Many people think that Arthritis is just a disease, but actually it is a common word used for over 100 medical conditions. It affects millions of adults and children all over the world. Most of the Arthritis medications are modestly effective and are very dangerous. Many medications have resulted to deaths of 16,500 people alone in United States. Numerous studies show that natural remedies are very effective to cure arthritis.
Although there is a lack of scientific evidences, many doctors and nutrition experts support many natural treatments for almost all kinds of arthritis. Here is a list of some of the most effective natural remedies.
1. Hot Peppers: Hot peppers known as capsicum, contains a substance called capsaicin, which works as a natural anti-inflammatory and is a great natural analgesic. Studies show that capsaicin works by acting on sensory nerves to relieve pain and itching. Capsaicin also releases endorphins, a hormone that produces feeling of well-being which consequently acts as the body’s own pain relief medication. It is advisable that a person with digestive problems should not choose eating hot peppers or capsicum as the main source of capsaicin but rather opt for creams or gels with around 0.075% capsaicin. Generally, it is safer for them to just rub the gel or the cream around the painful area. They are easily available in any drug store.
Caution: People with digestive problems should not opt for eating hot peppers.
2. Gin-soaked raisins
Juniper berries, used as the main source of flavor in gin, have terpinen which is an anti-inflammatory agent while substances like ferullic acid, gentistic and salicylic acid found in raisins are great pain relievers. Golden raisins should be soaked in gin for a week, until the gin gets evaporated and the raisins turn plump. One should eat only 8-9 raisins a day. The golden raisins should be used because they are treated with sulphur dioxide, which reportedly helps in decreasing arthritis pain.
Caution: It is advised that any person with history of alcohol or drug abuse should refrain from opting for this remedy.
3. Cider vinegar
Cider vinegar has the property of dissolving hard deposits from arthritis joints, which eventually helps in stopping the condition from getting worse. However, if the joints are worn away, the only solution is to have them surgically removed. Cider vinegar is a versatile substance and works in both conditions: when applied topically or internally. Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water. If you are not a diabetic, add another 2 teaspoons of honey. Honey merely enhances the taste of the solution. Drink this three times a day.
Caution: People suffering from diabetes should avoid adding honey to the solution.
For external use, one should mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1-1/2 cups warm water. One should dip and soak the painful joints in this solution for about 10 minutes and this process should be repeated up to four times a day. And, as for the joints which can not be soaked, for instance, knee and shoulder, one should dip a piece of clothe into the solution and then place it over the affected area.
Caution: This process might end up in one smelling like a dressing of salad, but this will be gone in a few hours or after a shower.
4. Cherries
Studies show that cherries such as Tart and Montmorency are rich in anthocyanins, potent anti oxidants, which are vital in controlling inflammation. While other researchers also believe that these cherries also have other similar properties of common anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen. For people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, a supplement with 100mg of anthocyanins is the most effective. If one wishes not to take supplement, eating a handful of these cherries is suggested. One can opt for any of the options but should repeat up to three times a day.
Caution: Cherry juice can also be another alternative, however it is not recommended as it contains a lot of sugar, which is fatal for diabetics and can also lead to weight gain.
5. Pectin
Pectin is a natural plant fiber extracted from the rind and peel of citrus fruits, such as lemon, organs and tangerines. It has the property of lowering cholesterol levels and easing osteoarthritis symptoms too. It also has a tremendous detoxification property. The best way to consume pectin is to add it to food or drink. Pectin powder is easily available in any grocery store. For instance, adding 1-3 tablespoon of pectin powder in 8ounces of a low sugar beverage.
Caution: If there are no symptoms of any changes in the pain even after drinking pectin mixture for 2-3 weeks, if would probably not work for that particular patient.
