Before we talk about natural arthritis remedies, we need to understand what exactly arthritis is.
Arthritis comes from the Greek words arthro, which means joint, and itis, which means inflammation. It is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. Studies show that arthritis has over 100 different forms; the most common of which are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis, among others. Regardless of the kind of arthritis that a person can have, its most typical symptoms include varied levels of pain, swelling, joint stiffness and sometimes a continuous ache around the joint(s).
One way to cure such disorder is to take drugs prescribed by a doctor. While that seems to be popular among many individuals these days, that’s not the only option there is to treat arthritis.
Natural Arthritis Remedies – Effective Alternatives to Fight Arthritis
Natural arthritis remedies are likewise introduced for everyone’s benefit and use nowadays. They’re not just safe and effective; they also save you a lot of your hard earned money and time. One known natural arthritis remedy is to use flax seed oil. Research has proven that flax seed oil’s main content, Omega-3 fats, help our body produce Prostaglandins Series 1 and 3, which are anti-inflammatory hormone-like molecules. These molecules aid lessen the inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
Other natural remedies for arthritis pain that you can do at home include the use of the following: epsom salt, alfalfa seeds, cinnamon, cod liver oil, turmeric and ginger.
Natural Arthritis Pain Relief - Home Remedies
Natural remedies for knee arthritis
Also referred to as the wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is known as the most common type of knee arthritis. It is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint.. More often than not, this disease affects patients who are over 50 years old, as well as those who are overweight. Other causes are genetic, trauma to the knee, meniscus tears or ligament damage and fractures to the bone around the joint.
It has been known that a gentle massage of olive oil around the affected area may help reduce the pain in your knee. Olive oil has many good qualities about it and can be very beneficial in a lot of things, especially in healing arthritis knee pain. Another natural cure is steam bath which lessens the pain by circulating blood flow around the area. Other helpful home remedies include apple cider vinegar, capsaicin, and emu oil.
Natural Remedies for Arthritis in Hands
Arthritis in hands is marked by crippling pain (especially during humid weather), inflammation, stiffness and a feeling of warmth in the affected area. It may cause knobby deformity of finger joints, limited joint mobility, loss of joint function and formation of cysts on ends joints of fingers. This disorder is usually experienced by people, specifically women, with ages 60 years or more due to degeneration of cartilage of joints.
A couple of natural home remedies are suggested to take care of arthritis in hands. These include the following:
- Taking a combination of one tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder on a daily basis, particularly in the morning before having breakfast;
- Massaging with a mixture of warm olive oil and lavender/sage oil;
- Essential oils like fennel oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, to name a few, can likewise be used for massaging. Mix the essential oil with some warm carrier oil such as jojoba oil, olive oil , etc.;
- Have an Epsom salt bath or soak your hands in warm water mixed with Epsom salt within half an hour;
- Have two tablespoons of castor oil mixed in a glass of orange juice before breakfast. Do this at home for at least three weeks. Also add ginger, garlic and turmeric in your food to treat the inflammation;
- Drink a glass of warm water mixed with one tablespoon each of organic apple cider vinegar and honey. Start by drinking it once a day and gradually increase up to three times when you’re already accustomed to the taste;
- Take some therapeutic herbs like meadowsweet, black cohosh, willow, devil’s claw and others;
- Wearing soothing magnet therapy arthritis gloves.
Natural Remedies for Arthritis in Fingers
Arthritis in fingers is considered as the most common type of arthritis, considering the number of little bones and joints there are in the fingers. Caring for arthritis in fingers can be performed effectively by using some different non-medicinal options that provide relief and long term solution. One of the methods is the use of heat and cold. Heat relieves tension and stiffness while the cold is a natural and fast means to reduce swelling and improve range of motion.
Another option is hand therapy. As opposed to popular belief, resting the joints is not the best way to go. Resting the joints for too long can result in more stiffness, pain and swelling. Herbal remedies like turmeric and ginger extract are of huge help, too. Additionally, you may take a combination of Vitamin C and the herb Guggul.
Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling of the joints, especially the smaller joints of the hands and feet. It generally affects both sides of the body at the same time. As per the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis may range from moist heat, magnets, and massage to herbs, natural supplements and relaxation remedies. Seafood (fish, in particular) is seen to be effective at curing such disease.
Natural Remedies for Psoriatic Arthritis
This form of arthritis is normally caused by psoriatic lesions, which are typical of psoriasis sufferers. The symptoms of this certain type of arthritis are the same as that of rheumatoid arthritis. Individuals who are 35 to 45 years old are usually prone to this illness. One of the recommended natural remedies for this form of arthritis is to take Omega 3 fatty acids. One may also take in a supplement form the following: borage, evening primrose, turmeric curcumin and bromelain.
Raw Arthritis Relief
Natural Arthritis Remedies – Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a small tree that is usually found in South Asia and the Middle East region. It is either sold as sticks or ground into a powder. It has extremely high anti-oxidant activity and its oil has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. To relieve arthritis pain, simply add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast. Repeat this daily for one month and notice the results within the first week.
Natural Arthritis Remedies – Honey
Napoleonic era French essayist Joseph Joubert once said, “When you go in search of honey, you must expect to be stung by bees”. Today, alternative health mavens say both the honey and the sting may help arthritis sufferers. Arthritis patients may see that the hive of the honeybee might buzz with healing potential. A mixture of honey, warm water and cinnamon can alleviate arthritis pain. This honey-warm water-cinnamon mixture can be taken either orally or through direct application to the skin. Oral treatment seems to work best, though, when taken on an empty stomach.
Borage Seed Oil
It is derived from the seeds of the borage and is used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory for treating arthritis, as well as certain skin conditions and respiratory inflammation. It has one of the highest amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), also known as omega-6, which offers therapeutic benefit in rheumatologic disease by inhibiting leukotriene synthesis, causing anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects.
Rheumatic Arthritis and Thunder God Vine
Thunder god vine, an herb used for centuries in China, may help people with rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike the more common osteoarthritis, RA is a highly inflammatory condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues. In a study which was published in an edition of Annals of Internal Medicine, 121 RA patients with at least six swollen joints took either a prescription anti-inflammatory or an extract from thunder god vine (Trupterygium wilfordii Hook F, TwHF). After 24 weeks, about 65% of the participants who took TwHF showed at least a 20% improvement in symptoms compared with 33% of those taking the drug.
Fish Oils
Fish oils came from the tissues of oily fish and contain the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors of eicosanoids that are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body and are believed to have many health benefits.
Natural Arthritis Remedies Diet
It is well-recognized that a healthy diet is important for everyone. Arthritis patients, however, sometimes look beyond this notion of healthy eating and look to diet for a cure. The link between diet and arthritis is complex. There’s evidence that diet can influence some types of arthritis, but the type of arthritis and the kind of diet must be considered. For instance, a diet which is low in alcohol and purine-rich foods can lower blood uric acid levels and lessen the likelihood of a gout attack. Excess body weight influences arthritis by putting extra strain on already burdened joints.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided seven dietary guidelines:
- Eat a variety of foods from all 4 basic groups
- Maintain your ideal weight
- Avoid too much fat, saturated fat, cholesterol
- Eat adequate amounts of starch and fiber
- Avoid too much sugar
- Avoid too much sodium
- Avoid alcohol
Natural Arthritis Supplements
The most commonly used alternative or complementary nutrients for arthritis remedy are glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine sulfate, from shellfish, is helpful in arthritis particularly if combined with other nutrients. Chondroitin sulfate, on the other hand, is a major constituent of cartilage providing structure, holding water and nutrients and allowing other molecules to move through cartilage. Other nutrients and herbs may potentially help reduce symptoms of arthritis.
Additional Alternative to Cure Arthritis – Tai Chi for Arthritis
In 1997, Dr. Paul Lam led a team of tai chi and medical expert to create this program. It is easy to learn and safe. Studies have shown it relieves pain and improves quality of life. Hence, arthritis foundations around the world are supporting this program. As an effective program for people with arthritis, Tai Chi for arthritis incorporates exercises that improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness.
Indeed, arthritis is now common among various individuals, regardless of status, gender or age. This disease can be well taken care of by your doctor, but utilizing an alternative medicine, such as trying several home remedies and herbal remedy, may help you save a lot of money without compromising your safety. Earth clinic is a site that takes in home natural arthritis remedies supplied by readers from across the world. It’s a perfect website to research some of the cheap but effective natural arthritis remedies and also means to cure diseases caused by inflammation, including arthritis.