5 Home Remedies For Arthritis

In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis being most widespread in the 60 years of age and older population. This condition affects the joints and causes inflammation, pain and stiffness.

Natural medicine has been proven to be superior to a very popular arthritis drugs that costs hundreds of dollars. Here are the most beneficial remedies that are backed by science and shown to be effective in the treatment of arthritis

Cherries

Among the best natural remedies for arthritis are cherries. This tasty fruit is full of anthocyanosides, plant pigments which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Researchers at the Philadelphia VA Medical Centre have found that patients who consumed two 8-ounce bottles of tart cherry juice (amounting to approximately 45 cherries) daily for 6 weeks experienced a huge improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function. Study participants also showed a marked decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation.

Capsaicin

The hot pepper extract soaks into skin and temporarily desensitizes the nerve endings where it is applied.  Regardless of why it works, Capsaicin cream is commonly used as a topical treatment for joint pain relief.

A meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology looked at three trials testing capsaicin gel as a treatment for osteoarthritis. It was found to be four times more effective than a placebo gel in improving joint pain and tenderness.

These creams are readily available for purchase at most drug stores and supermarkets, or you can make your own if you would rather have control over the ingredients that go into your hot pepper cream.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a plant that is native to Indonesia and India. Curcumin is one of the primary ingredients in turmeric and this ingredients is frequently used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of arthritis. This is purported to reduce inflammation, joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

The active component in turmeric root is curcumin. This anti-inflammatory polyphenol works by inhibiting the activation of genes and production of proteins that trigger pain and swelling. A 2006 rodent study concluded that curcumin profoundly lessened joint inflammation and destruction.

A 2012 pilot study investigated the efficacy and safety of curcumin in 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients. The patients were randomized into three groups. One received curcumin supplements, another received the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) and a third group took a combination of the two.

Ginger

The anti-inflammatory nature of ginger has been known for centuries. Studies suggest that ginger works by inhibiting CO-X2, which is a pro-inflammatory enzyme.

Ginger extract reduces the production of chemicals such as leukotrienes that promote joint inflammation. It also contains salicylates, which the body transforms into salicylic acid, the same pain-relieving substance found in aspirin. Salicylic acid binds to enzymes in the cells and stops them from producing prostaglandins, chemicals which promote inflammation and send pain signals to the brain.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the most commonly used herbs in alternative medicine. Known for its healing properties, it’s popular for treating small skin abrasions. You may already have a bottle of aloe vera gel in the medicine cabinet from a past sunburn. This same type of product may be applied topically to soothe aching joints.

Aloe vera is also available in whole form from the leaves of the plant. The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says that oral aloe vera can cause decreased blood sugar and gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea. Topical aloe vera, on the other hand, does not cause any side effects and should be safe to try for arthritis.

Water Therapy

We all know that water is the universal solvent that is essential for everyone’s survival. Just heat the water to a desired temperature and you will now have a fast and accessible relief for your stubborn arthritic pain. To get the best benefits from water therapy, you need to pamper yourself using warm water bath. Temperature should be 93.5 degrees Fahrenheit and immersion of affected parts of the body should take place from about 30 minutes to an hour. Experts also recommends adding about three or four tablespoons of Epson salt to the bathwater for a faster and more effective relief from joint pains.

Celery

Aside from being a perfect choice for garnishing, celery seeds and its other parts also contain hidden chemicals that will greatly help anyone who has been debilitated by arthritis. According to latest research, celery boasts a total of 25 anti-inflammatory compounds and is also rich in potassium, a deficiency of which is commonly associated with arthritis cases.

Alfalfa Tea

Yet another one of the most benefic home remedies for arthritis on our list that comes in an edible form is this delicious medicine. Rich in minerals, the alfalfa is regularly used in treating joint pains associated with arthritis and also regulates pH levels. There are some simple steps you need to follow in order to make yourself an effective home remedy using alfalfa seeds.

All you need to do is to add one teaspoon of alfalfa seeds to a cup of boiling water. Let the mix steep for about 20 minutes. Strain it and let it cool, if necessary. You can consume this drink twice a day for several weeks in order to reduce inflammation.