Ways To Get Natural Arthritis Relief
Amy Myers, MD
Amy Myers, M.D. is a functional medicine physician, trained and certified by The Institute of Functional Medicine. Dr. Myers earned her Doctor of Medicine at the LSU Health Science Center, and completed her Emergency Medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dr. Myers retired from her functional medicine clinic, Austin UltraHealth, where she served thousands of patients, to empower those who were failed by conventional medicine. Shes a 2x New York Times bestselling author, and the founder and CEO of the health & lifestyle e-commerce brand, Amy Myers MD®.
Arthritis comes in many forms, yet this very common and painful degenerative condition can be debilitating for the 58 million people that have it.
However, arthritis is a general term used by conventional medicine for all types of conditions that affect your joints.
Many people seek arthritis relief from over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , however these medications can wreak havoc on your gut.
Im here to tell you that there is natural arthritis relief without turning to NSAIDs or prescription medications. I will tell you about the many ways to get natural arthritis relief later, including one that was created as a natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your joints. Lets talk more about the different types of arthritis.
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Herbal Remedies That May Be Harmful
Despite the popularity of many herbal remedies, such as ginger and stinging nettle, there is little to no evidence that they can help people with osteoarthritis.
Furthermore, some herbsginger and stinging nettle includedcan trigger unwanted and in some cases dangerous side effects.
Before buying or using any herbal remedy, you should always consult with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
This is especially important if you are taking any prescription medications, since many herbal remedies can interact with medications in harmful ways.
What Herbs Are Good For Achy Joints
Herbal supplements such as evening primrose and valerian may help ease aching joints.
Evening primrose is an oil containing high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. It may help to decrease pain and inflammation and reduce morning stiffness.
Valerian is an herbal supplement from the roots of the valerian plant. Valerian may help to reduce pain and ease tense muscles and joints. Valerian can have sedative effects, so people may need to use it cautiously or take it before sleeping.
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Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
What doesnt ACV do?! This fermented apple concoction made from organic apples contains special enzymes that promote healing in the body in numerous ways. Arthritis is often caused by the lack of proper minerals in the body. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus are essential in relieving joint pain, and ACV is full of them all.
It also restores the body to its proper pH level, and is full of antioxidants like beta-carotene and acetic acid which produce almost miraculous effects in easing arthritis pain. In case you dont already know, apple cider vinegar cures are nearly endless.
Have any of your own natural remedies for arthritis to share? Comment below and tell the world what works and doesnt work for you.
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Christina Sarich is a humanitarian and freelance writer helping you to Wake up Your Sleepy Little Head, and See the Big Picture. Her blog is Yoga for the New World. Her latest book is Pharma Sutra: Healing the Body And Mind Through the Art of Yoga.
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Joint Supplements With Msm
MSM is found in nature. However, it’s frequently sold as a supplement. It is made from the chemical DMSO, which is available in medicinal and industrial grades. DMSO was promoted as an arthritic treatment in the 1960s. Due to harsh side effects and potential issues, the medication was, nevertheless, contentious. As a substitute, MSM started to gain ground as its appeal dwindled.
MSM works wonders for both human and animal joint health. It may be coupled with other substances for the best joint health because it is so good for our bodies. For joint supplements, however, glucosamine and chondroitin are two substances that can be combined with MSM.
Some of the best joint supplements for knees include glucosamine and other suitable components for joints. It encourages the regrowth of damaged cartilage and aids in its healing. In addition, the other ingredients in these supplements work to lubricate joints better, which might lessen the risk of bones grinding against one another around joints.
Collagen, which directly connects to cartilage regeneration, is a critical component of joint supplements. Additionally, this substance can strengthen joints, which reduces joint discomfort.
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Natural Remedies For Osteoarthritis
In addition to the core natural remedies for arthritis above, add the following natural remedies for osteoarthritis to remove the cause of OA and actually heal so you can live a more healthy and active, pain free life again:
Use these natural remedies for arthritis and you can finally start doing the things youve been wanting to do for a long time. Your arthritis will no longer be stopping your enjoyment of life. Start living a pain free existence again!
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Which Essential Oils Work Best For Joint Pain
Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brands products. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
A person can use essential oils topically or in the form of aromatherapy. However, before a person applies an essential oil to the skin, they should combine it with a carrier oil.
Some essential oils that a person can try for joint pain include:
- Turmeric oil: According to a 2016 review, turmeric may help reduce the symptoms of arthritis, but there is limited evidence.
- Ginger oil: Participants of a massaged their knees with ginger oil and noticed that it improved their movements and pain more than those who did not use this type of treatment.
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Best Herbal Teas For Arthritis And Gout
In addition to the treatments listed above,there is science-backed evidence that herbal teas can help with relieving the symptoms of arthritis.
I think it makes sense to combine as many effective methods as possible to get the best results.
Based on my research, here are the 5 best herbal teas for treating arthritis:
What Exactly Is Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the US alone. Age is a big risk factor, which is why middle-aged to senior adults over 60 are more likely to develop the condition.
This condition attacks the joints and muscles, but can also have an impact on the spine or immune system depending on the type of arthritis.
Body parts and joints commonly affected are:
- Jaw, neck, and shoulders
Arthritis sometimes causes permanent joint changes that result in hard nodules or knots on the finger, knuckle, arm, elbow, or knee.
What makes matters worse is there is no cure for the disease and mainstream treatments provide only temporary relief.
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Popular Supplements For Arthritis: What You Need To Know
Learn which supplements and vitamins might help with arthritis symptoms, and what risks some can pose.
Several nutritional supplements have shown promise for relieving pain, stiffness and other arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and curcumin are just some of the natural products researchers have studied for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis .
Some of these natural remedies may offer arthritis symptom relief, especially when you use them in conjunction with traditional treatments. Heres the evidence on some of the most popular supplements used to treat arthritis, and how they work.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. Theyre components of cartilagethe substance that cushions the joints.
Research on these supplements has been mixed, in part because studies have used varying designs and supplement types. A large National Institutes of Health study called the GAIT trial compared glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or together, with an NSAID and inactive treatment in people with knee osteoarthritis . Glucosamine improved symptoms like pain and function, but not much better than a placebo. Yet a 2016 international trial found the combination to be as effective as the NSAID celecoxib at reducing pain, stiffness and swelling in knee OA.
Fish oil
SAM-e
Curcumin
Vitamins
Supplement Risks
How to Take Supplements Safely
Complementary Therapies
Tips For Relieving Joint Pain And Inflammation Naturally
Instead of taking drugs, there are also natural ways to treat your joint pain and stiffness.
As you can see,there are many herbal teas that have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects making them potent complementary or alternative remedies for arthritis.
When using herbal teas, one of the most effective ways is to combine them into powerful blends. For example, you can try this golden milk tea recipe, that combines turmeric, ginger, and other ingredients into a powerful herbal remedy.
To wrap things up, here are my best tips for relieving arthritis symptoms:
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Sip Ginger Tea For Arthritis Pain Relief
Numerous studies have found that ginger can mimic NSAIDs, the front-line drugs for arthritis pain relief. It seems to work by curbing pain-causing chemicals that are part of the bodys inflammatory response without side effects of medication. Use powdered, raw, or lightly cooked fresh ginger liberally on food. Make your own ginger tea by simmering slices of ginger for 15 minutes in a few cups of boiling water, or buy ginger tea bags at the supermarket.
Liquids Extracts And Tinctures
Oil, drinks with extracts, and tincturespreparations created with alcohol and watercan all be used to sell herbs. To dry out extraction, they can also be evaporated. Curcumin and Boswellia serrata dry preparations are then added to capsules and tablets.
Typically, tinctures and extracts are more effective than other products. Generally speaking, tinctures have a bit more power than capsules. However, there are also liquid capsules. They include the tinctures liquid inside the capsule and are extremely comparable.
According to the products form, the dose can change. Three cups of tea or between one-three teaspoons of tincture per day, for instance, may be a dose. Here, consulting with an herbalist or integrative medicine expert might be beneficial to ensure. However, youre getting the right amount.
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Make Your Own Heat Pad
Fill a cotton sock with any kind of uncooked rice from your pantry and seal it. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. When it cools down slightly but is still nice and warm, place it on a sore, stiff joint for arthritis pain relief. It should stay warm for about half an hour. Youll love how the rice shapes to your body and provides soothing heat. If you have lavender or another fragrant herb on hand, toss it in the sock for a little relaxing aromatherapy, too.
What Are The Symptoms
RA sufferers are familiar with the severity of the pain associated with stiff and sore joints. Some describe it as having sprained all the joints in their bodies at once. Now imagine that with simultaneous fatigue, appetite loss, and feeling feverish, and you can easily envision how they are apt to feel downright lousy. Then to add insult to injury, some suffer through those episodes it for years and years. The most common signs and symptoms are:
* Swollen joints* Pain and stiffness in the joints, especially after periods of inactivity * Extreme fatigue
Even though RA is not life threatening, you will feel pretty miserable. And thats no way to live your life. Youll be searching for relief and relief that works.
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The Case For Stinging Nettle
Im open to the notion that stinging nettles anti-arthritis action is based on distraction, meaning the irritation of the sting simply takes peoples minds off their arthritis pain. Thats an explanation you might hear from medical doctors. But as a botanist, I think whats going on is more chemical than psychological.
The tiny stingers of the nettle plant provide microinjections of several chemicals responsible for the stinging sensation the plant causes. One M.D. told me many of these chemicals might also trigger anti-inflammation action that would help relieve arthritis. The sting injects a histaminic substance and the body mounts an antihistaminic reaction, some of which goes to the sting, some to the other inflammation.
On every continent where it grows, stinging nettle has developed a reputation as a treatment for arthritis. I dont think thats a coincidence. If youd like to give urtication a try, you shouldnt have much problem locating a plant. Its a common weed throughout most of the United States. If youre not sure how to identify it, someone who works at a plant nursery or your local county agricultural extension agent should be able to help.
Use Hot And Cold Therapy
Heat and cold treatments can help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation.
- Heat treatments can include taking a long, warm shower or bath in the morning to help ease stiffness and using an electric blanket or moist heating pad to reduce discomfort overnight.
- Cold treatments can help relieve joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Wrap a gel ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to painful joints for quick relief. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
- Capsaicin, which comes from chili peppers, is a component of some topical ointments and creams that you can buy over the counter. These products provide warmth that can soothe joint pain.
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Cost Of Natural And Herbal Arthritis Remedies In Dogs
Natural care can be expensive at times, but adding herbs to improve your dogs pain levels should cost under $25 a month. Giving your dog a whole food diet can be as simple as the cost of fruits and vegetables. You can use bones from your own chicken or beef meals to make bone broth to add to your dogs food. If you choose to visit with a holistic or homeopathic veterinarian, you might find their training is different and, therefore, their office visits are more expensive. A typical office visit may be about $75 instead of $50, for example. Before committing to a holistic veterinarian, research the homeopathic veterinarians in your area. Many will do phone consults for a much lower rate. From a phone consultation, you can get advice on where to purchase herbs and how much to give your dog how based on condition, breed, and weight.
Worried about the cost of Natural And Herbal Arthritis Remedies treatment?
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Best Herbal Teas For Arthritis
In addition to the treatments listed above,there is science-backed evidence that herbal teas can help with relieving the symptoms of arthritis.
I think it makes sense to combine as many effective methods as possible to get the best results.
Based on my research, here are the 5 best herbal teas for treating arthritis:
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A Warning About Supplements
A few RA studies show that certain supplements and natural remedies can help. But the research is still in its early stages, so the bottom line isnât clear yet.
Keep in mind that supplements can affect other medications. Tell your doctor about anything you take, even if itâs natural, so they can check that itâs safe for you.
Show Sources
NCCAM: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary and Alternative Medicine The Use of Magnets for Pain and Thunder God Vine.
Session 3: Joint Nutrition Society and Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Symposium on Nutrition and autoimmune disease PUFA, inflammatory processes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis Today: Supplement Guide.
How To Maintain Healthy Knee Joints
If you have knee arthritis, you may be asking how to maintain the health of your knee joints using the best joint supplements for your knees. Although there isn’t a single diet that will always keep your joints healthy, experts advise eating many anti-inflammatory foods.
These consist of omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and nuts. You might also consider consuming more green vegetables and tart cherry juice to reduce joint inflammation.
Understanding that the best joint supplements for knees and FDA-approved arthritis medications are two different things is crucial. First, they’re likely not to contain the specific components indicated on the label because they don’t undergo the same testing as medications.
A range of natural substances is used in Physio Flex Pro to lubricate joints and reduce discomfort. Additionally, it asserts to lessen inflammation and safeguard cartilage. Seven naturally occurring chemicals are delivered in the capsules in medically precise amounts by rigorous extraction.
The product’s main components are listed on the website, including bromelain, which is reputed to help with pain relief. However, it is significant to highlight that Physio Flex Pro lacks comprehensive clinical testing to support its claims. Each day, the user should take two capsules.
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