Home remedies for arthritis is a common complaint affecting 30% of US adults aged 45-64 and 50% of those aged 65 or older. It most frequently affects the joints of the hips, knees, spine, and hands. Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints can make everyday activities like lifting, standing or walking more difficult. If you suffer from arthritis,
here are ten home remedies for arthritis ways you can reduce the pain and inflammation and improve your mobility.
1. Ginger tea
Studies have shown that ginger extract reduces the production of chemicals that promote joint inflammation. It also contains salicylic acid, the same pain-relieving substance found in aspirin. To make ginger tea, put three cups of water into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Add approximately one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger root. Simmer for ten minutes, strain, and stir in a tablespoon of honey. Drink hot or iced.
2. Capsaicin oil
Capsaicin, the substance that gives chili peppers their spicy heat, is clinically proven to reduce osteoarthritis pain. It works by depleting a substance which transmits pain signals from nerve endings to the brain. Capsaicin topical creams are available over the counter, but you can make your own capsaicin massage oil to treat your affected joints. Gently heat ½ mug of olive oil in a saucepan and put in two tablespoons of cayenne crush. Stir until the powder is dissolved, allow to cool, and transfer to a glass jar.
3. Low Impact Aerobic Exercise
Many people believe that exercise will aggravate joint pain, but the opposite is true. A lack of exercise weakens the muscles that support your bones, putting more stress on the joints and increasing pain and stiffness. Low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling, and swimming will help to strengthen the muscles around your joints. Aim for 30 minutes of low-impact activity three times a week.
4. Gin-Soaked Raisins
Gin-soaked raisins are a popular folk home remedies for arthritis. Gin gets its flavor from juniper berries. Rodent studies have shown that the leaves and berries of prickly and common juniper have remarkable anti-inflammatory properties and also reduce sensitivity to pain. Put a cup of golden raisins in a shallow container and cover them with gin. Let them soak for a few days until they plump-up completely. Eat approximately ten a day.
5. Epsom salt bath
Bathing in Epsom salt has been shown to increase magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium is needed to mineralize bone and build bone density. It also helps to prevent inflammation. One study of postmenopausal women found that the more magnesium they had in their diet, the lower their levels of several inflammatory indicators. Add two cups of Epsom salt to the water as you run a hot bath. Soak for at least 15 minutes.
6. Oily fish
Fish oils are highly beneficial for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. The omega-3 essential fatty acids found in oily fish reduce the release of inflammatory elements from white blood cells. They are also necessary for the production of prostaglandins, which combat joint inflammation and regulate the immune system. Studies have shown that fish oil significantly reduces joint pain and morning stiffness. Eat fish such as salmon, trout, herring mackerel or sardines at least twice a week.
7. Range of motion exercises
People with home remedies for arthritis tend to keep their affected joints bent in the most comfortable position. This lack of movement can lead to loss of flexibility and mobility. Range of motion exercises involves gently straightening and bending the joints to help maintain normal function. Search online for videos demonstrating a range of motion exercises for various joints.
8. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil can for the moment relieve joint pain. The active element in eucalyptus is menthol, which decreases pain by increasing skin temperature and bloodstream. A profitable eucalyptus ointment is sold as a current analgesic for home remedies for arthritis. You can make a similar ointment by mixing ten drops of eucalyptus oil into about a tablespoon of petroleum jelly. Massage the mixture onto your painful joint as required.
9. Licorice
Components in licorice act like cortisone, suppressing the immune system to decrease pain and inflammation. A study on mice found that topical application of licorice extract inhibited inflammation and oral administration of licorice extract reduced the progression of home remedies for arthritis. You can apply licorice root extract directly to your affected joints. Additionally, you can drink licorice tea, take licorice supplements or treat yourself to licorice sticks.
10. Weight loss
If you’re overweight, one of the best ways to reduce arthritis pain and slow the progression of the disease is to shed excess pounds. When we walk we can put three to five times our body weight on our hip and knee joints. On average, every pound a person loses decreases stress on the knee by three pounds and stress on the hip by six pounds. One study found that osteoarthritis decreased by 31% in obese women who lowered their BMI to the overweight category.
