Joint pain is a common problem with numerous possible causes. Although it is usually a result of arthritis or injury, joint pain can be also caused by other issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, tendinitis, strain, tendons surrounding a joint, bursitis, and sprain or some other injury affecting the ligaments.
Joint pain mostly occurs in the knees, hips and shoulders. However, it can also occur in any other part of the body. The intensity of the pain can range from very mild to very severe, and can be accompanied by stiffness and swelling in one or more joints.
Effective Natural Remedies for Joint Pain
Here are 8 effective natural remedies that will help you manage the joint pain and decrease the symptoms:
- Massage
Massage therapy aids relieve joint pain by soothing inflammation and improving circulation. Actually, many researchers indicate that regular massage can recover stiffness, pain, and range of motion in the painful joint. In order to massage the painful place, you can use:
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Mustard oil
- Garlic oil, or
- Castor oil
Gently apply some pressure while massaging. Massage the affected area several times a day.
- Ginger and Turmeric Tea
Ginger and turmeric have both great anti-inflammatory properties, and can help with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
Requirements:
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- ½ teaspoon powdered turmeric
- 2 cups of water
- Honey (optional)
Method:
Boil the water and add the powdered turmeric and ginger into the water. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, then strain and add a teaspoon of honey to taste. Consume this tea 2-3 times a day. This dose is for 2 servings.
- Alternatively, you can take ginger and turmeric in a supplement form.
- Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds are a popular natural remedy for treating joint pain. This seed has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which make it particularly beneficial for people who suffer from arthritis pain.
- Add 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds into a glass of warm water. Consume every morning, once a day.
- Alternatively, soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water and eat them in the morning.
- White Willow Tea
This tea is an original aspirin. A long time before there was aspirin – there was white willow bark that our ancestors used as an aspirin. Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician, wrote about this in the fifth century before Christ. It was proven that white willow bark is so effective because it contains an active ingredient known as salicin.
Requirements:
- A cup of water
- 2 teaspoons of ground (or chopped) white willow bark
- Honey and lemon (optional)
Method:
Bring a cup of water to boil. Add the ground (or chopped) white willow bark in it. Leave it for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the head. Leave it for additional 30 minutes. Then, you can add a teaspoon of honey and squeeze some fresh lemon juice to improve the taste, and drink it. Consume 2-3 times a day.
- Alternatively, you can take white willow bark in a form of supplement.
- Epsom Salt
Joint pain is usually associated with low levels of magnesium. A steam bath with Epsom salt can facilitate the absorption of magnesium over the skin. Magnesium can help in detoxification of cells and reduce inflammation.
- Add 2 -3 cups of Epsom salt into a warm bath water.
- Soak it for 20-25 minutes.
- Do this 3 times a week.
- Blackstrap Molasses
Molasses is high in minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It has been used in the traditional medicine for centuries. Blackstrap molasses is what relics after the third boiling of sugar syrup. It is nothing like the refined sugars that are lacking from nutrients used today. Molasse is a dietary supplement that can relieve symptoms of joint pain and arthritis. It regulates the muscle and nerve function and it can strengthen the bones.
Requirements:
- A cup of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses
Method:
Warm a cup of water. Add a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses and consume it once a day. This drink can sometimes have a laxative effect.
- Cayenne
It has natural pain-relieving and analgesic properties, due to the content of a compound known as capsaicin. Studies have found that cayenne can relieve mild to moderate pain, and it especially helpful for treating osteoarthritis.
Requirements:
- ½ cup of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of powdered cayenne pepper
Method:
Slightly heat the coconut oil. Then, add the cayenne pepper powder in it. Mix well. Apply on the painful place. Wrap the place with some cloth or towel. Leave it for 20-30 minutes. In the end, rinse it off. Repeat this 3-4 times a day.
- Alternatively, you can apply a capsaicin cream on the affected area, once a day.
Note: Cayenne pepper may initially cause you a burning sensation. Don’t apply it on open wounds.
Other Tips for Joint Pain
- Exercise – it is probably the last thing you want to do when you are suffering from pain. But, exercise is crucial for people who suffer from any form of joint pain;
- Lose weight – you need to lose some pounds and control your weight because your weight puts more strain on the joints. Exercise can help you with this;
- Acupuncture – many people find that acupuncure treatment helpful for treating joint pain and disabilities due to arthritis. In case, you have severe pain and natural remedies are not helping you, this method can be beneficial for you;
- Electricity – electrical energy can help relieve pain and swelling in joints in various ways. Physical therapists usually employ transcutaneous electrostimulation that involves insertion of electrodes around the painful joint and transporting electromagnetic pulses through the patient’s skin;
- Physical therapy – this is certainly recommendable in case you suffer from osteoporosis;
- Assistive devices – canes, shoe inserts, braces, splints, and other devices that can help sort out your weight to take the load off an affected hip or joint can be truly beneficial;
- Hot and cold compresses – heat therapy will reduce pain, increase blood flow and relax joints and sore muscles. Cold therapy decreases inflammation and numbs the place around the painful joint, and
- Magnesium – it is used in more than 300 different biomechanical responses in the body. Magnesium will help you relax muscles and reduce joint pain and aids bones to mineralize. You can take magnesium in a form of supplement or eat more food that contains magnesium (including dark leafy greens, seeds, nuts, fish, avocados, beans, whole grains, bananas, yogurt, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and more. The recommended daily dose of magnesium is 400mg.
Conclusion:
Doctors usually treat joint pain with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers. However, certain medications cause side effects, so the natural approach to pain release is becoming much more popular. With regular use, these natural remedies can help you decrease the pain. It is essential to losing weight and take magnesium regularly, as well as doing some light exercise.