10 Not-So-Ordinary Home Remedies To Relieve Arthritis Pain

Do you realize that close to 46 million Americans currently live with some form of arthritis?

Yep. And it’s not surprising that a large percentage of these people are over the age of 45.

But what is arthritis?

Arthritis is generally an inflammation or a swelling of the joints. (And it could be painful!) Signs of arthritis usually manifest over time, though like everything else, it may also suddenly appear, especially in people who are overweight.

There are actually more than a hundred types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you’re among the people manifesting symptoms of arthritis, suffer no more! Check out these not-so-common natural remedies you can do at home!

1.   ICE 

It may seem odd, but applying ice on the affected areas or joints helps keep them from being inflamed and ergo, helps ease the pain. The cold dulls the nerves and tightens the blood vessels, thereby reducing inflammation and helping ease pain. It would be best to use an ice pack for 20 minutes a few times a day.

2. FISH

Increase your fish intake (or supplement with fish oil pills!). Fish oil supplements or a regular diet that’s rich in fish oils can help control inflammation. For those who do not yet have arthritis, higher fish oil intake actually reduces the likelihood of developing it. 

3. STRETCHING

Take at least to 20 minutes a day to do some stretching, focusing on areas that hurt the most. It’ll increase your overall flexibility. And of course, exercise regularly with low-impact exercises like swimming or water aerobics to loosen your joints without adding more stress.

Try some range-of-motion workouts with your arms over your head or roll your shoulders in a forward and backward motion. Strengthening exercises twice a week can also help protect and support your joints, while aerobic exercises like walking, swimming and bicycling likewise helps.

4. RAISINS

Put some golden raisins in a small jar and soak them in gin (made from Juniper berries) for a week. Eat 9-10 raisins each morning for joint pain relief. 

Why does it work? Golden raisins are developed from Sultana grapes with sulfur dioxide (keeps them golden!). These grapes contain resveratrol and catechins (among others), which are antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

As for gin, Juniper berries are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, including delta-3-carene, catechin, beta-pinene, alpha-terpineol, alpha-pinene, betulin, and menthol. Totally packed with anti-arthritic compounds!

5. ORGANIC CHERRY JUICE 

Drink 1 oz. in the mornings and 1 oz. an hour before bedtime of organic tart cherry juice to help get rid of the pain and swelling in your joints. Cherries are rich in anthocyanins which have antioxidant properties that fight inflammation.

7. TURMERIC

Turmeric contains curcumin that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce arthritis pain. It’s also a mild analgesic so can help you sleep if you’re having difficulty with it. Try your own turmeric tea by boiling 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with two cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Allow it to simmer for up to 15 minutes. Drink with lemon or honey.

8. GELATIN

Ridiculous? Not really! A daily serving of Gelatin can help alleviate arthritis joint pain.

But don’t overload on the sugary-flavored ones as that will actually contribute to the inflammation and will worsen your joint pain. Cut back on refined carbs and sugar overall if you try this remedy.

9. CAPSAICIN 

While hot peppers for pain relief does seem a tiny bit counterintuitive, it does work!

Note, however, that it takes several applications before it starts to offer some relief.  It will probably sting at first, but the pain will gradually give way to relief. As with anything, don’t overdo it! Don’t go overboard trying to smear yourself with chili peppers as that would be bad. Ouch!

Try to make your own capsaicin cream by combining two tablespoons of powdered hot chili peppers (or cayenne pepper), two cups of canola or olive oil. In a saucepan, heat on low temperature and stir occasionally. Allow it to sit for a couple of days, rewarm the mixture, filter or strain it and transfer into a jar. Cover with a lid and store in a cool place. Use this to rub into your arthritis-inflamed area a few times a day using a Q-tip.

10. WARMTH (As In Keeping Yourself Warm!)

Keep your joints loose at night with an electric blanket or a heating pad. When your joints are cold, they’re inevitable get stiff and sore. The heat from the blanket helps keep your joints and muscles more flexible.

 These tips notwithstanding, it’s important to remember to give your joints the opportunity to turn stiff; keep them going and moving without overdoing it!

If you’re looking for a supplement to help with joint pain and stiffness head on over to Havasu’s page and check out our Apple Cider Vinegar today!