Natural Cures For Arthritis

Arthritis can be pure hell! Ask any of the millions who continue to suffer from this affliction. This excruciating condition invades the joints, causing chronic inflammation that invariably results in the arthritis symptoms of pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of joint function. The bad news for women is they’re two to three times more susceptible than men in contracting this disease. You’d be surprised to know that even your faithful dog isn’t spared this condition!

Types of arthritis

Arthritis actually consists of more than 100 different conditions. These may include relatively mild forms of tendonitis, like in ‘tennis elbow’ and bursitis to crippling systemic forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Certain pain syndromes, like fibromyalgia and earthritis-related disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, that involve every part of the body, are also included in this. Even disease, such as gout, that almost nobody connects with arthritis and osteoarthritis, the misnamed ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, are some of its forms.

Even though the effect of arthritis is well studied, medical researchers still don’t know for sure what causes it. However, its early detection is important, since most therapies work best when started early in the disease process.

Natural remedy for arthritis

Although, over-the-counter arthritis medication is available, there are suitable natural remedies for inflamed joints. The good part is they’re without side effects. Proper lifestyle practices coupled with natural anti-inflammatory alternatives will help you combat the rigors of arthritis. Let’s see what these natural cures for arthritis are:

a. Daily exercise:

Since, inactivity stiffens the affected joints and makes the pain worse; daily exercises will not only strengthen the joints, but also keep them lubricated. However, don’t overdo the arthritis exercise bit; light exercise daily is fine.

b. Foods:

Avoid foods known to affect the inflamed joints adversely, like vegetables of the nightshade family that include tomatoes, potatoes, aubergine and capsicum. Cutting back on dairy products and red meat also helps. Adopting the arthritis diet of fruits and other varieties of vegetables, oily fish and whole-meal products is beneficial.

c. Thunder God Vine:

The roots of Thunder God Vine, a plant with highly toxic leaves and flowers, have been used medicinally in China for over centuries. According to a study by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, root extract of this plant was shown to reduce pain and inflammation, especially of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

d. Ginger extract or Zinaxin:

Its natural anti-inflammatory antioxidants work by removing potentially damaging oxidizing agents from within the body.

e. Willow:

It’s been used as arthritis pain relief since the Greek era. It was made by mashing up the leaves with a little wine and applying it to a sore back. Today, willow bark is sold as part of a prepared remedy.

f. Cod liver oil:

Taking cod liver oil on a daily basis not only helps in strengthening the bones, but also prevents the cartilage from breaking up, due to the fatty acids contained in them, thus avoiding inflamed joints.

Natural treatment of dog arthritis

Arthritis in dogs, too, can also be cured through proper care and natural remedies. Here’s what you can do:

a. Exercise:

If your dog is overweight, a little exercise can do wonders. Losing weight will not only help lighten the load on those achy joints, but the exercise will strengthen the joints too.

b. Living conditions:

Making the living conditions comfortable helps. If it’s cold outside, keep the pet indoors. Make it sleep on soft bedding to relieve the ache. Apply moist heat to relieve the pain of arthritis in dog.

c. Diet supplement:

According to a study by veterinarians in California, an arthritis supplement derived from green lipped mussels containing Omega-3 fatty acids can greatly reduce joint inflammation.

Whether it’s you or your dog, arthritis treatment the natural way will help alleviate your pain and cure your condition. It’ll also spare you the vagaries of over-the-counter arthritis medicines. However, do consult your physician or your dog’s vet on this.