Arthritis is a collective term for a group of degenerative and painful conditions that are characterized by the inflammation of the joints, resulting in stiffness and pain. In fact, there are nearly100 types of arthritis(1), with osteoarthritis being the most common type.
While it can be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines and lifestyle changed, it continues to be a global health crisis.
According to estimates, about one in three adults(2) between the ages of 18 and 64 suffer from arthritis. It can have debilitating effects on the normal livelihood and daily routine of an individual suffering from arthritis.
Here are some home remedies for arthritis pain, which are backed by scientific facts!
Home Remedies for Arthritis Pain
In this section, we will discuss the different home remedies for arthritis of different kinds, including home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis and home remedies for psoriatic arthritis. We will also address questions like “Is turmeric good for arthritis?” or “is cherry juice good for arthritis?” and the underlying reasons behind it.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an extremely versatile oil that can be used in multiple ways ranging from topical application to cooking. Animal studies indicate that you can also use coconut oil for arthritis! Here’s how:
Why Does It Work?
Research has found that polyphenols, a kind of antioxidant, helps in relieving the symptoms of arthritis. In fact, a study conducted on lab rats(3) discovered that the polyphenols present in coconut oil not only reduced swelling but also brought down several inflammatory markers.
[Read: Healthy Diet for Arthritis]
Materials Required
- Raw, pressed, extra virgin coconut oil.
Procedure for Usage
- Take a generous amount of coconut oil and warm it slightly.
- Apply it to the affected joints and massage it gently until the oil is absorbed.
Frequency
Do this daily at least thrice a day.
2. Garlic
Garlic not only makes a tasty addition to your meal, but it also bolsters your body’s immune system. It is especially effective against RA. Here’s how you can use garlic for arthritis:
Why Does It Work?
Garlic suppresses the production of cytokines, which induce and aggravate inflammation. Further, since it reduces the inflammation of the joints, it also slows down the progression of arthritis. Due to the high levels of sulfur, garlic acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent as well. Hence, garlic can be deemed as highly effective against OA(4). On the other hand, it enhances the functioning of the immune cells and thus counters the RA, which is primarily an auto-immune disease.
Materials Required
- 2-3 cloves of garlic.
- A cup of water.
Procedure for Usage
- Swallow the garlic cloves (you may even crush them if you like) and follow it up by drinking the water
Frequency
Do this at least once a day, every morning on an empty stomach.
[Read: Herbs for Arthritis]
3. Ginger
Ginger is touted as a wonder spice that is highly regarded in old wives’ tales and home remedies. Let’s take a look at how you can use ginger for arthritis:
Why Does It Work?
Ginger is capable of reducing the levels of prostaglandin, which calms arthritis. It is a highly effective anti-inflammatory agent(5) that can block inflammatory agents(6). A study conducted in 2001 discovered that about 63% of the participants registered an improvement in their knee pain after the regular usage of ginger extracts!
Materials Required
- An inch of ginger, peeled.
- Two cups of water.
Procedure for Usage
- Grate ginger in the water and bring it to a boil.
- Let the ginger simmer in the water until the water is reduced to half.
- Take it off the flame and drink it when warm.
Frequency
Drink ginger tea at least twice a day until the symptoms come down.
[Read: Ginger to Treat Arthritis]
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is much more than a holiday spice or a spicy twist to your cuppa joe. It can significantly help with your arthritis pain and its symptoms. Let’s take a look at what makes cinnamon effective for arthritis!
Why Does It Work?
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants such as Cinnamaldehyde and Cinnamic acid, which possess strong antioxidant properties. These antioxidants can reverse the damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties make it highly effective against RA(7), especially when the conditions get worse (such as, during winter).
Materials Required
- Oats/Oatmeal.
- A teaspoon of cinnamon.
Procedure for Usage
- Prepare your oatmeal as you like it.
- Add a dash of cinnamon to it and mix it in before consuming it.
NOTE: Pregnant women and those making use of blood thinners are advised to consult their physician before using cinnamon.
[Read: Treat Arthritis]
Frequency
Have this once a day until you notice an improvement in your symptoms.
5.Sour Cherry Juice
Sour cherry juice, or tart cherry juice, is extracted from the fruit of the Prunus cerasus tree. It is a highly effective juice offering a host of nutrients and health benefits to those battling arthritis. In fact, it is a well-known home remedy for treating gout. Let’s see how sour cherry juice helps for arthritis:
Why Does It Work?
Sour cherry juice is loaded with antioxidants that can bring down the inflammation, especially in cases of OA(8). Additionally, studies have also linked the drinking of tart cherry juice with the reduction in swelling!
Sour cherry juice boosts immunity due to the presence of flavonoids, which can boost immunity and bring down the inflammation for RA.
Materials Required
- 250 mL of sour cherry juice (the unsweetened variety)
Procedure for Usage
- Drink the sour cherry juice.
Frequency
Consume the sour cherry juice twice a day, preferably on an empty stomach or after a gap of 4 to 6 hours from your previous meal.
[Read: Supplements for Arthritis]
6. Turmeric
Turmeric, the golden spice, is no less than a panacea for a wide array of diseases and conditions. Hence, it comes as no surprise that you could use turmeric for arthritis.
Why Does It Work?
Turmeric is loaded with pain-alleviating properties. In fact, when it comes to providing joint pain and swelling relief, turmeric could be more effective than NSAIDS! The presence of curcumin and curcuminoids, help in the reduction of inflammation. As it blocks cytokines and other inflammatory enzymes, it retards the progression of arthritis.
Materials Required
- A teaspoon of turmeric
- A cup of milk
Procedure for Usage
- Add turmeric to the milk and allow it to boil.
- Take it off the heat and drink while warm.
Frequency
Drink this turmeric milk two to three times a day. Alternatively, you can have turmeric supplements, typically 400 to 600 mg per day.
[Read: Cherry Juice for Arthritis]
7. Baking Soda
While it may seem like a myth, but you could actually use baking soda for arthritis! Just stay mindful of maintaining your body’s pH while enjoying the health benefits of baking soda.
Why Does It Work?
According to a 2018 study that first indicated that drinking baking soda water could reduce arthritis, baking soda follows a two-pronged approach. It alleviates the body’s autoimmune response while strengthening to the anti-inflammatory response from the stomach, kidney, and spleen.
Materials Required
- A fourth of a teaspoon of baking soda
- A glass of water
Procedure for Usage
- Stir in the baking soda in a glass of water.
- Drink the mixture.
Frequency
Drink the baking soda mixture once a day until you notice a significant relief in the symptoms.
[Read: Tai Chi for Arthritis]
8. Green Tea
Green tea is the ultimate home remedy for a host of conditions. Hence, seeing green tea on this list of treatments for arthritis is no surprise. Let’s have a look at how you use green tea for arthritis!
Why Does It Work?
Green tea is loaded with polyphenols and antioxidants that slow down the destruction of cartilage. Further, the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has the ability to block the production of molecules that cause joint damage in RA.
Materials Required
- A cup of water.
- A green tea teabag.
Procedure for Usage
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Allow the green tea to steep for about 2-3 minutes.
- Enjoy your cup of green tea with a bit of honey (optional)
Frequency
Follow this routine at least thrice a day to notice a marked improvement in your condition.
[Read: CBD Oil for Arthritis]
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has blown up as a viral health trend. But can we use apple vinegar for arthritis treatment at home? Let’s find out!
Why Does It Work?
When using apple cider vinegar for arthritis, you will notice a significant reduction in symptoms like pain and swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also speculated that the presence of pectin helps in the absorption of toxins that accumulate in the joints can cause arthritis. Further, as apple cider vinegar helps with weight loss, it can also help those suffering from arthritis maintain a healthy weight.
Materials Required
- Four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- A cup of water.
Procedure for Usage
- Dilute the apple cider vinegar in the water.
- Drink this mixture.
Frequency
Consume apple cider vinegar twice a day for best results.
[Read: Vitamins for Arthritis]
10. Hot and Cold Therapy
All those suffering from arthritis are often faced with the same question – is heat or cold better for arthritis? Well, the answer is that heat and cold are both effective for treating arthritis. The best treatment for arthritis includes both heat or cold for arthritis.
Why Does It Work?
Heat therapy boosts blood circulation, which helps in alleviating joint stiffness and muscle aches. On the other hand, cold treatment restrict blood vessels, which reduces swelling and numbs the pain.
Heat Treatment
- Take a warm shower to ease stiffness in the morning.
- Use heating pads or hot water bottles for periods of not more than 20 minutes.
- Massage your joints gently with warm oil.
- Application of paraffin wax to achy joints.
Cold Treatment
- Applying ice packs to the affected areas (once again, for not more than 20 minutes).
- Submerge your joints in ice water.
- Apply a bag of ice or frozen vegetables to the areas in pain.
Frequency
Follow hot and cold treatments as an SOS measure for immediate treatment.
[Read: Castor Oil to Treat Arthritis]
Tips for Arthritic Pain Management
Here are a few useful tips that will help you effectively manage arthritic pain:
- Losing weight helps, especially if you have trouble in the joints of your knees, hips, and feet.
- Regular exercising helps flex your joints.
- Try complementary therapies like Yoga, Mindful Meditation, Tai Chi, and Acupuncture.
- Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D.
- Avoid excessive intake of sugar and salt, and stay off junk food.
Now that you know about the highly effective home remedies for arthritis, go ahead and try it out! These are much safer alternatives to NSAIDs and other medication. However, you must continue the medication prescribed by your physician. With these home remedies under your belt, you will no longer be restricted by arthritis and can happily live your best life!
Do you have any useful home remedies for arthritis that you wish to share? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about arthritis:
1. Can Stress Cause Arthritis?
Stress induces inflammation and can cause your arthritis to flare up. Thus, it may be adduced that stress can definitely aggravate arthritis.
2. Is Coffee Bad for Arthritis?
According to studies,
3. Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Arthritis?
While there are no significant scientific studies and researches that point out the efficacy of apple cider vinegar in treating arthritis, there are enough anecdotal incidents that point out that apple cider vinegar may indeed help alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
