Natural Arthritis Remedies for Pain Relief

Arthritis can be definite as inflammation of the joints. It came from two Greek words “athron” meaning joints and “itis” meaning inflammation. It is a common ailment in many countries, including the United States.

With the increasing number of people suffering from arthritis, the cost of medicines and medical attention has also skyrocketed for the past few years. Fortunately, there are natural arthritis pain relief that can treat the manifestations that occur alongside arthritis.

Causes and Types of Arthritis

Doctors pinpoint several causes of arthritis. They believe that people living in places with a cold and damp climate and those with nutritional deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, protein and essential fatty acids have an increased possibility of developing arthritis in later life. Joint trauma and several infections to the joints are also risks to suffering arthritis in the future. It is also believed that hormonal changes in women during menopause put them in a higher likelihood of developing arthritis compared to men. People with food allegies to animal products, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and wheat in their diets and those that are consistently exposed to stress are also deemed to have a higher risk of developing arthritis.

There are several forms of arthritis although the most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease and is commonly associated with age – particularly the elderly. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune disorder that destroys the ligaments and tendons of the body. Gout is usually coupled with increased uric acid in the blood.

Typically, arthritis manifests signs and symptoms like inflammation and swelling of the joints that are associated with mild to severe pain. This condition can be triggered by untreated infections or even metabolic disturbances. There are even instances when the erratic pain can worsen and the person suffers from flare-ups. Other individuals verbalize symptoms related to flu such as body weakness and depression.

Although there are pharmacological medications indicated for treating arthritis, their side effects may cause other problems. That is why a lot of individuals prefer the natural remedies for arthritis and the ingredients for these remedies can be found in normal places such as your own kitchen.

7 Types of Natural Remedies for Arthritis

1.) Acupuncture

This technique has been utilized by Chinese people for how many centuries already. According to the theory, inserting extremely small needles on certain areas that have energy lines can aid the stimulation of energy flow. Even scientists believe that the insertion of these needles will stimulate the nervous system to produce pain-relieving endogenous substances that can lessen the severity of pain.

2.) Aromatherapy

This method is analogous to performing a massage. This is used when massaging an individual together with the use of certain oil extracts from trees, plants or flowers. Furthermore, the extracted oil can also be used during steam inhalation and warm baths. By getting the right mixture, it can help the person relax and can alleviate any pain felt in the body.

Steam baths and body massage are effective in treating arthritis. A good massage soothes muscles. Treatments using cold water must be avoided. It is highly recommended by the experts for the patients to take extra supplement of zinc, calcium and vitamin C. These minerals are essential for good conditioning of muscles and joints and strengthening bones. Bathing in the sea can also help treat this disease. Your kitchen can provide you natural remedies. For instance, when you wake up in the morning, the first thing you have to do is have a potato juice diluted with water on 50:50 bases. Additionally, before bedtime, you can rub your aching joints with hot vinegar available in your pantry.

3.) Homeopathy

This technique has been developed during the 18th century wherein it provides various remedies that are usually in oral form. Homeopathy stimulates the whole body’s natural system in healing and is therefore useful against arthritis to alleviate pain. Unlike acupuncture, homeopathy focuses on the body as a whole instead of targeting specific areas.

An example of a homeopathic treatment that can be used to treat arthritis is the Epsom salt or, known by its chemical name, Magnesium Sulfate. Magnesium is an important mineral for bone growth aside from regulating the body’s pH level. It has an anti-inflammatory property and can reduce joint pain by enhancing the blood circulation. You can use Epsom salts by adding three cups of Epsom salt in your warm bath. It can also be taken internally by mixing three tablespoons of lemon juice and three tablespoons of Epsom salts. But please be reminded that Epsom salts is contraindicated to people suffering from heart or kidney diseases.

Another natural homeopathic way to treat the disease is by wrapping the affected or painful joint with red flannel leaving it overnight. Pain caused by arthritis can be relieved by using warm olive oil massaged directly on the painful area. Essential oils from Garlic, Juniper, Lavender, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, or Sassafras diluted in the proportions of one to ten parts of olive oil are massaged on the painful joint areas for immediate relief.

4.) Osteopathy

This is another method useful against arthritis and functions by strengthening the body’s musculoskeletal system which includes enhancing mobility. Nevertheless, this approach should not be executed to someone who has osteoporosis or has any joints that are inflamed.

5.) Reflexology

This is a very old technique which has been used by early Chinese and Egyptians. Reflexology is done by a special kind of massage on both upper and lower extremities in order to improve the state of the body. By providing the massage, the person will soon be in a relaxed state and will have a comforting sensation. This is a perfect strategy to be implemented for a person who is stressed-out. Reflexology also triggers the adrenals to produce enough cortisone to reduce inflammation and pain that is felt on the joints, hence, it is a useful technique against arthritis.

6.) Yoga

This can be used for many other conditions aside from arthritis. This is very helpful in coping with stressful situations as well as aiding blood circulation and joint movements. Yoga is associated with relaxation and deep breathing exercises.

7.) Diet and Nutrition

An example of a diet and nutritional remedy for arthritis is the vegetable celery.  Celery contains approximately 20 anti-inflammatory compounds that will help decrease joint inflammation. Adding celery to your meals and eating it regularly will help to reduce pain.

Flax seed oil, otherwise known as linseed oil, is also a good option in treating arthritis naturally. Flax seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fats that combat inflammation by helping the body, produce prostaglandins 1 and 2. You can take 1 teaspoon of flax seed oil daily to help treat arthritis. However, it is extremely important that a balance between the intake of omega-3 and omega-6 is present to prevent serious complications.

As an additional treatment for arthritis, doctors advise their patients to drink an adequate amount of water daily. Water is a natural lubricant for the joints and increasing your oral fluid intake can help avoid joint stiffness. Most people suffering from arthritis avoid exercises but immobilized joints can only produce more stiffness and more pain. Therefore, it is important for arthritic people to exercise regularly.

Conclusions

These natural arthritis remedies will either help decrease several symptoms of arthritis or it can treat the said condition. However, the real cure lies in your determination and discipline. The more you follow the diet and lifestyle advised by doctors, the easier you can get rid of arthritis.