I wish to make a contribution to the therapeutic benefits of using the Healing Botanical Therapy. I live in North Carolina and spend time in Florida during the winter months. I am seventy-four years "young," nevertheless, my bones are acknowledging the years much to my chagrin. I visited the Spinal Institute while in Florida this past winter and after X-Rays and an MRI, was told I have osteoarthritis. X-Rays indicated there is a slight disc space narrowing at L4-5, minimally at 5-1. On the AP view (whatever that is), was told there is a subtle left convex scoliosis apex at or about the L2-3 interspace. On the AP pelvis there is joint space narrowing of the hips bilaterally, left greater than right, with acetabular lipping.

It was suggested at the Florida Spine Institute that I use cortisone injections which would ease the pain. I refused this suggestion as I know any steroid elevates blood sugar levels, as well as, in the long run, causes more bone deterioration! I have not used any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin, Motrin and so forth, even though I realize they can give some pain relief (can also bring about bleeding ulcers) , but they too in the long run accelerate the deterioration as well as stopping new re-growth of cartilage.

Not anticipating any surgery, I read about the therapeutic Baths and decided to give them a try. I have had ten baths and feel they have helped relieve me of pain, but know due to my age and the fact I have been living with this pain for the past five years, that nothing is going to "cure" me overnight. 

I was on my feet a great deal yesterday and began aching last night. Took my Bath and after the treatment, had considerably less pain. I would have suffered all night and not been able to find a "comfortable spot or position" in bed, but went right to sleep. Prior to the baths, it was necessary for me to sleep with a pillow between my legs to buffer the weight from one hip to the other. I could not sleep on my left side at all, since the baths I can now sleep on either side.

I find it better, for me, to take the bath early in the evening.....watch some TV and/or read, and not try to go to sleep until my body has cooled down......but do feel this has been beneficial to me and am going to try the packs for spot pain.