Nikki Hawkes

Medical Herbalist

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Arthritis and gout

Rosehips improve osteoarthritis symptoms

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Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the world. It causes destruction of the cartilage and other parts of the joints, mainly in the hands, knees, hips or the spine. The damage leads to the osteoarthritis symptoms of joint pain and stiffness, which impair joint function and inevitably impact on quality of life.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not the best choice of medicine for osteoarthritis for the reasons I discuss here. Yet, the medic’s preferred long term medication paracetamol is not all that effective for relieving the pain of osteoarthritis. One reason for this may be that paracetamol is not a strong anti-inflammatory. [Read more…] about Rosehips improve osteoarthritis symptoms

The role of ageing in gut health and osteoarthritis

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Osteoarthritis is a progressive and degenerative joint disease. It causes a great deal of pain and disability for millions of people. It commonly affects older people and we used to think it was caused by wear and tear. But, scientists now think there might be other causes. One such cause involves a link between gut health and osteoarthritis. I will explain how. [Read more…] about The role of ageing in gut health and osteoarthritis

Can we cure autoimmune disease?

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Our immune system is meant to protect us from disease. But it can also damage our own cells and tissues. This is what happens in autoimmune disease. But why would our own immune system turn against us? And what can we do about it, if anything?

How a healthy immune system works

A healthy immune system protects us in several ways. We have barriers that keep out dangerous substances. For those substances that get through, we have specialised cells that can tackle them in other ways.

Being able to recognise substances is an important part of this process. More importantly, being able to recognise the difference between self and non-self. In autoimmune disease, the immune system recognises self-tissues as foreign and destroys them.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by bacteria

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic arthritic condition of the joints. Like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness, but these conditions are very different. While osteoarthritis is considered a disease of wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Which means that instead of protecting the body against an invader, the immune system turns on it’s own body tissues, in this case the joints, especially of the hands, feet and wrists.

In developed countries such as the UK, around 1% of the population may have rheumatoid arthritis. It is a condition that tends to run in families, and it affects around three times as many women as men.

Understanding the underlying causes and triggers for a condition like rheumatoid arthritis can help us understand how we might be able to prevent its occurrence or progression. So this is an important part of the research into rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Scientists searching for the cause of rheumatoid arthritis believe that bacteria play an important part. In particular, at least for rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of Proteus bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections have been implicated. [Read more…] about Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by bacteria

Is a daily low dose aspirin a good idea?

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A daily, low dose aspirin tablet is a popular option among people hoping to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, studies support the prophylactic use of aspirin as a simple and cheap way to prevent recurrent heart attacks and stroke. But, does that mean everyone should take a daily low dose aspirin? Findings from the ASPREE trial (Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) published this week as several studies here, here and here, suggest the answer to that question is no.

The problem with aspirin

Aspirin, one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide was originally derived from the herbal medicine, white willow bark. This herbal remedy was used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to relieve pain and inflammation. However, aspirin and white willow are not the same. [Read more…] about Is a daily low dose aspirin a good idea?

Complementary therapies for chronic neck pain

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This is the fourth and last article in this series of articles about complementary therapies for chronic pain. The series is mostly based on the British Medical Journal article that discusses the available scientific evidence for various therapies including acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and mind-body techniques. This particular article will focus on therapies for neck pain. [Read more…] about Complementary therapies for chronic neck pain

Which therapy – chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis

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This is the second post in a series of posts about the potential benefits of complementary therapies for people living with chronic pain. In case you missed it, you can find the first post here.

This post focusses on research related to several complementary therapies and rheumatoid arthritis. As reported in a review article in the British Medical Journal.

Acupuncture and rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease of the joints, that involves chronic inflammation, deformity and chronic pain. People with rheumatoid arthritis usually take long term medication, such as NSAIDs and anti-rheumatics for pain, swelling and stiffness. These conventional treatments are associated with significant side effects and risks. [Read more…] about Which therapy – chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis

Which therapies for chronic pain?

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Chronic pain is a leading reason that people will use complementary therapies. As an acupuncturist and medical herbalist people living with pain often seek my help. Commonly expressing a desire to reduce pain-relieving medications. Especially in relation to any side effects that they might experience. Yet, how can you choose a complementary therapy to help manage or relieve chronic pain? Is there any scientific evidence to help you decide? In fact, this 2017 review published in the British Medical Journal discusses just that. The available evidence for using certain complementary therapies for chronic pain conditions. I will aim to provide a summary of the review alongside some personal observations.

The review discusses rheumatoid arthritis, chronic low back pain, and chronic neck and shoulder pain. As this topic is huge, this post will form part of a series of posts. Starting with a discussion of what chronic pain is. Later posts will continue with the available findings from the review for different therapies. These include acupuncture, mind-body medicine, nutrition and fasting, herbal medicine and nutrients, and cupping.

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Nigella sativa and osteoarthritis of the knee

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Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative disorder of the joints. It often affects the knees since these joints are weight bearing and prone to wear and tear. As an acupuncturist and herbalist I am often consulted about arthritic pain, especially osteoarthritis of the knee. I know that the pain of arthritic knees or other joint pain can be disabling. With many people waiting a long time for knee replacement operations. With no option in the mean time but to take prescription painkilling medications. Yet, these medications may actually cause more harm than good. I have written about this before. See my post Why NSAIDs are not the best solution for your osteoarthritis.

Nigella sativa, also known as love-in-a-mist, is an easily grown, attractive flowering plant. Popular in gardens due to it’s pretty white or blue flowers, finely divided foliage and ornamental seed heads. What many may not realise is that this plant has been grown for many centuries in certain parts of the world, for its edible seeds. The seeds’ appearance also give rise to it’s other common names – black seed, black cumin or black caraway. Names that hint at the pungent and spicy flavour of the seeds. What’s more, like many aromatic seeds, these have notable medicinal properties. [Read more…] about Nigella sativa and osteoarthritis of the knee

Why NSAIDs are not the best solution for osteoarthritis

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Over 60% of people aged over 65 suffer from osteoarthritis. In England, this means about 8 million people. It is the most common joint disorder and mainly affects the hands, feet, knees or hips. Risk increases with age, weight and a previous joint injury. And because it is a progressive and chronic condition that can mean years of life lived with pain and disability. Many people take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to help with the pain. But here I explain why these might not be the best solution for osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis associated with wear and tear. Cartilage covers the ends of bones that form the joint. It should be smooth but can become damaged and roughened. Damaged cartilage may thin out and expose the bone. When bones rub together in the joint it causes inflammation and pain. [Read more…] about Why NSAIDs are not the best solution for osteoarthritis