With all the recent controversy over the dangers of Vioxx, Celebrex and other pain-killing drugs, HSI members looking for alternative ways to help cope with arthritis will be interested in an e-mail that I received from a member named Marijo. Marijo wrote to share some information about a natural agent that relieves arthritis pain. She described it as, "Just plain old peanut oil from the grocery store. Rub on a little, just like a lotion. You can wipe off the excess. I don't know how it works, I only know that it does. I suspect that it is absorbed by the skin and lubricates the joints, but I don't really know. I have helped a number of people become pain free by telling them about it." A quick check of the Internet shows that Marijo's topical peanut oil rub to relieve arthritis pain is apparently a well-known therapy. In fact, there are many lotions, salves, and creams containing peanut oil that are promoted for arthritis and rheumatism pain. Some of the sources I found quoted Edgar Cayce - the "sleeping prophet" - as stating that those who take a weekly peanut oil rub "need never fear arthritis." If you want to try peanut oil therapy, keep in mind that not all peanut oils are created equal. Marijo seems to have enjoyed good results with peanut oil from the grocery, but she might get even better results with pure extra virgin peanut oil, with no added solvents, dyes or preservatives. To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
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