbs can dry the blood.

Known Constituents:

Notopterygiurn incisurn: Volatile oil: u-thujene, a-pinene, 6-ocirnene, y-terpinene, lirnonene, a-terpinolene, terpinen-4-01, bornyl acetate, a-copaene, trans-& farnesene, apiol, guaiol, benzylbenzoate, rnethyltetradecanoate, 12-rnethyltetradecanoic acid metylester, rnethyloctadecanoate, methyl-9-octadecenoate Furanocournarines: isoirnperatorin, cnidilin, notopterol, bergaptene. dernethylfuropinnarin, phellopterin, bergaptol-0-B-D-glucopyranoside, osthenol, nodakenetin, notoptol, anhydronotoptol, marmesin, colurnbiananin, columbianetin, 5-hydroxy-8-(l’,l’-dimethylallyl)-psoralen Phenolic compounds: p-hydroxyphenethyl anisate, ferulic acid Other costituents: 19 amino acids, phenethylferulate, rharnnose. glucose, fructose, sucrose Notopterygiurn forbesii: Volatile oil: hexanal, heptanal, sabinene, a-pinene, y-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, rnyrcene, a-phellandrene, octanal, 2-carene, 3-carene, pcyrnene, limonene, y-terpinene, 4terpineno1, terpinolene, carvol, u-terpineol, bornyl acetate, B-selinene Furanocournarines: isoirnperatorin, notopterol, cnidilin, nodakenin, nodakenetin, 6-0-(trans-feruloyl) nodakenin, bergaptol-0-6-D-glucopyranoside

Phenolic compounds: p-hydroxyphenethyl anisate, ferulic acid

These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or

prevent any disease