rheumatism or rheumatic joint pain

Healing Wonders of Herbs

Guide to the Effective Use of Medicinal Plants

By Herminia de Guzman-Ladion,
R.N., A.R.P.T., P.T.R.P.

rheumatism or rheumatic joint pain

    Rheumatism is a form of arthritis affecting the large joints of the extremities.

Water Treatments

    1. Heating compress on the affected joints, every night.
    2. Fomentation on the joints, once a day.
    3. Hot compress on the joints, once or twice a day for severe cases.
    4. Rest the extremity if there is severe pain and swelling.
    5. After swelling is gone, patient may do mild 

        non-weight-bearing exercises.

Herbal Medications

    1. Kilaw poultice
       * Chop or crush a rhizome and mix with oil.
       - Apply on the joint as poultice overnight.

    2. Mangga bark hot compress
      * Boil a piece of chopped bark.
      - Use the decoction for hot compress.

    3. Malabulak leaves and young stalks compress
       * Chop leaves and young stalks and put in a cloth bag.
         Add 1/2 tsp. salt.
       - Warm the bag and apply as compress.

    4. Lumbang bato leaves compress
        * Heat the leaves.
        - Apply on the joints directly while still hot for 15 minutes, 

          2 times a day.

    5. Herba Buena leaves
       * Boil 4 tablespoons of dried leaves in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes.
         Dosage:
             Adults: 1/2 glass, every 4 hours