Arthritis is a general term used to describe inflammation within joints due decreased abundance of cartilage. When cartilage wears away and the body attempts to repair the damage by producing bony outgrowths called ‘osteophytes’, these outgrowths then result in grinding within the joints and are responsible for the pain, stiffness, and swelling related to osteoarthritis.
Ayurvedic Treatments
- Ginger, coriander, and aloe vera can be used topically or ingested in cooking and in teas to help decrease joint inflammation and promote joint lubrication.
- Barberry is a herb that has been used for thousands of years within tea as well as a topical compresses to help decrease arthritic swelling and inflammation.
Traditional Home-Remedies
- Stinging nettle tea contains natural anti-histamines that have been shown to decrease inflammation.
- Apple cider and ginger root powder in warm baths can reduce symptoms of sore joints, and help increase range of motion.
- Juniper oil can be used within a bath or messaged topically into the skin and have shown especially good results with inflammation from osteoarthritis.
Diet
- Increasing Vitamin A, C, E and Selenium, help mediate the inflammatory response from joints that creates swelling and redness.
- The mineral magnesium helps with the production of synovial fluid within joints and thus can provide relief by decreasing friction within the joints.
- Cod liver oil, and evening primrose oil have both been shown to decrease the symptoms associated to osteoarthritis by improving joint mobility.
