Arthritis Home Remedies

Arthritis pain can be treated naturally with turmeric, ashwagandha, garlic, ginger, camphor, guggulu, capsaicin and other holistic ingredients. The term Arthritis means an "inflammation of the joints". It is characterized by joint inflammation, stiffness, swelling and pain. The two most common types are osteoarthritis, a painful condition in which the joint cartilage gradually breaks down, and rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic disease that can cause severe pain and crippling. Both of these disorders have similar symptoms and respond to the same treatments.

Types of Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis could be an autoimmune malfunction like the presence of rheumatoid factor (RH) in the blood, which may attack on the body's joint tissue. It could also be a mycoplasmic or bacterial or viral infection, overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, food allergies, toxic metal accumulation or emotional stress.

Osteoarthritis can be caused by food allergies, obesity (it places extra stress on joints), emotional stress, poor digestive health, hormone imbalance or earlier vulnerabilities like a prior fracture, poor posture or other injuries.

Arthritis Symptoms

The symptoms of osteoarthritis could include morning stiffness, painful and swollen joints, restricted range of motion and deformity of joints. The symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis could be morning stiffness, lumps under the skin at the site of damaged joints, deformity of joints in long-term cases, fatigue, weight loss, weakness and occasional fever and inflammation, pain or tenderness and discoloration in the joints, especially the shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, ankles or toes.

Arthritis Lifestyle Choices

• Smoking increases the incidence and symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Don't baby your achy joints, instead give them a good workout. Muscle strengthening exercises, walking, yoga and swimming improves circulation to the joints, slows down cartilage loss, and improves range of motion. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and be sure to include stretching and aerobic activity.

Arthritis Diet

• Garlic, ginger and turmeric help reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis. They are anti-inflammatory and analgesic in nature, include them frequently in cooking.
• Saturated animal fats, polyunsaturated, hydrogenated, and partially hydrogenated oils increase inflammation. Oils like extra-virgin olive oil, omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish like salmon, sardines and herrings, walnuts and flaxseeds reduce inflammation. Consume these instead.
• Fruits that are high in citrus flavonoids like grapefruits help reduce inflammation.
• Zinc is a mineral essential for proper immune system function. Peas, legumes, oysters, wheat germ, whole wheat products and milk are rich in zinc. Have at least one a day.

Arthritis Herbal Remedies

• Turmeric Eases Joint Pain

  Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial against rheumatoid arthritis. In a labaratory studies of rats, turmeric extracts blocked a protein linked to swelling and pain of inflammation. Additionally, curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and is able to neutralize free radicals that cause havoc on the joints. Regular usage of turmeric can shorten the duration of morning stiffness, longer walking time and reduced joint swelling. Turmeric is also effective with Osteoarthritis in its ability to reduce pain and disability. Read other Turmeric Home Remedies.

• Ginger Remedy For Arthritis

  Ginger contains a chemical called Zingibain which is analgesic in nature and reduces pain caused by muscle aches, arthritis, headache, migraine, etc. Ginger oil or ginger paste can be added to the massaging oil to soothe the aching muscles. A decoction of dry ginger and castor roots can be taken every morning for lubrication of the joints and relief from pain. Regular use of ginger leads to the reduction of prostoglandis which are the compounds associated with pain. Thus ginger has a multi-faceted application in Arthritis. Read other Ginger Home Remedies.

• Ashwagandha Acts Against Joint Pain

  Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory and tonic properties and is a wonderful supplement for rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical studies have shown that naturally occurring steroid like compounds in Ashwaganda are as effective in the management of inflammation as the synthetically manufactured hydrocortisone. The pain relieving ability is comparable to aspirin and phenybutazone without the unsavory side-effects. Read other Ashwagandha Home Remedies.

• Garlic Reduces Joint Pain

  Consume a crushed garlic decoction daily to soothe those aching joints. In clinical studies, garlic has shown to reduce pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It also inhibits the formation of free radicals that accelerate joint damage. Read other Garlic Home Remedies.

• Guggulu Arthritis Remedy

  Guggulu is an anti-inflammatory and a pain reducing herb. You could consume 250 mg capsules twice daily with warm milk

• Capsaicin Application For Arthritis

  To ease the pain of arthritis, apply a cream containing capsaicin, an active ingredient in cayenne pepper to the painful areas.

• Devil's Claw Treats Arthritis

  Devil's claw is a popular treatment for osteoarthritis as it can improve pain, range of motion and the time needed to recover from stiffness.

• Camphor Stimulation For Arthritis

  Camphor is a detoxifier and a stimulant on the circulatory system and as such it excites the blood circulation and gives relief in rheumatism, arthritis, gout, etc. It is also anti phlogistic - it reduces swelling of body parts. Pieces of camphor can be added to sesame or mustard oil and used for this application. Read other Camphor Home Remedies.

• Natural Remedy From Tinospora

  Tinospora is a popular Ayurvedic medicine for rheumatism. A decoction made from tinospora powder and dry ginger is very effective with rheumatic pain, gout and inflammation. Drink an ounce before meals, twice a day. Read other Tinospora Home Remedies.

Arthritis, Healing With Supplements

• Vitamin C Eases Joint Pain

  Both Rheumatoid and Osteo Arthritis will benefit from Vitamin C as it reduces inflammation. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents the free radicals from damaging the immune cells. More on Vitamin C

• Vitamin E Supplementation For Arthritis

  Vitamin E is another element that helps both kinds of arthritis. It is another anti-oxidant that help fight inflammation. More on Vitamin E.

• Beta Carotene Remedy For Arthritis

  Beta Carotene is yet another anti-oxidant that is a good antidote for arthritis. Beta-carotene is present in the yellow pigment found in carrots, winter squash, cantaloupe and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. More on Beta Carotene.

• Selenium Reduces Inflammation

  Selenium, a mineral, is used in the body for the production of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that works inside joints to fight the free radicals. Sea foods, meat and whole grains are rich in selenium and it helps with both types of arthritis. More on Selenium.

• Zinc and Copper For Arthritis

  Zinc along with copper make an inflammation fighting enzyme called super oxide dismutase. This enzyme neutralizes free radicals holed inside inflamed joints. More on Zinc and Copper.