It is important to say something about the Green-Lipped Mussel which is playing its part in helping some patients with arthritis to improve and live a fuller and less painful life.

All the known minerals are in the sea, just as they are in our bodies, and we do not have to stretch our imaginations too far to accept that quantities of these minerals become absorbed by all marine life.

Natural healers have used seaweeds with excellent results for many decades.

The Green-Lipped Mussel has its home in the comparatively unpolluted waters around the coasts of New Zealand and it is now cultivated in farms in order that supplies of top quality mussels are obtained. A substance is extracted from these shellfish at a specific time, and after complicated process this is made up into capsules or tablets.

A great deal of research was done in the late 1960's and early 1970's when it was found that the mussel extract had an anti-arthritic action. The first experiments were carried out on rats.

Results of some clinical trials were published in 'The Practitioner' which said that the extract is an effective supplement or possible alternative to orthodox therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid and osteo arthritis.

Sixty-six patients tool part in these trails, twentyeight suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and thirtyeight from osteo-arthritis. 67.9% of these patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 39.5% of those with osteo-arthritis felt some benefit from the treatment. The improvements during the trial included less pain, less stiffness and the ability to cope.

Less pain and more mobility are the two symptoms reported by many patients and this improved state can last for some months when another course of treatment may be necessary. On the other hand the improvement may not deteriorate. No two patients are alike and therefore some may need more doses of the mussel extract than others. At the same time, some patients may react very much more quickly than others. And some will get no benefit at all.

At this point it is necessary to mention that this is not a cure for every arthritic sufferer.

There is a warning that people who are allergic to seafoods should not take the Green-Lipped Mussel treatment - this is important.

There may be an aggravation of symptoms early in the course of treatment will follow.

The Green-Lipped Mussel extract can be obtained from any Health Food Store.