Dear Bob Liebert,

I'm always nervous about taking herbs because I've had a kidney transplant & for its protection, must remain immunosuppressed. I strongly believe in integrative treatments though. I'm a ballet & tap dancer & have just been told that I'm developing osteoarthritis in my ankle, along with a spur & bone infarcts. I want to reverse these, as well as their progression, so that they don't affect my dance career. I hope you can help me because I'm discouraged by what my allopathic podiatrist has told me.

Thank you,
Shirley

Dear Friend,

A common feature of osteo-arthritis is the laying down of bony growth over a joint where there has been wear and tear, due to changes in the cartilage; the body's attempt at repair. Another feature is poor Calcium metabolism, which winds up with calcium leached out of bones and deposited often around inflamed joints. The proper amount of hydochloric acid in the stomach is believed to aid in Calcium digestion and assimilation. Two teaspoons of good organic apple cider vinegar a day has shown good results. Herbs that promote connective tissue growth in general are called for, like Horsetail (aids cartilage re-generation and Calcium metabolism), Hawthorn (tissue and circulation), Nettles (Calcium metabolism, blood purifier). These herbs also help the kidneys in their role in Calcium metabolism. Meadowseet is both a reapirer and anti-inflammatory. For pain, anti-inflammatory herbs can be added like Black Cohosh and Devil's Claw (also, see our Inflammaid Formula). Finally, I have seen good results using Poke Root extract externally for bone spurs and similar deposits (NOT FOR INTERNAL USE). Just be aware that these are symptoms of the body trying to deal with the wear and tear of your career.

You can buy these herbs and many more in the Formula and Single Herb sections of the Teeter Creek Herb website. Herbs that don't appear in the Formula or Single Herb lists can usually be requested in the "Message" section at the bottom of the order page.

The information expressed is the personal observations of Herbalist Bob Liebert based on his personal experience and his studies of folk and traditional herbalism. These observations are not meant to be a substitute for qualified medical diagnosis and treatment. Uses of many of the herbs have not been scientifically verified.