Diseases such as osteochondrosis have become extremely common nowadays. From my own observations, I have come to realize that many of these problems are largely the result of our own laziness and lack of physical activity. My 25-year-old son, for example, spends the entire day sitting motionless at his computer. It never even occurs to him that the human body needs movement, that our joints and bones require regular physical activity to stay healthy and strong. Unfortunately, this sedentary lifestyle has become the norm for most young people today.
One day his lower back hurt, another day his joints bothered him, and sometimes he even complained about stiffness and pain in his neck. Watching him struggle reminded me of the period years ago when I had suffered from similar problems. After trying many things back then, I eventually found relief through herbal remedies that I prepared myself. Since these natural treatments helped me recover, I decided to prepare the same remedies for my son, hoping they would bring him some relief as well.
To begin with, I prepared a healing decoction made from the fresh roots of kapueta (couch grass). Here is the exact method I used:
Take 2 tablespoons of freshly dug kapueta roots.
Pour enough water over them to cover the roots completely.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for just one minute.
Once it boils, pour out that first liquid — it tends to be extremely bitter and is not used.
Next, finely chop the boiled roots and pour 700 ml of fresh water over them.
Boil this again until the liquid reduces to about 500 ml.
After that, add 2 tablespoons of finely crushed dandelion roots, cover the pot, let the mixture cool, and then strain it.
This decoction should be consumed throughout the day in small portions. The treatment lasts for three weeks. After completing this course, you take a two-week break and prepare a second herbal remedy:
Take equal parts of peppermint, horsetail, nettle, wild pansy, dandelion leaves, and yarrow.
Mix them well.
Take 1 tablespoon of this mixture and pour 250 ml of boiling water over it.
Let it steep for 20 minutes.
Drink half a cup of this infusion 2–3 times a day.
After finishing this combined treatment and noticing that my joint pain had disappeared, I immediately decided to change my lifestyle as well. I increased my physical activity, started walking more frequently, and made a conscious effort not to avoid tasks or activities that required movement. At first it was very difficult — my body was not used to constant activity, and simple tasks made me tired. But over time, I got used to walking so much that I eventually began covering fairly long distances without discomfort.
Now I am approaching sixty, yet I feel as energetic and mobile as a healthy thirty-year-old woman. I repeated the same herbal treatments for my son, and he also says that he feels significantly better. However, he still struggles with laziness and prefers sitting to moving. He hasn’t quite learned to appreciate the importance of physical activity the way he should. But movement is life — if you allow your body to remain inactive and relaxed for too long, your joints stiffen, your spine weakens, and every existing problem returns with renewed force. If you suffer from joint pain or spinal discomfort, I strongly encourage you to follow my advice. I am confident that you will be grateful you did.
Doctor’s Comment:
Kapueta (couch grass) typically grows in rocky, thin, nutrient-poor soil. In our region, it is considered mostly a forage plant for livestock. It is a perennial herb with a creeping, branched underground rhizome, which is usually collected in early spring. The rhizome contains the polysaccharide triticin, a substance believed to have a mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Traditional herbal medicine often uses couch grass roots to support kidney function, reduce water retention, and soothe inflammatory processes, including those affecting joints.
In addition to this, plants such as nettle, horsetail, and yarrow are well known in folk medicine for their ability to strengthen connective tissue, support healthy blood circulation, and reduce mild inflammatory symptoms. Peppermint helps relax muscles, dandelion supports detoxification, and wild pansy has traditionally been used for its soothing properties. Although these herbs do not replace professional medical treatment when needed, many people have found gentle herbal remedies beneficial when combined with lifestyle changes — especially increased physical movement.
It is important to remember that osteochondrosis and joint problems rarely develop overnight. They are typically the result of long periods of inactivity, poor posture, chronic tension, or excessive strain placed on the spine and joints. Herbal remedies can certainly support recovery, but the most effective and lasting improvement comes from adopting an active, balanced lifestyle. Regular walking, stretching, moderate exercise, and maintaining proper posture can all prevent stiffness, reduce pain, and strengthen the musculoskeletal system. Even simple daily habits — taking short walks, standing up frequently during work, stretching the back and neck — can make a tremendous difference over time.
What I learned from my own experience is that the body responds positively to care, attention, and movement. When I stopped avoiding physical activity and embraced it instead, my overall health improved dramatically. The stiffness vanished, the pain faded, and my endurance increased. That is why I try to encourage others, especially young people, not to rely solely on sedentary habits. Life becomes easier, more energetic, and more joyful when you keep your body active.
So, for anyone suffering from joint pain, back stiffness, or early signs of osteochondrosis, I wholeheartedly recommend trying these remedies — along with meaningful changes in your daily routine. Natural treatments and active living go hand-in-hand, and together they can bring remarkably positive results. Follow these recommendations, stay consistent, and soon enough you too may feel the difference as clearly as I did.
