Joint Diseases and Topical Applications Botanical Medicine 2 Fall 2009 Sheila Kingsbury, ND, RH (AHG)

Arnica montana

Harpagophytum procumbens

Centella asiatica

Formula thoughts Arctium lappa 1:2 – 30ml Rumex crispus 1:5 – 25 ml Fumaria officinalis 1:5 – 25 ml Silybum marianum 1:1 – 20 ml Taraxacum officinalis 1:5 – 20 ml

Case Study 1 Your 40 year old female patient is complaining of joint pain in her hands and knees. This is a new symptom for her and she has no history or family history of rheumatoid arthritis. No recent illnesses, she is generally healthy and gets outdoors for hikes and gardening frequently. Her diet is mostly meats, dairy, 1-2 servings of vegetables and fruits a day. She drinks about a liter of water daily and sleeps well at night. She works at a computer most of the day and takes one break for lunch.

Case study 2 Your 25 year old patient has recently had a bicycle accident and scraped up her knee badly. The joint is structurally intact but with some bruising. She has a 2x2 in. abrasion with some gravel still in it and has had it bandaged up for the last 2 days. She is wanting to know what she can put on it to help it heal and prevent scarring.