Herbal Remedies Not For Rheumatism

Most pain killers and anti-rheumatic drugs result to ulceration and liver damage for prolong use. These untoward reactions are the usual reasons more people switch to natural alternatives. There are a lot of herbs and medicinal plants for rheumatism. However, not all can be beneficial. Some can produce serious side-effects and some can even be carcinogenic.

Here are the five natural remedies that should be avoided for rheumatism.

• Alfalfa

Medicago sativa linne (Fam Leguminosae)

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Alfalfa or lucerne has a reputation for arthritic relief. It can stimulate appetite thus recommended for weight gain. More to this, its dried leaves, flowering tops and seeds have stimulating property when brewed into a tea. However, studies reveal that the alfalfa seeds can cause SLE or systemic lupus erythematosus - a chronic inflammatory connective tissue disorder that can affect joints, kidneys, mucous membranes, and blood vessel walls. If a person has already suffered from SLE, the use of alfalfa may result to recurrence of this disease.

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Cancer Producing Herbal Plants

Chaparral 

Larrea tridentata (De Candolie) Corille (Fam Zygophyllaceae)

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Chaparral also popular as creosote bush, is a strongly scented olive green bush. It grows from California to Texas and Mexico.

Chaparral has been employed in the cure of bronchitis, common colds and in rheumatism. It is an effective antioxidant because of the presence of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). This compound is also used as preservative for animal fats. Yet studies revealed that NDGT produced cyst and kidney damage in rodents.

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