Arthritis is joint inflammation, wherein one or more joints swell up and become tender, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. In the country, 58.5 million people (about one-fourth of the population) have arthritis. It’s a primary cause of significant annual healthcare expenditure and monetary loss due to work disability. So, learning how to manage this disease can make life easier. If home remedies don’t help, it’s best to consult a doctor.

Arthritis home remedies

Although this condition has no cure, many natural remedies for arthritis can help relieve the pain, swelling, and stiffness .

Mustard seeds and oil
They are used widely in South Asia for frying, seasoning, or tempering dishes.

Mustard seeds containing magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids are among the best natural remedies for arthritis. One can also apply warm mustard oil to the affected joints. This salve produces heat and improves blood flow to the joints, helping one get relief from arthritis pain naturally .

Turmeric
A yellow-colored spice primarily used in South Asian cuisine, turmeric, is another natural remedy for arthritis. It contains curcumin, an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory compound. Research has shown that curcumin can help decrease the pain and swelling caused by arthritis.

One can add a small amount of the powder to their curries or opt for turmeric supplements.

Olive oil
It is a simple arthritis home remedy that can help relieve joint pain and swelling. Extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal that works like anti-inflammatory treatments commonly prescribed for joint pains and arthritis.

Additionally, olive oil, rich in antioxidants, is good for the heart and helps prevent cancer by eliminating free radicals from the body. One can drizzle extra virgin olive oil in salads and dips or substitute cooking fats and butter with olive oil.

Frankincense
A North African native, the Boswellia tree, produces a dried sap called Frankincense. This extract has been used as one of the effective natural remedies for arthritis for hundreds of years. A study found that Frankincense eases knee pain induced by arthritis.

One can apply Frankincense oil to their joints to get relief from arthritis pain naturally. They may also consume Frankincense nutritional supplements.

Myrrh
A resin that oozes out of cuts in the bark of the Commiphora mukul tree found abundantly in the Middle East is known as myrrh. It has anti-inflammatory properties, thus passing off as another natural remedy for arthritis. Applying a salve made of myrrh to swollen joints helps relieve arthritis pain.

Aloe vera
This plant sap has functioned as a natural remedy for arthritis since a long time. Applying aloe vera gel to the joints, drinking its juice, or consuming aloe supplements regularly may be beneficial in reducing inflammation and joint pain. Aloe vera also ensures that one does not incur stomach problems similar to those caused by other clinical treatment options.

Tart cherries
These have a high content of antioxidants called anthocyanins. The antioxidants can block pain, providing relief. Extracts from sour cherries have helped people affected with rheumatoid arthritis. Anthocyanin blocks the pathways signaling inflammation. To relieve arthritis pain, one can have half a cup of cherries or around 8 oz of its juice every day.

Pineapple
The fruit contains a substance called bromelain that has an anti-inflammatory effect on arthritic joints, reducing swelling and easing pain.
If one does not want to eat pineapples, they can opt for 500 to 2000 mg of bromelain supplements. A study found that bromelain supplements effectively minimize inflammation in the joints.

Licorice
This is an extract from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Research has shown that licorice contains glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and glycyrrhizin (GL). Both these substances decrease the inflammation caused by arthritis and can reduce joint pains. One can drink licorice tea, consume it as a supplement, use licorice powder in desserts, or apply it in gel form to joints.

Massage
One can opt for regular massages to reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body and increase the levels of serotonin, a mood-enhancing hormone. It also decreases blood pressure. Research has found that around eight weeks of massage caused a reduction in pain and stiffness due to arthritis and improved joint function. The massage must be done by a professional who can tackle arthritis patients.

Yoga
This therapy has been practised for centuries to bring harmony between the mind and the body. It can help improve one’s flexibility and enhance their range of motion by loosening and relaxing their joints. One must ensure that the instructor is a professional and is aware of the condition one is suffering from.