Arthritis affects more than 20% of the American population (54 million people) and is a common reason why people miss work and suffer from poor quality of life. It is estimated that by 2040, more than 78 million people will suffer from arthritis.
Joint pain, including those related to arthritis, has been known to have existed in humans since 4500 BC. C. Ötzi, the oldest known natural human mummy in Europe that supposedly lived between 3400 and 3100 BC, suffered from it.
So there are natural remedies that humanity has been using to treat arthritis for many, many years. We want to introduce you to some centuries-old remedies to help you fight this disease.
Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief
Guggul
Guggul, a sticky gum-like resin from the Mukul tree, has been used for centuries to treat arthritis and joint pain. Guggul naturally neutralizes “NF-kappaB”, the main gene that triggers inflammatory reactions in the body to prevent, delay, and treat inflammation before it has a chance to cause disease.
Researchers at the Southern California University of Health Sciences found that patients who used guggul for a month experienced reduced pain, swelling, and stiffness.
How to use it:
Add 1/4 teaspoon tincture of guggul (available in health food stores) to 1/2 teaspoon of water. Drink 30 minutes before meals, 3 times a day.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Not only does it help relieve inflammation, but it also relieves pain associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and even muscle injuries.
A 2013 study conducted in South Korea found that inhaling eucalyptus oil was effective in reducing pain.
How to use it:
Mix 8-10 drops of eucalyptus oil with about the same amount of peppermint oil. To this mixture, add 3-5 teaspoons of any carrier oil like olive oil or moringa oil.
Moringa oil is recommended for being a powerful anti-inflammatory, being an excellent carrier oil. Rub it on your aching joints and experience instant, refreshing pain relief.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh acts as an antispasmodic for the nerves and muscles. It contains anti-inflammatory salicylic acid (the base of the active ingredient in aspirin) and, since ancient times, it has been used to treat various muscle, pelvic and rheumatic pain.
How to use it:
The recommended dose of black cohosh ranges from 40 mg to 80 mg per day. If you buy the tincture, add 2 to 4 ml to the water or tea 3 times a day. You can also use capsules. People with liver problems, especially women, should avoid this herb.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which imparts the taste and smell of cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde stops the release of arachidonic acid, an inflammatory fatty acid. This makes cinnamon effective in reducing inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis.
How to use it:
Mix 1 cup of hot water with 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Drink once in the morning and once at night.
Alfalfa
The alfalfa plant, like many other ancient herbs, offers a multitude of health benefits. It is one of the best herbal remedies on the market for joint pain, back pain, and inflammatory arthritis because it contains many minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that play a crucial role in the strength and growth of our bones and in the sustenance of life.
How to use it:
It can be fermented to make herbal tea. Use equal parts of alfalfa leaves, red raspberry leaves, and mint. To prepare, add 1 tablespoon of the tea mixture to about 8 ounces of boiling water and simmer for about 5 minutes before drinking.
Cabbage Leaf
Cabbage has been used for centuries as a popular remedy for relieving joint pain. Apigenin, a flavonoid compound present in it, gives it excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
The effectiveness of this folk remedy was proven in a 2016 study that showed cabbage leaf wraps to be extremely effective in treating osteoarthritis.
How to use it:
Remove the stiff stalks from the cabbage leaves and press down on the leaves with a hard object to release some of their juice. Wrap the cabbage leaves in aluminum foil and bake for a few minutes to warm them up.
Make sure they don’t get hot or burned. Wrap the warm cabbage leaves around the sore joint to enclose it completely with the leaves. Keep the sheets in place by wrapping them in a self-adhesive gauze bandage.
Cover the entire poultice with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to contain the heat. Leave it there for at least 1 hour. You can also leave it overnight.
Did any of these old remedies work for you? If so, please share your story with us so that other people suffering from joint inflammation can benefit.
Also, in the comments below, tell us about your experience and the many other remedies you may learn about to help manage this type of pain.
