Nikki Hawkes

Medical Herbalist, specialist in Gut & Thyroid health

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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

Is your pain medication working for your chronic pain?

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According to a recent review, an estimated 43% of the UK general population live with chronic pain. That’s around 28 million people. What’s more, chronic pain may affect up to 62% of people aged 75 or over. Yet, the research shows that more than 20% of people with moderate to severe pain may not get adequate pain relief from their medication.

Chronic pain interferes with daily life, yet doctors may be reluctant to prescribe strong painkillers for non-cancer pain such as low back pain or osteoarthritis. With good reason, since super-strength painkillers such as opioid medications can be highly addictive. As reported by the BBC.

Not only that, but opioid medication such as tramadol, fentanyl and morphine have some other nasty side effects. Patients commonly report constipation, itching, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, breathing difficulties, headache, low energy or muscle twitches while taking these medicines. So, doctors must consider a benefit to harm ratio and minimise any risks to their patients. [Read more…] about Is your pain medication working for your chronic pain?

Is acupuncture without needles effective?

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Acupuncture without needles? How is that possible, you might ask. Well there are many different types of acupuncture. So, in my practice, whilst I offer traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture I am also aware that many people are put off from trying acupuncture due to a needle phobia. For this reason, for some time I have been using low level laser therapy for patients with needle phobia. This is a type of acupuncture that uses a therapeutic laser instead of a needle. Laser therapy has been the subject of many studies to establish its efficacy. Though study data is sometimes conflicting, this 2015 systematic review discusses the effect of laser acupuncture for a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders are those conditions that affect the structures involved with movement of the body. This includes problems such as injuries or aches and pains of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. These symptoms are very common and affect most people at some point. In fact, research suggests that 1.7 billion people worldwide are affected by musculoskeletal problems. [Read more…] about Is acupuncture without needles effective?

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