Did you know there are over 100 types of arthritis and that more than 60% of the population that suffers from it is younger than 65? While predisposition due to family history or over-active use of joints can cause the inflammation, redness, and stiffness, there are natural remedies to keep your symptoms in check and even greatly reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Check out these natural remedies for arthritis and get some relief!

Natural Remedy for Arthritis – Fish Oil

Fish oil is a powerful natural remedy for arthritis.

We’ve covered the benefits of fish oil and omega 3s before in an earlier post but wanted to cover the bases for its ability to remedy arthritic complaints. Fish oil capsules with at least 30% EPA/DHA have proven beneficial for general arthritic complaints while for rheumatoid arthritis, up to 2.6 grams of fish oil (1.6 EPA) twice a day has provided relief. Fish oil reduces inflammation and morning stiffness as well as reducing the number of tender joints for people with arthritis; there has been no proof however that fish oil reduces joint damage. Aside from providing relief from the swelling and pain of arthritis fish oil protects against heart disease, reduces high blood pressure, lowers blood triglycerides, and improves brain function. Please note that women who are pregnant or are hoping to conceive should read labels carefully for the origin of the oil contained in the capsules; shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish should be avoided as sources.

Natural Remedy for Arthritis – Acupuncture

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, exercise may not be an option for keeping your joints moving and if you’re active, that’s a difficult reality to face. Acupuncture has shown excellent results for reducing arthritis pain, usually within 4 to 6 sessions. More frequent or intensive sessions may be necessary for more severe cases of arthritis to find relief.

Natural Remedy for Arthritis – Hanna’s Tips

Find natural remedies for arthritis and more in Hanna’s books!

These remedies can be found in Hanna’s books New Book on Healing and Ageless Remedies from Mother’s Kitchen:

• Epsom salts are useful to relieve pain in the hands and feet, especially with arthritis. Add 1 tablespoon Epsom salts to warm water and soak for 20 minutes.
• Flax seed contains a remarkable healing oil which can be used externally or internally. Flax oil is a great alternative to fish oil.
• Apple cider vinegar, honey, and water have been used for thousands of years to balance the body. This combination has been found beneficial to people with arthritis pain when taken every morning by restoring supple movement in hands and dissolving knots. The recipe is 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, and 8 ounces water.
• Crush garlic and spread on a cloth like butter on bread. Wrap this poultice around arthritic joints for 2 to 12 hours. This will raise a large burn blister full of water that will break open and run out, drawing the disease from the joint. Heal the area with aloe vera juice.
• Grate 1 lemon, 1 orange, and 1 grapefruit. Add 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 2 tablespoons Epsom salts, and 1 quart water. Drink 2 ounces 3 times per day.
• Eat these four foods often: black cherries (as a juice), alfalfa seeds, peanut oil, celery root.

Natural Remedy for Arthritis – General Tips

Health care professionals recommend that avoiding inflammatory foods (like fried, fatty, or sugary items) will help to keep joint sensitivity in check. Read more about anti-inflammatory foods here. Also, nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers tend to cause problems specific to arthritis so try to avoid these as well.

At present there is no cure for arthritis, and symptoms can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Dealing with recurring or constant pain can interfere with work and lead to fatigue or depression but there are resources for help! The Arthritis Foundation has created a program called Tip Share where members of the peer-to-peer group can share stories and tips for managing pain; membership is free. Finding holistic, natural remedies for arthritis is important for the health of your entire body. Whether your pain or inflammation is mild or chronic, take action and be proactive with your health using these remedies.