Top 5 Natural Cures for Arthritis

Almost everyone knows someone who suffers from the pain of arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints where the cartilage has worn away and bone rubs on bone. There are several different forms of arthritis but the one common factor among them is inflammation. Many doctors will tell you that there is little you can do except pain management. When they talk about pain management they mean chemicals, whether prescription or over the counter, they are still talking about putting chemicals into your body. There are other alternatives, however. There are natural remedies to help relieve the pain with virtually no side effects, which cannot be said for chemical pain relievers. Here is a list of the top 5 all natural inflammation and pain relievers for arthritis sufferers. 1. White Willow Bark This remedy goes as far back as the ancient Egyptians used it, even the Greek physician Hippocrates wrote about its use in the 5th century BC. The active ingredient is salicin which is converted by the body to salicylic acid, which is the pain relieving element. Many people take white willow bark as opposed to aspirin as it’s not as irritating to the stomach. It’s also more effective because it contains other active ingredients that are not found in synthetic aspirin. Read more about over-prescription. A study done in Germany showed that 240 mg a day in a 2 week trial that involved 78 patients, showed that those taking white willow bark had reduced pain scores as much as 14 percent as compared the group that took a placebo. Some people are sensitive to white willow bark. Do some research or ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to take it. 2. Turmeric This is perhaps one of the best herbs for fighting the effects of inflammation. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is readily available as a supplement. To increase the effectiveness of curcumin, empty a capsule into a teaspoon of olive oil and mix, then swallow. However you can also extract it at home by using a method called golden milk. Using a quarter cup of turmeric powder mixed in a half cup of water, heat on the stove for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let the paste get too dry. Once it cools down, store it in a glass container. It will keep for weeks in your refrigerator. Use a teaspoon or more of this paste and mix with hot organic milk. Add about a half teaspoon of a good quality organic oil such as sesame seed oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil. You can add a little honey or maple syrup if you find the flavor distasteful. Find out why turmeric is considered a spice that can add years to yuor life. 3. Bromelain Bromelain is a product that comes from pineapple stems. Evidence shows that bromelain can help with a number of conditions however; it seems to be very effective in helping with inflammation. The German Commission approved this to be used as a treatment for swelling and inflammation and studies specific to joint pain showed it had an anti-inflammatory effect for those suffering from arthritis. The proteolytic is what helps reduce inflammation. This is true of all proteolytic enzymes but you will find that bromelain is the easiest to find as well as the most inexpensive. See foods that cause inflammation. 4. Arnica Arnica is a natural plant that is toxic in high doses; however, when diluted with other substances, such as creams or gels, this is a fantastic way to ease the symptoms of arthritis. This is a great topical remedy for the pain and stiffness that comes with arthritis or any other type of inflammation. You can usually find arnica sold as a cream in most health stores. Try to find one that also contains DMSO, which will help ensure a deeper penetration into the skin. 5. Organic Sulfur This was the forerunner for chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate, the two amino acids that are key to both joint and bone wellbeing. Organic sulfur crystals should be supplemented with MSM. These can be taken as an oral supplement. You can also apply sulfur topically along with MSM in a formula called DMSO. Be sure to use a pharmaceutical grade of DMSO, not an industrial grade! Sources: Cancer.org Webmd.com

Top 5 Natural Cures for Arthritis

3. Bromelain

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