If you or someone you know suffers from arthritis, you know how painful it can be. But did you know there are natural ways to ease the pain and symptoms you may experience?
Here are the top four natural home remedies to use for arthritis pain. And you probably have everything you need to treat arthritis at home lying around the house right now.
- Turmeric and Ginger Tea
Turmeric and ginger are both anti-inflammatory agents. Because of this, they’re able to ease the pain of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. All you’ll need are two cups of boiling water, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric and honey to taste. After you boil your water and add the ginger and turmeric, be sure to strain. Then add your honey and enjoy twice daily.
- Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom salt contains the mineral magnesium sulfate that’s known for its pain relieving ability. For this remedy, you only need three items: ½ cup of Epsom salt, a large bowl and warm water. Just fill the large bowl with warm water and add the Epsom salt, stir it around and submerge aching joints in the mixture.
If you’re experiencing pain in an inconvenient spot for soaking, try taking a warm bath with two cups of Epsom salt. Soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil can be used for more than just cooking. Rubbing a small amount on arthritic joints can ease the pain. This type of oil contains the same inflammatory enzymes as Advil. Researchers have found that 1 ½ teaspoons are equal to 200-mg of ibuprofen. Using any other type of olive oil besides extra-virgin won’t yield the same results due to the ripeness of the olives when they were made into oil.
All you’ll need are two to three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and you’re all set. Rub the olive oil onto your sore joints twice per day to ease pain. You can also ingest the two to three tablespoons of olive oil daily, but monitor your fat intake as this oil is high in calories and “good” fat.
- Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil Blend
Peppermint and eucalyptus contain relaxing and pain-relieving properties that can alleviate your arthritis. This remedy will produce a temporary cooling sensation to soothe your joints. You’ll need five to ten drops of peppermint oil, five to ten drops of eucalyptus oil, one to two tablespoons of carrier oil (e.g. olive, almond or grapeseed) and a small dark glass bottle to hold the oils. You can find both the oils and the bottles at local craft stores, such as Michaels, or in the craft department of stores like Wal-Mart.
Blend the peppermint and eucalyptus oils together, then mix with the carrier oil. The carrier oil is added to dilute the essential oils. Lastly, store the oil blend in the dark small glass bottle and massage onto your joints when they ache.
Arthritis can be quite painful. But with these four natural remedies, you’ll be able to put your pain at ease and go about your daily routine.
