Arthritis and Other Join Pains
Face it: young or old, at some point you will experience symptoms of arthritis or other joint or muscle pain. If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ll be sore after an extra-heavy workout. Arthritis affects some 60 percent of working-age (18–64) ; the most prevalent form, osteo-arthritis, affects about 31 million with symptoms of stiff, inflamed joints.
Another form, rheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune disease that also causes swelling and inflammation, often in the wrists. While there is no cure for arthritis, herbal remedies can soothe these and other musculoskeletal pains.
Arthritis Healing Herbs.
Arnica • Black cohosh • Cayenne • Devil’s claw • Feverfew Flaxseed • Ginger • Peppermint • St. John’s wort • Skullcap Stinging nettle • Turmeric • Valerian
PEPPERY ANTI-PAIN POULTICE
Olive oil and aloe, both anti-inflammatory
form the delivery system for the pain relieving, anti-inflammatory agents turmeric and ginger. Cayenne carries capsaicin, which numbs painful nerves at the skin’s surface.
1 Application
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon aloe gel ,1 teaspoon cayenne, 2 teaspoons ground turmeric & 2 teaspoons ground ginger
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. In a small bowl, blend the oil and aloe, then add the remaining herbs and stir to make a paste.
2. Spread the paste over the finger joints, knees, elbows, or back area.
CAUTION: Wash your hands after applying the mixture; cayenne can burn eyes and other sensitive areas, and turmeric can stain clothes yellow.
PEPPERMINT RELIEF
A bath of Epsom salts can relieve muscle aches, perhaps due to its magnesium. Peppermint’s cooling sensation helps silence pain receptors.
1 Application
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 2 cups Epsom salts 10–12 drops peppermint essential oil
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
In a bowl, mix together the salts and peppermint, then dissolve the mixture under the warm running water as you draw your bath. Relax.
ALTERNATIVE: Try mixing 4– 5 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera, then massage into sore muscles.
CAUTION : Peppermint essential oil can irritate the skin. Try a small dab before using more.
OTHER: Beet juice is a muscle healer and pain reducer, according to a 2016 study on sprinters who recovered more quickly after a heavy workout when consuming the juice, as opposed to those drinking a placebo.
DEVIL’S CLAW TEA (Decoction)
Devil’s claw is anti-inflammatory and can ease the swelling and pain of arthritic joints.
1 Serving
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 1. tablespoon dried devil’s claw root 2 cups water Honey as needed
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. In a pan, cover the devil’s claw root with water.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then allow it to simmer for 15–30 minutes, reducing the liquid to half.
3. Strain and add honey as needed for taste (devil’s claw is strong and needs sweetening).
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