27 million Americans suffer from arthritis. Since osteoarthritis is very common, painful and disabling, there are a lot of unusual cures. Can you imagine that there are “cures” made of snake venom, copper jewelry and shark cartilage. Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that can help reducing the painful symptoms of arthritis.
1. Castor Has Many Health Benefits And Healing Powers
Ricinoleic acid , found in castor has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can relieve pain caused by arthritis. In order to reduce the pain, massage the painful area with castor oil twice a day.
There is also another way – boil two tablespoons of castor oil and add it in a freshly squeezed orange juice. Drink this mixture for two weeks in a row early in the morning on an empty stomach. After the period of two weeks, you will feel improvement in your condition. Caution: Don’t exaggerate drinking castor oil because it also acts as a laxative.
2. Fenugreek Seeds Can Help You in Inflammation Treatment
Research has shown that fenugreek effects (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) can reduce the arthritis pain within the period of few months. Fenugreek is also known as methi. Put 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water and let them stand still overnight. Eat the seeds the very next morning and throw away the water. In order to feel fenugreek seeds’ health benefits you should repeat this procedure for a few months.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is yet another natural remedy for arthritis pain because it has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and a little bit of honey in a glass of warm milk.
Drink this mixture immediately. If you are not a fan of milk, you can do it with water. Here is the procedure – add 1 tablespoon of turmeric in 1 kg of water and boil the water for 10 minutes. Drink this liquid after it cools down. Do this process on a daily basis.
4. Olive Oil Has a Compound Called Oleocanthal
This compound prevents the production of the pro-inflammatory COX-2 and COX-1 enzymes. Consuming olive oil through food can reduce the risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis.
It can also be used as massage oil. To reduce pain in the painful area(s) add a few drops of lavender oil into warm olive oil and gently massage into the affected area. Discomfort and inflammation will be drastically reduced if massages are done with gentle moves and if they last longer.
5. Honey And Cinnamon– Both Of These Ingredients Have Healing Power
They are more effective if they are in a form of powder. The facts that cinnamon is great antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties while the honey has great antiseptic qualities prove the theory that these two can help you with your symptoms.
If you combine honey and cinnamon you will have an extraordinary way of treating hands arthritis and relaxing stiff muscles. Mix 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of honey. This mixture should be consumed constantly for a few weeks, early in the morning on an empty stomach in order to make you feel better.
6. Epsom Salt is Known For its Relaxing Powers
It can relieve any arthritis related pain, inflammation or stiffness. This salt is rich in magnesium which is great for the bones. You can relieve your pain if you follow these instructions: mix 2 cups of this salt in bath-warm water. Next thing to do is to soak your hands in this water for 20 minutes to half an hour. Repeat this procedure two to three times a week for a month or until you feel improvement.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Like all of the above mentioned natural foods, this one will also reduce the pain caused by arthritis and will affect your health in a good way. All you need to do is drink a mixture of 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with a little bit of honey in a glass of warm water.
You can also mix 1.5 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in one cup of warm apple cider vinegar and soak your joints in it. Rinse the liquid off your joints 15 minutes later. Repeat this procedure until you feel better.
8. Ice packs
Different people may react different to this way of treating arthritis. All you need is an ice pack, frozen vegetable or plastic bag filled with crushed ice. This technique is good for those who suffer from hand arthritis. Apply the ice on the painful area and hold it pressed for about 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure several times a day. In order to prevent frostbites put a thin towel between the skin and the ice pack.
Before you start using any of the above mentioned treatments you must first consult your doctor. On the other hand, physical therapies and exercises will help you move your joints better.