Arthritis is a common and persistent illness that stems from inflammation of the joints and is categorized as an autoimmune disease. As people grow older, they might experience some ill effects stemming from the use of their joints for a lifetime. Fortunately, the world we live in provides a few answers to our ailments in the form of plant life with life-giving medicinal properties.
1. Aloe Vera
One of the top herbs that can be used for arthritis is aloe vera. This is an excellent way to find relief from your swollen, aching joints and even reduce flare-ups in the future. Here are some things to know about using aloe vera for your arthritis.
What If Does For You
Aloe Vera is a tropical plant that carries a high dose of antioxidants and vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B6, and vitamins C, and E. Aloe Vera plants contain a naturally occurring chemical found in joints called glucosamine. This helps to make sure that joins of all types stay lubricated for efficient functionality. The vitamins and minerals it contains also have a strong anti-inflammatory effect to help alleviate joint swelling.
Ways You Can Use It
One of the best ways to get some useful doses of aloe vera is to ingest it by simply finding a place that sells organic aloe vera juice. If you drink it 2 – 3 times a day you are likely to see a noticeable decrease in inflammatory action, which will reduce pain and make it easier for you to relax. If the taste makes it difficult to drink, then you can add fresh anti-inflammatory juice to the mixture. For an extra boost, you can also add the apple cider vinegar.
2. Frankincense
One of the biggest problems with arthritis is that you get inflammation of the joints. This is where a lot of the swelling and pain come from when you have arthritic flare-ups. One of the herbs that is best for reducing inflammation is frankincense.
What It Does
Frankincense contains a chemical agent that arrests the production of a chemical called leukotoxin, which is a chemical produced to cause an inflammation response in damaged or injured tissues. Studies have observed that patients who ingested extracts taken from Frankincense were effective in reducing the inflammation of knees and other important joints of the body. Further research has also been able to increase its effectiveness by pairing it with other herbs of an anti-inflammatory nature.
How to Use It
The extracts made from Frankincense can be used in a few different ways. If you have the Frankincense essential oil, it can be applied topically directly to the area that needs attention. After it is applied, rub it gently in a circular motion until it’s worked into the skin. You can also add essential oil drops to some tea. If you take a few drops a day for a few weeks, you will also see a decrease in bowel inflammation as well.
3. Oregano
If you have arthritis and would prefer to go with natural remedies, oregano is an excellent herb to go with. Oregano has been proven to be a successful way to treat the debilitating, painful inflammation in your joint. Take a look at what oregano can do for you.
How Does It Work
After extensive testing, researchers could see that carvacrol can induce HSP which are heat shock proteins through T cells to arrest artificially created arthritis. The study further concluded that carvacrol can also act in place of some painkillers to give the patient relief from pain-related symptoms. These findings would pinpoint oregano essential oils as a major player in the development of natural treatments for various types of arthritis that affect so many people all over the world.
How You Can Use It
With the spread of information, various methods of delivery have been created. These will usually involve some sort of carrier oil to help dilute and evenly spread. If you take 10 drops of coconut oil and add 2 drops of oregano oil, you will have a mixture that you can rub directly onto your joints. Rub in slow circular motions. Do a small test area to make sure it won’t cause a reaction.
4. Turmeric
In an effort to avoid the disruptive side effects associated with pharmaceuticals, people are spending more and more time researching old-world methods for treating ailments that are common to mankind. The experience of pain and inflammation caused by arthritis touches such several people that it should be of no surprise that people are looking for alternative remedies. Turmeric falls into a category of herbs that has a history of being used for this, and if you continue reading you will find information about how turmeric can help you with arthritis.
How Does Turmeric Help You
During different phases of arthritis, various parts of the body can be afflicted with all sorts of inflammation. The most common and immediately noticeable effects of arthritis can include soreness or stiffness of the joints. Studies have revealed that one of the chemicals responsible for the inflammation response in joints called cytokine was successfully blocked by a naturally occurring chemical in turmeric called curcumin. This means a major breakthrough for other people suffering from arthritis who have different sets of symptoms related to inflammation as well.
A Great Way to Use it
One of the most effective ways to use turmeric is to ingest it. That is why it’s always good to have extra tea bags around. You can place a small amount into an empty teabag and place it with your tea. This will allow you to gain the benefits of this amazing herb and take a step toward healing.
5. Rosemary
How well are you looking after your joint health? If you’re experiencing any sort of pain, swelling, soreness, or stiffness in your joints, then you may be experiencing early signs of arthritis. If you are the type of person that is interested in finding out new and different ways to treat arthritis, then you will be happy to know that this article will be exploring some of the reasons why rosemary could be a great alternative to traditional medicine, and show you at least one way to use it.
How Does It Work
One of the most fascinating things about the way that naturally occurring agents can help combat the chemicals that signal the body to produce inflammation. Studies have confirmed that a phytochemical known as rosmarinic acid can counteract the effects of inflammation in the body. This makes such an acid a valuable tool in the search for arthritis remedies. Newer studies are currently underway to push this exciting and interesting research forward. So far, it’s shown its effectiveness in treating some types of allergies in patients.
A Way to Use It
Rosemary testing is still underway to establish if there can be some kind of topical use for this herb, but at present, the best way to use rosemary is to ingest it. One way is to try adding 3 drops of it to your hot tea. You can also try simply chewing the plant along with its leaves to release its anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Eucalyptus
Even though traditional western medicine can be good at detecting certain ailments, the drug that is used to treat them are often both a blessing and a curse in that they can sometimes bring with them some very undesirable side effects. If you were to continue reading this article, you will find that it’s geared toward sharing a few bits of information about how you can use eucalyptus to treat arthritis.
How It Works
Eucalyptus trees were first encountered in Australia. This unique tree produces a strong odor that is caused by its primary agent known as Eucalyptol. Using a process, Eucalyptus oil is extracted from Eucalyptus globulus. This intense-smelling oil is then packaged in a filtered and concentrated form. Researchers looking for a way to reduce inflammation were fascinated to find that Eucalyptol has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on swollen joints. This oil also has antimicrobial properties to help kill organisms that slow healing.
How to Use Eucalyptus Oil
You should mix the Eucalyptus with a carrier like a coconut oil. The most important thing about using this oil is your level of awareness of how it will affect you. It’s always a good idea to get the mixture right before you start slathering it onto whatever body parts can have sensitive skin.
7. Ginger
Another herb to try using for your arthritis pain and side effects, you should definitely consider using ginger. Plus, it helps with a variety of other ailments at the same time.
How it works
Chemicals in ginger interact with vanilloid receptors on nerve endings. Studies have shown that the use of ginger essential oil can block pain during its interaction with the vanilloid receptors. This is important to researchers that are hoping to be able to use extracts from ginger to replace nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It was discovered that the anti-inflammatory chemicals contained in ginger were able to successfully reduce inflammation in the joints as well as the digestive tract.
How You Can Use It
In order to get the analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, the best way to take ginger is through some form of ingestion. If you are using a ginger essential oil, then you can try adding a few drops of it to soup or tea. Ginger tea is also a recommended way to avail yourself of this benefit. Be sure to consume 2 cups of tea per day for the best results.
8. Burdock
People who suffer from arthritis face chronic and daily pain brought on by stiff, swollen joints. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of remedies available for use. If a person suffering has chosen to avoid the pathway of western medicine, there are several natural treatments to help reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Burdock is one of these natural remedies. The following article will be exploring how Burdock can be used to treat arthritis and why it’s become a subject of fascination for researchers.
Why It Works
This well-known root has been associated with anti-inflammatory properties for over 500 years, but it wasn’t until recent years that science finally discovered the secrets behind its effectiveness. Tests have shown that burdock root can reduce the appearance of proteins that trigger an inflammatory response in damaged tissues. This means that it could also be effective in alleviating the symptoms associated with inflammation caused by arthritis. As an added side effect, scientists also discovered a phytochemical that specifically kills cancer.
How You Can Use It
In the majority of tests and research studies, it appears that the preferred method of delivery was through the ingestion of burdock root tea. It is suggested that the person suffering should drink 2 cups of burdock root tea per day, for at least 40 days to see the most noticeable benefits. This means that is will also have a positive effect on inflammation centered in the digestive tract, which is another plus for people living with this affliction.