Mention “ARTHRITIS” and I’m sure a lot of you will cringe. For some, the pain associated with arthritis is unbearable and unimaginable, to say the least. Active lifestyle and reliable exercise regimen will surely give us a lot of benefits but due to wear-and-tear phenomenon, arthritis is becoming more of the rule rather than exception as we increase our age.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is actually an inflammation of joints which you can find in different parts of the body like your elbow, hips and knees. It has been considered as one of the oldest maladies in the world and affects millions of people today. And though over-the-counter medications are available, they can sometimes bring more harm than good.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, for example, can cause undesirable stomach aches and can even slow down the synthesis of cartilage. As a result, different classifications of arthritis like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis will come to the picture. Arthritis, in general, is caused by a combination of factors with effects that can debilitate a person in the long run.
Lucky for us, alternatives for over-the-counter drugs have been proven effective over the years. I have listed five of the most popular and effective home remedies for arthritis in the Philippines and all over the world.
Disclaimer: This article is not promoting home remedies as the ONLY and the MOST effective treatment for arthritis cases. Professional consultation and additional readings are still indispensable in finding the most effective treatment suitable for your own needs. There is NO cure yet for arthritis but the use of home remedies has been an effective in easing arthritic pains for most patients around the world.
5 Home Remedies for Arthritis
1. Ginger
If you thought that ginger was only made to spice up your recipes, then you’re probably underestimating a natural pain reliever. According to Dutch doctors, ginger contains properties that decreases pain and inflammation in the body. It is also considered as one of the best and cheapest home remedies for cases like tendinitis, bursitis and, of course, arthritis. You can use ginger extracts as ointments that you can apply directly to your skin or as a tasty addition to your rice, soups, salads and other dishes.
2.Celery
Aside from being a perfect choice for garnishing, celery seeds and its other parts also contain hidden chemicals that will greatly help anyone who has been debilitated by arthritis. According to latest research, celery boasts a total of 25 anti-inflammatory compounds and is also rich in potassium, a deficiency of which is commonly associated with arthritis cases.
3. Water Therapy
We all know that water is the universal solvent that is essential for everyone’s survival. Just heat the water to a desired temperature and you will now have a fast and accessible relief for your stubborn arthritic pain. To get the best benefits from water therapy, you need to pamper yourself using warm water bath. Temperature should be 93.5 degrees Fahrenheit and immersion of affected parts of the body should take place from about 30 minutes to an hour. Experts also recommends adding about three or four tablespoons of Epson salt to the bathwater for a faster and more effective relief from joint pains.
4. Mango Bark
Mango is not only known as Philippines’ national fruit because as early as the Spanish period, use of mango barks to provide a safe relief from arthritic pain had been proven effective and easily accessible. This is because the extracts from mango barks naturally contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. To make a home remedy out of mango barks, you can boil a piece of chopped bark and then use the decoction for hot compress.
5. Yerba Buena
Yerba buena (Mentha cordifolia), also known as peppermint in foreign countries, is considered one of the most effective herbal medicines endorsed by DOH. It is brimming with anti-inflammatory properties and is also perfect in cases like toothaches and mild headaches. You can use its extracts either as a hot compress or drinking juice. As a hot compress, simply heat enough fresh leaves (including the stems and petioles) over a fire, then pound and apply on the affected joints while still warm. Apply bandage to keep the leaves in place. Change the dressing every four hours, as needed. As a juice, boil 4 tablespoons of dried leaves in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes and drink 1/2 glass, every 4 hours.
Home remedies for arthritis can be an effective alternative for those who are seeking effective relief for arthritis-related pains and discomforts. But let us remember that eating the right way and mild to moderate exercise can also come a long way. Health is wealth that’s why it is essential to be responsible for our own well-being by continuously enlightening ourselves of cheap but effective ways to be healthy.
