15/07/2025
An interesting read on arthritis from Dr Peter Atherton’s book “Aloe Vera the medicine plant “
Containing a case study from a patient
ARTHRITIS
There are many different types of arthritis, but these can roughly be divided into two groups; those that involve an autoimmune process, a disorder of the immune system, where the body attacks itself, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and the arthritis associated with systemic lupus and the other main group resulting from wear and tear, such as osteoarthritis.
Aloe Vera can help all forms of arthritis because of its natural anti-inflammatory and painkilling actions. This is particularly so in the types resulting from an immune disorder and in these cases there is an additional benefit resulting from the immuno-modulatory effect of the polysaccharide acemannan. When trying to help patients in this group, I usually recommend that Aloe Vera be given together with other natural anti-inflammatory substances containing Omega-3
fatty acids. The two different types of anti-inflammatory action combine well and can reduce pain and stiffness, which in turn improves mobility.
Where there is wear and tear, such as in osteoarthritis, which affects many people to some extent over the age of 50, the anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects of Aloe Vera can still be important in re decing symptoms. However, in this case, prevention is particularly important, especially in those groups of people that are more likely to develop the condition. These include females more so than males, serious athletes, the over weight and those involved in certain jobs such as heavy manual work.
I believe that anyone in the 'at risk' groups would benefit from taking Aloe Vera, possibly after the age of 40. However, in order to get the best results, combining it with other natural substances that form the basis of cartilage will prove most effective. These substances are glucosamine, chondroitin and methylsulphonyl methane (MSM). After the age of 40, people do not produce cartilage as effectively as when they were younger, so as joint cartilage is worn away during the day to day process of living, it's not replaced as efficiently and gradually becomes thinner. Eventually, it is so worn away that bone rubs against bone and a desperate situation ensues. By supplementing with the substances I've mentioned, the body's ability to make its own cartilage improves.
I often use the analogy of a skyscraper being built. First the framework is established, represented by the glucosamine; then the gaps are filled with bricks or glass or other materials, which can be thought of as the chondroitin. They need to work together to get the best results, and are even better if MSM is also added. This natural anti-inflammatory organic sulphur compound which is already present in every cell in the body is vital for cartilage formation. The other process that happens over the years with osteoarthritis is that the fluid in the joint (synovial fluid) becomes thinner. Like oil in an engine, it needs to be of a certain thickness or viscosity to protect the moving parts. The same applies to the process within a joint. Chondroitin is what helps maintain this viscosity. The principle remains the same; we are simply providing the body with the additional ingredients needed to make the end product, in this case cartilage.
As well as drinking Aloe Vera, topical cremes can be used to rub on particularly tender areas on or around the joint. Once again MSM is particularly useful as an anti-inflammatory that can pe*****te the skin when mixed with Aloe Vera.
Case Study -
I have suffered from Ankylosing Spondylitis since 1981. This disease is a chronic inflammation of the joints, mostly in the spine. The more common symptoms are pain and reduced mobility. The pain became increasingly bad several years ago, especially at night, waking me whenever I turned over. The prescribed medication was also unable to deal with the pain as effectively as it had previously.
I enjoy a busy life, but two of my most favourite activities involve considerable joint movement. I had just joined a brass band and was finding that blowing my instrument caused increased pain in my rib joints. I had also returned to the gym after a break of 18 months to recommence a health and fitness programme, only to find that there were several exercises that I had to avoid in order to prevent intense pain during subsequent days.
In March 2002, I began to drink aloe vera gel and from April changed to a drink containing aloe vera gel with glucosamine and chondroitin, increasing the amount from 60mls to 120mls daily. Within a few days, and ever since, I have been pain free during the day and, more importantly, at night as well.
I can now enjoy a good music session without pain, either whilst playing or subsequently. As for the gym, the levels of workout I can do have also been extended far beyond my dreams. I've strengthened and gained stamina and I feel great. My goal for this season... tennis!
Ruth Bricknell
