Severe rheumatism can become a heavy burden, affecting mobility, sleep, and overall well-being. In her reference work, Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy, Maria Treben offers a valuable mixture of medicinal plants aimed at alleviating joint pain and reducing inflammation. This remedy is designed for both internal and external use, having a complex action on the entire osteoarticular system.
Ingredients Recommended by Maria Treben
The mixture proposed by Maria Treben contains the following plants, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying action:
- Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) – remineralizing and diuretic
- Comfrey root (Symphytum officinale) – strong tissue regenerator
- Chamomile flowers (Matricaria chamomilla) – calming and anti-inflammatory
- Nettle leaves (Urtica dioica) – detoxifying for blood and joints
- Willow bark (Salix alba) – natural source of salicin, with anti-inflammatory effects similar to aspirin
- St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – neuralgic pain reliever and nerve tonic
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – antispasmodic and mild analgesic
- Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) – lymphatic drainage and diuretic effect
Recipe for Internal Use (Infusion)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of the dry plant mixture (equal parts of each)
- 250 ml boiling water
Preparation:
Add one tablespoon of the plant mixture to a cup of boiling water, cover, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and consume 2-3 cups per day, preferably 30 minutes before meals.
The treatment should last for at least 3 weeks, with a break of 1 week each month.
Recipe for External Use (Compresses and Baths)
Warm Compresses:
Prepare a more concentrated infusion (3 tablespoons of the mixture in 500 ml of water), strain, and apply warm compresses to the affected areas for 20-30 minutes, 1-2 times a day.
Local Baths:
For severe pain, a foot or hand bath can be made using 5 tablespoons of the mixture in 2 liters of water. Boil for 10 minutes, then pour into a basin and soak the painful joints for 20 minutes.
Benefits
Reduction of joint inflammation: Willow bark and chamomile act synergistically on the affected areas, inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes.
Regeneration of connective tissue: Comfrey stimulates the repair of cartilage and soft tissues.
Blood purification and toxin elimination: Nettle and horsetail support the kidneys in the process of eliminating metabolic waste, essential in the treatment of rheumatism.
Nervous calming and neuralgic pain relief: St. John’s Wort and peppermint reduce sensitivity to pain, including neuralgic pain associated with chronic rheumatism.
Contraindications
- Comfrey should not be taken internally for extended periods due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (maximum recommended is 3 weeks per season).
- Willow is contraindicated for individuals allergic to aspirin or those taking anticoagulants.
- St. John’s Wort may interact with certain medications (antidepressants, contraceptives, anticoagulants).
- Nettle is not recommended in cases of severe kidney insufficiency.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.
Sources
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Phytotherapy Research – Herbal medicinal products during pregnancy and breastfeeding: risks and benefits
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The Book Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy by Maria Treben – Original recipes and therapeutic indications for rheumatism
