Ligvites Health Dictionary

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Ligvites: From 1 Different Sources

Tablets: formulated in accordance with traditional and modern scientific phytotherapy to provide an over-the-counter (OTC) product for the symptomatic relief of rheumatic aches and pains as in lumbago, fibrositis, backache, stiffness of joints and other systemic connective tissue disorders. Formula: Guaiacum resin BHP (1983) (anti-inflammatory) 40mg. Black Cohosh BHP (1983) (soothing and sedative) 35mg. White Willow bark BHP (1983) (analgesic, anti-inflammatory) 100mg. Extract Sarsaparilla 4:1 (antiseptic) 25mg. Extract Poplar bark 7:1 (to reduce pain) 17mg. Product Licence No 1661/5016R. (Gerard House) 
Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia

Arthritis – Osteo

Osteo-arthritis. Erosion of cartilage of a joint with pain and stiffness. “Wear and tear” arthritis of the over 50s, affecting hands, knees, spine or hips. Biochemical changes in the cartilage stimulate overgrowth of bone cells (hyperplasia) which is an effort by the body to correct the disturbance.

Common in the elderly and menopausal women. Calcium salts may be laid down in a joint believed to be due to errors of diet. Small crystals of calcium hydroxyapatite have been observed to form in cartilage and synovial fluid. (Research group: St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London)

The aged sometimes suffer from diminished supply of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and which is necessary for normal calcium metabolism. An effective substitute is 2 teaspoons cider vinegar in a glass of water sipped before or during meals.

Alte rnative s. Black Cohosh and Meadowsweet (natural sources of salicylic acid), Asafoetida (inflammation of connective tissue), Hawthorn (efficient circulation of the blood), Poke root, Bladderwrack, Guaiacum, Devil’s Claw, Bogbean, White Poplar bark, Yucca leaves.

Tea. Celery seeds. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water. Infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup, 2-3 times daily, before meals. Comfrey tea.

Alternative formulae:– Powders. White Willow 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Black Cohosh half; Guaiacum quarter. Mix. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily in water or Nettle tea. Liquid extracts. White Willow 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Bogbean 1; Fennel 1; Tincture Capsicum quarter. Mix. 1 teaspoon thrice daily in water or Nettle tea.

Tinctures. Bogbean 2; Meadowsweet 2; Black Cohosh 1; Guaiacum quarter; Peppermint quarter. Mix. Dose: 2 teaspoons thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules: Devil’s Claw, Wild Yam, Ligvites.

Cod liver oil. Chief of the iodised oils. Can reach and nourish cartilage by the process of osmosis. Its constituents filter into cartilage, imparting increased elasticity which prevents degeneration. Known to soften-up fibrous tissue. 2 teaspoons once daily. Also helps correct uric acid metabolism.

Topical. Physiotherapy. Osteopathy. Jojoba oil packs. Capsicum Cream. Hot and cold compresses twice daily – followed by a cold compress at night, leaving on when in bed. Hot Epsom salt bath twice weekly. Diet. Oily fish: see entry. Low fat. Low salt. High fibre. Avoid lemons and other citrus fruits. Lemon juice may remove some calculi from the body but later begins to remove calcium from the bones. Supplementation. Pantothenic acid 10mg; Vitamin A 7500iu; Vitamin B6 25mg; Vitamin E 400iu; Zinc 25mg.

General. Warm dry climate often relieves. Surgery may be necessary. Herbs Pleurisy root, Comfrey root and Bryonia, sustain the constitution and promote tissue healing after joint replacements with ceramic substitute after the famous Charnley operation. The condition is disabling but it is possible to manage successfully, maintaining normal activities with minimum difficulty. ... arthritis – osteo

Charcot’s Disease

Neurogenic arthritis. A degenerative and destructive joint lesion due to loss of the normal protection and pain sense. It is associated with tabes dorsalis and syringomyelia. In tabes, knee is chiefly affected; in syringomyelia, the elbow. Joint swelling in late locomotor ataxia. Usually painless.

Alternatives. Cramp bark, Cayenne, Chamomile, Guaiacum, Hops, Meadowsweet, Celery, Prickly Ash, Valerian, Wild Lettuce, Wild Yam. Mistletoe (F. Hyde). White Willow.

Tea. Equal parts: German Chamomile, Hops, Meadowsweet. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes; 1 cup 3 or more times daily.

Tablets/capsules. Chamomile, Mistletoe, Prickly Ash, Ligvites, Wild Yam, Valerian, Kelp.

Alternative formulae:– Powders. Prickly Ash 1; Valerian 1; Cramp bark half; Guaiacum quarter. Mix. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Liquid Extracts. White Willow 2; Prickly Ash 1; Celery seeds half; Liquorice quarter; Tincture Capsicum quarter. Mix. 30-60 drops thrice daily.

Tinctures. White Willow 2; Prickly Ash 1; Valerian 1; Meadowsweet 1; Tincture Capsicum quarter. Mix. 2 teaspoons thrice daily.

Topical. Comfrey poultices (Maria Treben). “Three oils.”

Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. Dandelion coffee. Oily fish.

General. Straight knee brace for rigid support. ... charcot’s disease

Cramp

Sustained contraction of a muscle. Charley Horse.

Causes: oxygen starvation, lactic acid build-up. A common cause is depletion of salt from excessive sweating. Night cramps may be due to impaired blood supply or mineral deficiency: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium. Spasm takes many forms: writer’s, swimmer’s, pianist’s, harpist’s, trumpeter’s, hornplayer’s or emotional stress due to tightening of the facial muscles (German Chamomile). Athlete’s cramp from mechanical stress may be relieved by Cramp Bark as well as manipulation. Repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Cramp of the heart muscle is known as angina (Cramp Bark, Motherwort). Where due to spasm of blood vessels from atherosclerosis it may take the form of intermittent claudication (Prickly Ash bark, Cramp bark, Nettles, Vitamin E). For cramp in the back (Cramp bark, Ligvites); stomach (Fennel, Cardamoms, Turkey Rhubarb); womb (Squaw vine, Wild Yam, Cramp bark); kidney and bladder (Horsetail); muscles (Devil’s Claw).

Alternatives. Teas. Mild cases. Any one: German Chamomile, Lime flowers, Holy Thistle, Motherwort, Silverweed, Skullcap, St John’s Wort, Betony.

Combination: equal parts, Skullcap, German Chamomile, Motherwort. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily or as necessary.

Decoction. More severe cases. Any one: Cramp bark, Valerian, Peruvian bark, Wild Yam, Prickly Ash bark.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Cramp bark, Prickly Ash bark, Devil’s Claw, Wild Yam, Ligvites. Combination. Equal parts, Butterburr and Cramp bark. Dose: powders 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon thrice daily); Liquid extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily or as necessary.

John William Fyfe MD. “After 20 years broken sleep from leg cramps a patient found relief with 15 drops Liquid Extract Black Haw, thrice daily for 3-4 days.” This was used successfully in his practice for over 30 years.

Aromatherapy. Massage oil. 3 drops Marjoram, 3 drops Basil, in 2 teaspoons Almond or other vegetable oil. Or: Cypress oil, Mustard bath for feet.

Diet. See food sources of Calcium, Iron and Magnesium.

Supplements. Daily. B-complex 100mg; B6 100mg; Dolomite tablets (1000mg); Vitamin E (400iu); Vitamin C (2g); Calcium ascorbate (800mg); Magnesium 300mg (450mg, pregnancy). Zinc (25mg).

For cramp of pregnancy – see PREGNANCY. ... cramp

Arthritis – Rheumatoid

A systemic inflammatory disease of several joints together where erosive changes occur symmetrically, and which may arise from inflammation and thickening of the synovial membrane. Cartilage becomes eroded and fibrous or even bony fusion leads to permanent fixation of a joint, or joints. Polyarthritis. An auto-immune disease.

Symptoms. Morning stiffness and pain wearing off later. Easy fatigue and decline in health. Nodules on surface of bones (elbows, wrists, fingers). Joint fluids (synovia) appear to be the object of attack for which abundant Vitamin C is preventative. Anaemia and muscle wasting call attention to inadequate nutrition, possibly from faulty food habits for which liver and intestine herbs are indicated.

Treatment. Varies in accord with individual needs. May have to be changed many times before progress is made. Whatever treatment is prescribed, agents should have a beneficial effect upon the stomach and intestines to ensure proper absorption of active ingredients. (Meadowsweet)

It is a widely held opinion that the first cause of this condition is a bacterial pathogen. An anti- inflammatory herb should be included in each combination of agents at the onset of the disease. See: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS. Guaiacum (Lignum vitae) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) have a powerful anti-inflammatory action and have no adverse effects upon bone marrow cells or suppress the body’s immune system. Breast feeding cuts RA death rate.

Of therapeutic value according to the case. Agrimony, Angelica root, Balmony, Black Cohosh (particularly in presence of low back pain and sciatica), Bogbean, Boldo, Burdock, Celery, Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Echinacea (to cleanse and stimulate lymphatic system), Ginseng (Korean), Ginseng (Siberian), Liquorice, Meadowsweet, Poke root, Prickly Ash bark, White Poplar bark, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts. Alfalfa, Bogbean, Nettles. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes, 1 cup thrice daily.

Decoction. Prickly Ash bark 1; Cramp bark 1; White Willow bark 2. Mix. 1oz to 1 pint water gently simmered 20 minutes. Dose: Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Feverfew, Poke root, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam, Ligvites.

Alternative formulae:– Powders. White Willow bark 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Black Cohosh half; Ginger quarter. Mix. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily.

Liquid extracts. White Willow bark 2; Wild Yam half; Liquorice half; Guaiacum quarter. Mix. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily.

Tinctures. Cramp bark 1; Bogbean 1; Prickly Ash half; Meadowsweet 1; Fennel half. Mix. Dose: 1-3 teaspoons thrice daily.

Ligvites. (Gerard House)

Cod Liver oil. Contains organic iodine, an important factor in softening-up fibrous tissue, to assist metabolism of uric-acid, help formation of haemoglobin, dilate blood vessels; all related to arthritics. The oil, taken internally, can reach and nourish cartilage by the process of osmosis; its constituents filter into cartilage and impart increased elasticity.

Topical. Evening Primrose oil, Wintergreen lotion, Comfrey poultice. Hydrotherapy: hot fomentations of Hops, Chamomile or Ragwort. Cold water packs: crushed ice or packet of frozen peas in a damp towel applied daily for 10 minutes for stiffness and pain. See: MASSAGE OIL.

Aromatherapy. Massage oils, any one: Cajeput, Juniper, Pine or Rosemary. 6 drops to 2 teaspoons Almond oil.

Supportives: under-water massage, brush baths, sweat packs, Rosemary baths, exposure of joints to sunlight.

Diet. Low salt, low fat, oily fish, Mate tea, Dandelion coffee. On exacerbation of the disease cut out all dairy products.

Supplements. Daily. Evening Primrose capsules: four 500mg; Vitamin C (1-3g); Bromelain 250mg between meals; Zinc 25mg.

General. Residence in a warm climate. Yoga. Disability and deformity may be avoided by a conscientious approach to the subject. ... arthritis – rheumatoid

Feet – Pain In

(Metatarsalgia)

Causes: foot-strain, deformity, osteoporosis, high heels throwing the body out of its normal posture, tight shoes.

Feet are often painful because one or more of the bones are out of alignment and which may be adjusted by simple osteopathy. The process can be assisted by foot-baths of Chamomile flowers, Arnica flowers, or Comfrey to relax muscles and tendons.

Alternatives. Alfalfa, Chaparral, Ligvites, Prickly Ash.

Topical. Aromatherapy. (Sensitive feet) Oils of Pine, Eucalyptus or Thyme – 6 drops, any one, to 2 teaspoons Almond oil. Warm. Massage into foot and wrap round with damp hot towel.

General. Acupuncture. Shoes should be bought in the afternoon, particularly if feet swell during the day. Shoes that fit well in the morning may have become too tight by tea-time. ... feet – pain in

Fibrositis

Muscular rheumatism. Painful, sore and aching muscles due to over-exertion, septic foci (bad teeth, grumbling appendix, infected sinuses etc), or an over-growth of fibrous tissue due to inflammatory change in muscles. Also due to injury or faulty food combinations.

Alternatives. Bladderwrack, Bogbean, Cayenne, Dandelion, Black Cohosh (especially after violent exercise), Ginger, Horseradish, Sweet Chestnut, St John’s Wort, Rosemary.

Tea. Celery seed.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, White Willow, Devil’s Claw, Ligvites, Wild Yam.

Alternative formulae:– Powders. Formula. White Willow 2; Cramp bark half; Guaiacum quarter; Liquorice quarter. Mix. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Liquid Extracts. Formula. Rosemary 1; St John’s Wort 1; Black Cohosh half; Valerian half. Mix. Dose: 30-60 drops thrice daily.

Tinctures. Formula. Dandelion 2; Celery 1; Bogbean 1. Fennel half. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily. Topical. Aromatherapy. 2 drops each, Origan (Wild Marjoram), Scots Pine, Rosemary, to 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (Almond, etc). Massage. Capsicum liniment.

Poultice. Leaves of Lobelia, Ragwort or Wintergreen.

Analgesic cream. Hot Epsom Salts bath, once weekly.

Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. Oily fish. Dandelion coffee.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B6 (50mg), C (500mg), Calcium Pantothenate (500mg), Dolomite. ... fibrositis

Heart - Rheumatic Heart

Hearts can be damaged by rheumatic fever but they yearly become less, due to the advance of medical science, better nutrition and living conditions. Damage to the valves may not come to light until years later. Mostly a legacy from rheumatic fever in early childhood. Alternatives. Regular treatment may not be necessary except for periods of unusual tension, exposure and stress.

Teas: Nettles, Borage, Mate, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Motherwort.

Decoctions: Blach Cohosh, Cramp bark, Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley, White Willow, Sarsaparilla. Any one.

Formula. Combine Black Cohosh root half; White Willow bark 2; Gotu Kola 1; Hawthorn berries 1. 1oz to 1 pint water; bring to boil; simmer gently 15 minutes; strain when cold. Dose: half-1 cup thrice daily, and when necessary.

Ligvites. Guaiacum resin BHP (1983) 40mg; Black Cohosh BHP (1983) 35mg; White Willow bark BHP (1983) 100mg; Extract Sarsaparilla 4:1 25mg; Extract Poplar bark 7:1 17mg. (Gerard House)

Powders. Combine, Hawthorn 1; Cactus 2; Black Cohosh half; White Willow bark 1; with pinch Cayenne. 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.

White Bryony. Liquid Extract: 15-60 drops, thrice daily. Good results reported.

Colchicum, Tincture. Indicated in presence of gout: Dose: 0.5-2ml in water. (Practitioner use only) Vitamin E. Should not be taken in rheumatic heart disorders.

Diet. See: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. ... heart - rheumatic heart

Pain

Agonising physical distress caused by sensory nerve irritation. Nature’s warning that something is wrong. Where persistent, investigation by a qualified person is essential. For mild pain natural non- suppressive herbs are available. The following are helpful until the doctor comes.

In the chest. When in the gullet it can closely resemble pain in the heart and can be mistaken for angina. Gullet pain, worse by acid and hot drinks, is always a background pain and fails to resolve after exercise. See: OESOPHAGEAL SPASM.

Aching muscles. Bio-strath Willow Formula.

In the hips. Ligvites. (Gerard House)

Ovarian. See: OVARIES.

Fibrositis, polymyalgia. Low degree pain in muscles. Any one:– Black Cohosh, Devil’s Claw, Wild Lettuce, Wild Yam, Wintergreen, Lavender, Parsley, Fenugreek seeds, Meadowsweet, German Chamomile.

In the chest. (Lungs) Balm of Gilead. (Heart) Motherwort. Breast. Evening Primrose oil.

Spine. St John’s Wort.

Aching teeth. Oil of Cloves.

Lumbago, sciatica, backache. Bio-Strath Willow formula.

Gout, rheumatism, osteo-arthritis. Poultice or compress – Comfrey, Plantain leaves, Olbas oil, Weleda Massage oil.

The acute abdomen. Carminative herbs for flatulent colic.

Pain in bowels. (Internal) Wild Yam, Cinnamon, Ginger, Caraway. (External) Cold-pack with Castor oil, Chamomile poultice.

Sprains, bruises. 5 drops Oil of Camphor to egg-cup Olive oil, rub-in relief.

Facial stabbing pains. Plantain, Chamomile, Rosemary, or Wintergreen (external) compress, lotion, tincture.

Womb. Raspberry leaf/Motherwort tea (equal parts), internal.

Head. Feverfew, Skullcap, Passion flower.

Nerve pains. Valerian. Jamaica Dogwood.

See: ANALGESICS, ANTISPASMODICS, NEURALGIA, PLEURODYNIA, etc.

Aromatherapy. Combine, equal parts Oils of Clove, Sassafras and Camphor. Add 10 drops to egg-cup Olive oil: use as a rub for aching muscles and stiff joints.

Drugs suppress pain without necessarily removing the underlying cause. The natural response to pain is to tighten, but if the patient lets go and relaxes into it, then he finds he can better control it. ... pain

Lumbago

Low back pain is responsible for loss of millions of working hours. Acute or chronic persistent pain in the sacroiliac, lumbar or lumbo-sacral areas.

Causes: referred pain from a disordered abdominal organ, displacement of pelvis, lumbosacral spine, slipped disc and lumbar spondylosis. See: LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROLAPSE.

Paget’s disease or lumbago not associated with sciatica (radiating pain down the back of the leg via the sciatic nerve).

Symptoms. Local tenderness, reduced range of movement, muscle spasm. Usually better by rest; worse by movement.

Differential diagnosis: exclude other pelvic disorders such as structural bony displacements, infection from other organs, carcinoma of the womb or prostate gland. Pain in the small of the back may indicate kidney disease or stone. See: KIDNEY DISEASE, GYNAECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS.

Frequent causes: varicosities of the womb and pelvis. These are identical to varicose veins elsewhere, venous circulation being congested. Pressure on a vein from the ovaries may manifest as lumbago – treatment is the same as for varicose veins.

Root cause of the pain should be traced where possible. As most cases of backache defy accurate diagnosis the following general treatments are recommended. For more specific treatments, reference should be made to the various subdivisions of rheumatic disorders. See: RHEUMATIC AND ARTHRITIC DISORDERS, ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, etc.

Alternatives. Barberry (commended by Dr Finlay Ellingwood), Black Cohosh, Bogbean, Buchu, Burdock, Celery, Devil’s Claw, Horsetail, St John’s Wort (tenderness of spine to the touch), White Willow, Wild Yam (muscle spasm).

Celery tea. Barberry tea. See entries.

Decoction. Formula. White Willow 3; Wild Yam 2; Juniper half; Valerian half. Prepare: 3 heaped 5ml teaspoons to 1 pint (500ml) water; simmer gently 15-20 minutes. Dose: 1 wineglassful (100ml or 3fl oz) thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, Devil’s Claw, Wild Yam, Ligvites.

Formula. Devil’s Claw 2; Black Cohosh 1; Valerian 1; Juniper half. Mix. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Action is enhanced where dose is taken in cup Dandelion coffee, otherwise a little water.

Practitioner. Tincture Black Cohosh 4; Tincture Arnica 1. Mix. Dose: 10-20 drops, thrice daily. Black Cohosh and Arnica are two of the most positive synergists known to scientific herbalism. Both are specific for striped muscle tissue. Common disorders of the voluntary muscles quickly respond. (James A. Cannon MD, Pickens, SC, USA)

Practitioner: alternative. Tincture Gelsemium. 10 drops to 100ml water; dose, 1 teaspoon every 2 hours. Topical. Castor oil pack at night. Warm fomentations of Lobelia and Hops. Warm potato poultice. Cayenne salve. Camphorated, Jojoba or Evening Primrose oil. Lotion: equal parts tinctures: Lobelia, Ragwort and St John’s Wort; mix: 10-20 drops on cotton wool or suitable material and applied to affected area. Arnica lotion. Wintergreen.

Chiropractic technique. Ice and low back pain. Patient lies on his stomach with two pillows under abdomen, the low back in an arched position. Apply ice-bag or packet of peas from the freezer on top of lumbar area; pillow on top to hold ice firm. Patient not to lie or sit on ice-pack.

Diet. Oily fish.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C (500mg); Vitamin D 500iu; Vitamin E (400iu). Dolomite. Niacin.

Supportives. Bedrest in acute stage. Diathermy. Spinal support. Relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension. ... lumbago


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