Lemon
Lemon is an anti-inflammatory food. Though the lemon juice is acid in taste, its reaction in the body is alkaline. Hence, it is valuable in the treatment of rheumatic affections such as arthritis, gout, rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, and pain in hip joints, which result from too much acid in the body. A sufficient intake of lemon juice prevents the deposit of uric acid in the tissues and thus reduces the possibility of an attack of gout and other rheumatic diseases.
In the treatment of rheumatism and gout through the use of lemon, the patient should begin with one lemon per day and gradually increase the quantity until he takes a dozen or more. Thereafter the quantity should be reduced in the same order until one lemon is taken per day.
Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is a perennial, aromatic tall grass, with rhizomes and fibrous roots. It is stimulant, tonic, aromatic, antispasmodic and a mild counter-irritant. The oil distilled from its leaves is used for medicinal purposes. The grass possesses anti-inflammatory property and can thus be beneficially used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.
Lemon grass oil mixed with twice its bulk of coconut oil, is a stimulating ointment for rheumatism, lumbago, neuralgia, sprains and other painful affections. In chronic cases, the undiluted oil may be used for better results. It can also be taken internally in the form of raw juice or decoction yielding beneficial results.
Lime
This citrus fruit is an anti-inflammatory food of great importance. It has been used as an effective remedy in arthritis and gout since long. Vitamin C, contained in it, is known to prevent and cure sore joints by strengthening the connective tissue of the body. The citric acid found in the lime is a solvent of uric acid, which are the primary cause of arthritis, gout and other diseases of this nature. It can be taken in the form of juice extracted from the fruit in a glass of warm water, to which a teaspoon of honey may be added. It can be taken twice daily in treating these conditions.
The use of lime is also highly beneficial in the prevention and treatment of inflammation of the gum margins, pyorrhea and dental caries. In a research study, 450 patients with these conditions were given half a lime and 240 ml of orange juice twice a day. This led to the disappearance of most of the inflammation and an arrest of about 50 per cent of caries, besides stimulating body growth.
Long Pepper
Long pepper is a small, slender aromatic plant, having perennial woody roots with thin and erect branches. It is indigenous to India and is cultivated extensively in many places of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam. The fruits, the root and thicker parts of stem are cut and dried and used as an important drug in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines.
Long pepper is an anti-inflammatory food. Its use has been found beneficial in the treatment of rheumatic diseases like rheumatism and gout. It should be given in doses of three to five decigrams, mixed with honey. Besides taking internally, it can also be applied locally. It will help relieve muscular pains and inflammation.
Onion
Onion possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Its regular use, especially in raw form, can help reduce inflammation in arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. The juice of this vegetable, mixed with mustard oil in equal quantity, can also be applied externally, with beneficial results, to allay pains and swellings in rheumatic afflictions.
Pineapple
This fruit is an anti-inflammatory food. It helps suppress inflammation. Both the fruit and its main constituent, an antibacterial enzyme called bromelain, are anti-inflammatory. The use of this fruit has thus been found valuable in preventing arthritis and other rheumatic afflictions. Fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation both in osteoarthitis and rheumatoid arthritis. An exclusive diet of fresh pineapple juice for few days, and repeated at regular intervals, will help greatly in relieving symptoms of these diseases.