Natural Remedies for Arthritis

Did you know that there are many natural remedies for arthritis, even some you will find in your home right now! Did you also know that you can work to ease your arthritis pain all the time without the use of many potentially harmful over the counter or prescription medications? There is a better way to deal with your pain and that is with natural arthritis solutions!

Best Natural Remedies for Arthritis

When we are looking for natural remedies for arthritis, we don’t often think about the foods we eat, but your diet might have a lot to do with how much pain you regularly suffer from when it comes to this condition. Everything we eat and drink has the power to help us feel better or worse, depending on what the food is, so you need to start paying attention to what you eat.

Foods to Fight Arthritis

• Fish – Omega 3’s

For instance, one of the best nutrients you can be getting when you have arthritis is Omega 3 fatty acids. You will get the most from foods such as fish or grains such as flax seed. Omega 3’s not only help to lubricate the joints, but it also can help your heart and that’s a double bonus.

• Good Fats – Olive Oil and Avocado

You should also consider getting more of the good fats found in foods such as olive oil, which has been found to be rich in fats you need to help fight free radicals and keep the body running smoothly and this includes your joints.

Add some avocado to your next salad and reap the benefits as well. While you don’t want your whole diet to be filled with fats, some appropriately placed “good” fats can be very beneficial to your health and help you to fight your arthritis pain.

• Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Another common food which is considered as a natural remedy for arthritis is any fruit or vegetable which has vitamin C in it. This is especially true if you have a type of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, because it is thought to be caused from the immune system attacking the joints.

So, when you can keep your immune system strong with nutrients such as vitamin C, you are less likely to have such severe problems.

• Fresh Raw Juices 

Increasing your intake of fresh raw juices is good for everyone, but particularly so if you have any type of arthritis. Raw juice has higher levels of alkaline than what you can get from processed or bottled juices. The alkaline content is useful for reducing deposits inside the joints that are responsible for pain and decreased functioning levels.

• Fresh Cherries

Various studies have shown that fresh cherries fight and reduce inflammation and many gout sufferers eat cherries. I have had some people say they haven’t helped, but I’ve heard from just as many who say they have! So worth adding cherries to your shopping list. There is no specific recommended consumption advised, but since cherries are a healthy food, you can eat as many as you like… within reason.

• Red Chili Pepper

Red pepper, also known as cayenne pepper, can help relieve the joint pain associated with most types of arthritis.  As for how, you may be amazed.  Many claim it causes the release of natural endorphins.  Essentially, your body itself stops the pain.  Not only should patients consume red chili pepper, but a topical mixture works too.

• Sesame Seeds

The Chinese have long believed and used sesame seeds to combat the inflammation caused by arthritis.  As with oil, sesame seeds contain healthy fatty acids.  For the best results, eat sesame seeds straight.  If you dislike taste or texture, opt for incorporating them into your meals.  Eat sesame seed rolls and use them when preparing dinner at home.  They can be added to most foods.

• Ginger

Ginger is well-known and widely used to fight inflammation. Available in a spice format, it can and should be sprinkled atop cooked vegetables and other foods. Fresh ginger is easy to peel and cook.

• Raw Cabbage

Although not as well-known and as popular as the above mentioned foods, many also claim raw cabbage assists with arthritis relief.  Some recommend the regular consumption of raw cabbage or cabbage juice.  They claim this relieves both joint paint and swelling.

• Celery

Celery is rich in potassium, as well as other minerals.  There are varying causes of arthritis, but many claim potassium has an impact.  Those with potassium deficiencies are at an increased risk for arthritis.  Due the high presence of potassium, celery may assist with arthritis caused symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, inflammation, and joint stiffness.  It is best to mix one teaspoon of celery seeds with warm water, let cool and drink.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

Drink a mixture of apple cider vinegar.  Apple cider vinegar is known for its many health benefits and has been known to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Apple cider is safe for most people to consume, but many do not like drinking it straight. For that reason, a mixture of 2 tablespoons in at least an 8-ounce glass of water is advised. This mixture can be taken up to 3 times daily.

Note: You can also soak the painful joints in apple cider. Most recommend using ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar and one liter of water.  Place is a bowl and warm.  For areas too difficult to soak, such as the hips, soak a cloth in the mixture and apply to the area.

• Garlic

Garlic is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Even if you don’t like the strong taste of garlic in foods or if stomach problems prevent you from eating garlic, you can get a medicinal dose of garlic in capsule form. Health food stores also carry some brands of garlic that are gentle for digestion as well as those that are low odor.

• Black cohosh

Black cohosh not only contains anti-inflammatory agents, but it has aspirin like qualities.  Most recommend simmering around 1 teaspoon of black cohosh in a cup of boiling water.  Do so for around twenty minutes, let cool and drink.  The mixture can be divided into two daily doses.

Herbal Natural Remedies for Arthritis

There are also other herbal natural remedies for arthritis and joint pain. Whether your pain is from arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis or rheumatoid arthritis, herbal remedies may provide relief that is inexpensive and easier to tolerate than some prescription medications.

• Camphor Oil 

Camphor oil has been used for years to sooth aches, pains and injuries. You can mix camphor oil with oil of peppermint or coconut oil and warm it slightly before applying. Apply it to the painful area in a gentle, circular motion and then cover it for twenty minutes with a soft cloth – flannel is a good choice. The smell is comforting to many people, too. Most any aromatic oil can be mixed with the camphor to suit your preference.

• Epsom Salts

Tired feet and painful ankles can find relief from soaking in hot water with Epsom salts. Make the water as hot as you can stand it and remove your feet when the water becomes room temperature. You can enjoy the same all over relaxation by adding several tablespoons of Epson salts to your bathwater. Soaking in the tub is also a good way to get relief for knees and elbow joint pain.

• Oregano Oil

Rub wild oregano oil in the skin.  Those who have tried this natural remedy typically report immediate pain relief, in as little as five minutes!  Most recommend mixing the oregano oil with olive oil.  An ideal mixture is six drops of oil for one tablespoon of olive oil.  Some also report success rubbing coconut oil on the affected area, followed by a few drops of oregano oil.

• Herbs and Ointments 

You can also make your own ointments. Use coconut oil, add herbs such as arnica, rosemary or St. Johns Wort and stir until it’s mixed. Return the mixture to a glass jar, then you can apply it to the painful joint area.

Arthritis is painful, so perhaps you might like to try some natural remedies for arthritis, that help you to ease your joint pain symptoms once and for all.