Regular, gentle exercise helps to strengthen the joints.
Rheumatism was once a catch-all term for any ailment involving the joints. Today, we distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout, which have different causes but can all result in serious pain and reduced mobility. Thankfully, traditional remedies can be helpful.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results in joint pain and deformity; osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and gout is a metabolic disease that can result in joint damage. Try some of these home remedies to bring relief.
• Apply fuller’s earth poultices (see here) to the affected joints once a day to soothe discomfort.
• Rub in arnica oil to combat joint inflammation and pain.
• A mud bath no hotter than body temperature 98.6°F (37°C) also eases arthritic pain.
• Drink a cup of nettle tea three times a day to help with pain and inflammation. Use 1 tablespoon (15 ml) dried herb in 1 cup (250 ml) water and let steep for 10 minutes.
• Try borage oil capsules or salves containing arnica, comfrey or capsaicin (the active ingredient in chile peppers). Most health food stores or pharmacies can provide you with a range of compounds containing natural ingredients that will help to reduce inflammation.
• The roots of devil’s claw (available as tablets or capsules) contain substances that soothe pain and inflammation. Originally from Africa, it has long been used around the world to treat painful joints.
Oil wrap for osteoarthritis
one Soak a cotton cloth in hot water and wring it out.
two Mix rosemary, marjoram and lavender oils in equal proportions, and put 10 drops of the mixture on the cloth.
three Wrap the hot oil pack around your afflicted joints for about 10 minutes once a day.
four Repeat the application several times as needed.
Whether you opt for a hot or cold treatment depends on the phase of the malady. If your joints are inflamed, hot and swollen, treat them with ice and cold packs made from mud, fuller’s earth or clay (from a health food store or pharmacy). When the condition is less acute, turn to heat to soothe discomfort and promote circulation.
• Relax. When your body is tense, pain is more acute. Relaxation techniques may also ease pain.
• Teas made from dried meadowsweet or white willow bark can help to alleviate symptoms. Use 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) per cup (250 ml) hot water.
• A celery infusion can be a quick, effective remedy. Mince 1 heaping tablespoon (25 ml) celery and pour 1 cup (250 ml) water over it. Boil, steep briefly and strain. Sweeten with honey; drink 2 cups a day.
NOTE: Always prepare the infusion fresh and do not use it if you have a kidney infection.
• Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids that ease swelling and pain. If you don’t like fish, take fish oil supplements instead.
• Vitamin C has a positive influence on the course of the disease. It is particularly abundant in citrus fruits, kiwi fruit and peppers.
• Vitamin E (abundant in plant oils) intercepts free radicals, which form in greater quantities with acute inflammatory joint diseases.
• Avoid coffee, alcohol and nicotine.
• Some studies indicate that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, salads, whole grains and low-fat milk products can help ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Reduce saturated fat intake by cutting down on meat, fatty cheese, butter and cream.
• Slim down. Being overweight can increase joint damage.
• Take up tai chi. When practiced correctly, it relaxes all joints.
Gout is a metabolic disease. When the kidneys become less effective at flushing away excess uric acid, the acid begins to crystallize in your joints, tendons and muscles, leading to swelling, pain and tenderness. To guard against gout, eat oily fish twice a week (but not eel), reduce the amount of meat you eat (no offal or consommés), and eat lentils, peas and red and white beans only in moderation. It is best to avoid alcohol and sweets entirely—both slow the body’s ability to excrete uric acid considerably.
• Drink plenty of water or herbal tea to help kidneys flush out uric acid.
• Cherries have long been a folk remedy for gout. A recommended dose is a handful (about ten cherries) each day.
• Make a charcoal poultice. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) activated charcoal (from pharmacies) with 3 tablespoons (45 ml) flaxseeds, ground to a powder in a blender, and enough hot water to make a paste. Apply the mixture to the affected joint and cover with plastic wrap.
• Try adding mud bath mixtures (available from pharmacies, health food stores or speciality stores) to body-temperature water to alleviate pain. Do this twice a week.
• Rub painful joints with camphor spirits (a solution of camphor and rubbing alcohol).
HORSE CHESTNUT SALVES can reduce INFLAMMATION.
