Heal Arthritis Pain With These Alternative Remedies

Traditionally, doctors diagnosed arthritis as chronic joint swelling. Joints degrade and age naturally—along with the rest of the body—and most adults will develop mild to moderate arthritis pain in their lifetime. Some adults contract rheumatoid arthritis, however, and other rheumatic diseases; a small portion of young adults will even develop arthritis before the age of thirty.

Arthritis has no cure, but has existed as an ailment for centuries along with a multitude of natural, alternative remedies to cure arthritis pain. Many remedies are science backed and the anecdotal evidence of centuries of use supports other remedies. Regardless of which method you choose, know that many alternative remedies exist outside of over-the-counter supplements and medications. Read on to see some alternative anti-inflammatory remedies and other alternative arthritis remedies:

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus joins many of its cousins, and many other foods, in sharing the ingredient tannin. Tannin reduces swelling and irritation. Tannins are what give eucalyptus its already proven anti-inflammatory properties, healing inflamed sinus cavities and tissues. Some adults brew eucalyptus in warm water, soak up the warm water—not hot water—into a cloth, and use as a compress. Others drink eucalyptus as a tea ingredient. Additionally, infuse balms or oils, like coconut oil, with eucalyptus and rub onto the affected joints.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera heals many skin aliments that center on redness, inflammation and swelling. Aloe vera soothes and cools inflamed skin, muscles, and joints alike. Many have found that applying aloe vera gel directly from the plant leaf onto the affected joint can yield relief. Massage aloe vera directly into the skin as a natural topical salve.

Ginger

Ginger contains its own namesake, gingerols, which gives the root its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties. They also promote ginger’s flavor. Regular use can help relieve inflammation and, some studies show, improve mobility in arthritis patients. Ginger root can be cut into slices and massaged onto the affected area. Over time, ginger can even reduce swelling entirely.

Olive Oil

Studies show that chemicals found in olive oil reduce the chemicals that cause arthritic inflammation. Enzymes in the body cushion infected joints and create arthritic swelling; olive oil reduces those enzymes and, over time, decreases their production. In the same way, olive oil can be used as a gastrointestinal anti-inflammatory and circulates blood flow in other parts of the body. Rub olive oil into the skin of the affected area, daily over several weeks, and follow with a heated compress.

Frankincense and Myrrh

Frankincense is an ancient plant known primarily as Bosewellia. Frankincense is the name for the secretions of the plant that fight inflammation-causing enzymes in the body. The plant has been used since antiquity for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Both frankincense and Bosewellia can be found and ingested as a capsule supplement.

Consult your healthcare specialist before taking frankincense.

Myrrh is the extract of another plant grown in the same region that has the same anti-inflammatory effects. Myrrh additionally can fight open wounds, sores and other injuries.

Caution: pregnant women cannot use Myrrh to treat arthritis. Myrrh has been known to cause frequent miscarriages.

Green Tea

Green tea can adopt its internal healing and inflammation-quieting components for arthritis. Green tea supplements skin cells with vital nutrients and moisturizes cells to reduce heat and redness and reduce swelling. Any diet would benefit from twelve ounces of brewed green tea a day. For direct anti-inflammatory relief, use brewed, cooled green tea bags as a compress, or infuse ointments with green tea extracts. Many foods also come with green tea components.

Willow Bark

Willow bark is one of the most ancient arthritic and pain remedies known to man. Traced to ancient Greece and China, willow bark can treat a multitude of inflammation-causing ailments. Often, treating inflammation will reduce or eliminate the ailment altogether, as inflammation can sometimes become an unnecessary bodily response to stimuli. Willow bark can treat skin ailments, like rosacea and acne, back and low back pain, osteoarthritis, headache, tendinitis, and other ailments, according to multiple powerful studies. Brew willow bark in a warm tea, or use a warm willow bark tea bag as a compress for arthritic joints. Additionally, you can buy willow bark in tablet form.

Only consume one serving of willow bark a day; build up willow bark over time. Too much willow bark can reverse the process and inflame arthritis instead.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which can reduce inflammation of the joins, or prolong their growth. Studies show that those taking turmeric extracts experienced less pain, more mobility, and less inflammation over all than otherwise. Some conjecture that turmeric can even slow the progression of the more painful rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric works best if ingested orally, as opposed to a compress. Foods and drinks with turmeric as a spice or component can help.

Mustard Seed

Mustard seed is another herb that contains inflammation-fighting nutrients. Mustard contains selenium, a neutralizing and clarifying nutrient that reduces many suddenly inflammatory conditions, like swelling, asthma, and arthritis. The magnesium found in mustard can also help reduce arthritic swelling, asthma swelling and constricted blood vessels. Warm mustard seed oil to a comfortable temperature and apply over arthritic joints for a few minutes. Both the heat and the reacting nutrients can relieve pain if used as a daily remedy over many weeks.

Many of these remedies provide some immediate relief, but become more effective if used over long periods of time. The body builds up the nutrients and enzymes they release and fights swelling in increments. These methods are prized because, thus far, arthritis has no cure. They’re also well known and scientifically studied for their inherent longevity. Most of these remedies have existed on earth for thousands of years and have centuries of anecdotal evidence for their success. Studies are only just now catching up and recording the tested benefits of these well-known medicines. For long-term relief, seek long-term treatment. Whether you have arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, swelling, or any other ailment that induces swelling, which remedies do you try and which would you try in the future?