Natural Remedies for Arthritis
Arthritis happens when one or more of your joints become stiff and swollen. It is characterized by joint pain and tenderness and gets worse as you age. There is a different kind of arthritis, but the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is majorly associated with the cartilages-a whitish rubbery tissue usually found between two bones that are located at the joint area and prevents the joint bones from friction or rubbing hard against each other. Osteoarthritis attacks the cartilage in your joint area, breaks it down, thus, making it too weak to withstand the pressure from the two joint bones. When the cartilage becomes weak, the two joint bones rub very hard against each other, causing you joint pain and soreness. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joints, starting with the joint lining.
Arthritis is a painful and life-threatening disease that leaves its patient miserable and renders the affected area useless. Arthritis worsens when proper care is not given to its victim, and its complications can lead to stroke, lung disease, and heart problems.
Being a chronic joint disease, it can affect people of any age grade, including children and teenagers, but majorly adults and aged people. Identifying and reporting any form of joint pain early enough is the best way to nip arthritis in the bud. Although to date, there is still no known cure for arthritis, medical professionals have identified effective treatments and lifestyle measures to address the condition. One of the best first steps to approaching arthritis is reporting the case early enough, and commencing treatment immediately signs begin to manifest.
Types And Causes Of Arthritis
Research says there are about 200 types of arthritis. However, to reduce complexities, the 200 types have been successfully ground into a simpler and less complex body of 7. The seven main categories of arthritis include;
- Inflammation arthritis: This is said to occur as a result of the body’s defense against bacteria and other infections and often times as a result of injuries.
- Degenerative arthritis: This occurs when damage is caused to the cartilage that covers the end of joint bones.
- Soft tissue musculoskeletal pain: This kind of pain is felt more in the tissues than in the bones. The pain comes as a result of injuries to the affected tissues.
- Back pain: this is also a kind of arthritis. It can be caused by referred pains. For example, when a problem somewhere else in the body causes back pain. It stems from different areas, ranging from the muscles in the back, nerves, ligaments, joints, and bones.
- Connective tissue disease: Connective tissues include tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. These are tissues that separate or bind other different body tissues. This kind of arthritis occurs when these connective tissues are inflamed or affected by harmful factors.
- Infectious arthritis: this kind of arthritis is caused by a bacterium, fungus, or virus that found its way into the body system. They attack the joints and cause inflammation.
- Metabolic arthritis: When purines are broken down in the body, uric acid is produced. The uric acid then dissolves in the blood and goes to the kidney. Metabolic arthritis occurs when this uric acid is produced in excess amounts and get accumulated in the body, producing spike-like crystals in the joints, resulting in severe joint pain.
Risk Factors Of Arthritis
- Age; one’s chances of developing arthritis increases with age.
- Sex; according to research, some types of arthritis are more common in women than in men, and over 50% of people with arthritis are women.
- Genetics; some kinds of genes are associated with a greater risk of certain kinds of arthritis.
- Obesity and overweight; overweight can exact excess pressure on the knee and other joints in the body. Obesity has been identified to be a major contributor to both the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
- Occupation; some occupations have been discovered to be risk factors for arthritis. These occupations include ones that involve constant bending of the knee and squatting. These actions are likely to cause osteoarthritis of the knee.
Herbal Remedies for Arthritis
Though arthritis does not have a specific treatment. However, some natural remedies have been found to be effective in the improvement of symptoms of arthritis, especially when you use them with other treatment measures. All of the following are natural herbs that can tackle arthritis symptoms from the root.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is commonly known for its effectiveness in the treatment of various health issues. It comes in different forms, which include; gel, leaves, powder, and pills. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help with joint pain. An advantage it has over arthritis medications like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is the absence of its gastrointestinal adverse effects. You can go on and apply aloe vera directly to the skin, massage the affected area with aloe Vera gel. You can also take aloe Vera orally.
Note:
There is a need to be absolutely careful when taking aloe Vera orally, as it can drop your blood sugar levels, leading to another chronic health condition.
Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as frankincense, it is a natural anti-inflammatory herb. It is harvested from the gum produced by Boswellia trees, which are majorly found in India. Capsules have been made out of this gum, and research on humans has shown that it has an awesome healing strength, especially in people with any form of arthritis.
Note:
As safe as Boswellia seems to be, taking it in large doses can affect vital and delicate organs in your body, like your liver. 1g of Boswellia daily is an accurate and safe dose for everybody.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is a herb that may reduce the swellings caused by arthritis. It is harvested from the root and bark of a vine tree in central and south America. It is largely used as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as a healthy immune system booster. Cat’s claw also inhibits the growth of tumors.
Note:
Side effects of excessive usage can lead to headaches and low blood pressure.
Avoid this herb if;
You use blood thinners
You are currently using drugs that suppress the immune system.
You have tuberculosis
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is widely known for its healing prowess for various kinds of conditions. Extract from eucalyptus leaves is used for the treatment of arthritis pain. It also contains properties like tannins that help reduce the swellings and pains associated with arthritis.
Note:
Dilute eucalyptus leaves extract with other oils to reduce the effect for those with eucalyptus oil allergies. Also, test the oil by rubbing a little bit of it on your forearm, wait for 24 to 48 hours to check for allergies; if there are none, then it is safe for you to use. Massage arthritis affected area with the extract.
Ginger
Ginger can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also known to be a great relief of symptoms for those who are suffering from arthritis. Slice ginger and drop it piece by piece into hot and boiling water. Drink the water after it cools off. Also, you can include powdered ginger in your tea or baked products. Adding ginger slices into your salad is not a very bad idea as well. Every method gives the same result.
Thunder god vine
The thunder god vine is a herb that is good for the management of joints, muscles, and bones soreness and inflammation. It is one of the best treatments for rheumatoid. You can use it as a dietary supplement by incorporating it into your diet. You can also apply its extract directly to your skin.
Note:
Excess and prolonged usage can cause the following;
Gastrointestinal problems
Respiratory problems
Skin rashes
Menstrual imbalances
Reduction in bone density
Affects the quality of sperm cells
Turmeric
Majorly known to be a cooking agent. Turmeric has proven to be an effective herbal remedy in the treatment of arthritis symptoms. Being a cooking spice that it is, it makes it quite easy enough to be included in your cooking. Add powdered turmeric to your dishes; you can as well take them raw orally.
Willow Bark
This is a herb that is used to treat inflammation. It comes in the form of tea and sometimes as pills. It relieves joint pains in people with arthritis.
Note:
Its side effects include;
Stomach ulcer, high blood pressure
Allergic reactions
Green Tea
Being a popular beverage, green tea contains antioxidant properties that help relieve inflammations. You can take it as a beverage, which it is known for, as powder sprinkled on meals and as supplements.
In conclusion, arthritis is a tissue, joint, and bone disease that affects 1 out of 6 adults. Cases of it have also been found in teenagers and children. Arthritis is caused by a variety of factors and does not have a known treatment. However, natural remedies, therapies, and lifestyle changes have been identified to relieve and ease arthritis symptoms.
