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17 Simple Common Sense Home Remedies for Arthritis

Photo credit: bigstock

Unfortunately, many Americans suffer from the pain of arthritis. There are many people who believe that cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis however several studies disprove this point. Many people run to the pharmacy for some over the counter pain relievers or use prescription meds from their doctors that cause more side effects and damage to their immune systems than the arthritis itself ever did.

There are plenty of other ways to help relieve the pain of arthritis. Check out this list of our 17 common sense home remedies for this painful condition and try some of them before you subject your body to those toxic chemical pain relievers.

1. Copper Bracelets

The medical establishment will tell you that copper bracelets do nothing to stop arthritis pain and that it’s no better than a placebo. Remember, however, that modern medicine is also telling us that there is no danger in the mercury that we inject into our bodies with every flu shot. There are a multitude of people who claim that they get relief from wearing these mineral bracelets. If they work for you, then great, if not, try some of the other remedies that are listed here. Even if they don’t work for you, they look cool.

2. Exercise

You’ve probably heard the old saying “If it rests, it rusts”. This applies to more than tools and machinery! Although arthritis makes moving painful, it’s vital that you move to stimulate circulation, healing, and keep your muscles strong. Try low impact exercises such as swimming, water aerobics, walking, Tai Chi, or yoga. Many people find light gardening not only helps their pain but reduces stress and inflammation.

3. Tart Cherries

The Arthritis Foundation states that cherries, cherry juice and supplements made from cherries have been tested and found to be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis and gout related arthritis. In this study, participants ate at least 10 tart cherries daily, one tablespoon of concentrate, two eight ounce bottles of cherry juice or one cherry tablet per day. It’s believed that the pain relief is linked to the antioxidants, anthocyanins, which are found in red and purple fruits. Try some cherry supplements if you don’t live in a place where you can regular access to fresh cherries or cherry juice.

4. Heat

There are plenty of reasons people tend to move south when they get older. The warmer climate that helps with arthritis pain is one of them. Almost everyone with arthritis claims that they feel more pain when temperatures drop.

If you can’t move south, try using hot tubs, Jacuzzis, saunas, and bath tubs. There are also heating pads, hot packs, and arthritis warming gloves.

5. Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that can help relieve the pain of arthritis. Some of the best for this purpose are:

Frankincense
Rosemary
Marjoram
Eucalyptus
White Fir
Peppermint
Lavender
Cypress
Ginger
Roman Chamomile
Wintergreen
Basil
Clove
Helichrysum

Add just one or two drops to a tablespoon of coconut oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, or any other massage oil of your choice and then massage the affected areas. Read more about benefits of essential oils.

6. Ginger

The regular consumption of ginger, either fresh organic, dried, or in tea, can actually work better to relieve the pain of arthritis than many over the counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Fresh, organic ginger will have the strongest pain relieving properties. Slice about one teaspoon of fresh, organic ginger into a cup of boiling water and let steep for about 5 minutes. Strain out the chunks, and then sweeten with a bit of raw honey if you like.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

This is one of the most popular home remedies around. There’s a good chance your grandparents used this since it’s been around for ages. Mix about ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink daily. If it’s a bit sour for your taste, you can add a teaspoon of raw honey to sweeten it up. Find out other uses of apple cider vinegar.

8. Stinging Nettle

The use of stinging nettles has been used topically as well as internally to fight the inflammation that come with arthritis. The extract of stinging nettles has been used to successfully to decrease the inflammation to the point that normal NSAID use could be reduced; this according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Nettle is a fairly common weed that likes to grow in high nitrogen soils. A very old fashioned method to use stinging nettles is to flail the affected joints and then apply a fresh stinging nettle plant. You don’t have to go that far; however, you can buy supplements in almost every health food store.

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Photo credit: bigstock

9. Alfalfa

Don’t go out and start stealing from your horse, this herb is meant to be used in a tea or a tincture. Alfalfa is very high in minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, vitamins A, C, and E. To make some alfalfa tea, steep about a teaspoon of dried herb in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Alfalfa can interact with certain drugs like birth control pills, and blood thinners so if you are taking any type of prescription medication, ask your doctor before you take alfalfa tea.

10. Turmeric

Many people, including Dr. Mercola, are great advocates for the use of turmeric to relieve arthritis pain. You can take turmeric in a capsule form or simply incorporate it fresh into your cooking. Aim to get about 250 to 300mg three times per day.

11. Vitamin or Mineral Supplement

Having a vitamin or mineral deficiency will aggravate or can even be the root cause of many conditions and arthritis is no exception to this rule. For many people, studies show taking vitamins D, E, C, and B6 along with zinc, magnesium, and beta carotene have been shown to provide relief. Try to eat a balanced diet or take a good quality multi-vitamin supplement.

12. Elimination of Nightshades From Your Diet

Plants that members of the nightshade family such as peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, ground cherries, tomatillos, and gooseberries, all contain a compound called solanine, which for some people is a mild toxin. Although the amount of solanine in each individual fruit is very small, some people have a reaction to it. Try cutting these vegetables out of your diet for a while and see if helps to provide you with some pain relief.

13. Fish Oil

The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil and fish liver oil drastically reduce inflammation. One tablespoon of fish oil per day is what the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends for the relief of arthritis pain.

14. Glucosamine/Chondroitin Supplements

Many studies show that glucosamine supplements seem to be effective for those who suffer from moderate to severe osteoarthritis, especially in the knees. These supplements take time to work, however. Many people do not feel results until they have taken them for a minimum of 30 days. Try taking this supplement regularly for 90 days and see if you notice any improvement. This is another supplement that might interfere with blood thinners so if you are taking those, ask your doctor first.

15. Bee Sting Therapy

More commonly known as Apitherapy, bee venom therapy has been shown to provide relief for those suffering from arthritis. Although this isn’t a likely home remedy for those of us who don’t keep bees.

16. Eliminate Trigger Foods

In addition to relatives of the nightshade family, there are some other foods that can set off arthritis pain by contributing to a buildup of toxins or waste products. Try cutting out caffeine, alcohol, dairy, refined sugar, and gluten. You might also try removing all other types of liquid from your diet beside plain old water.

17. Soak in Epsom Salts

Try filling a large bowl with very warm water and about a half cup of Epsom salt. Stir, and then put your hands or feet into the bowl and soak until the water is cool. If the problem is your knees or if you have several sources of pain, add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

(By the way, if you’re enjoying this article, you may want to subscribe to the Naturalon’s free newsletter; get breaking news alerts on GMO’s, fluoride, superfoods, natural cures and more… You privacy is protected. Unsubscribe at any time.)

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2 Comments

Baldeep Kaur

Oct 31, 2014 at 2:11 am

very nice article on home remedies for arthritis. Apart from these remedies one can also potato to cure arthritis. Pieces of potato along with its peel should be soaked in water overnight. Drink this water daily as it cures arthritis. FOr more on arthritis plz visit:
http://www.homeremedyzone.com/health/12-health/268-arthritis#.VFLu0BEcTIU
harry

Nov 2, 2014 at 1:37 am

re: the post about copper bracelets
We don’t have to go about bashing medical science because it isn’t “perfect” (in the sense of “omniscient”), but we must admit that many of us are hale and hearty because of it. The current US Ebola concern is serious but it is nothing compared with the Poliomyelitis threats during the 1940s and -50s and the Influenza
terror in the mid 1900s. If conventional science sees no validity for the copper bracelet matter, then let’s move on and try to find more effective ways to treat arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The age of giving false hope through unproven treatments and curatives is OVER!