Natural Arthritis Treatments: Ten Popular Alternatives

It is a well-known fact that arthritis is a painful disease. Patients suffer pain caused by inflammation on their joints. This disease can even lead to disability. To try and ease this suffering, there are several natural arthritis treatments that people recommend.

Almost every culture has different herbal ways to help ease arthritis. Depending on what is available to them naturally, these types of home treatment will always be available for our use.

Herbs which are nature's gift for natural medicine offer some of the best natural cures for arthritis. Listed are some of the more popular natural remedies for the disease. They are usually herbs that are often included in some tablets available as supplements for arthritic patients.

Barberry Root

Taken in tea form, barberry root is best for those who have rheumatoid arthritis. The practice of using barberry roots also came from the Native Americans who used it for back pain, arthritis and even cancer. This root also has no negative side effects, though some may regard it as out of date.

Black Cohosh

A Native Indian remedy, black cohosh is used often for dysmenorrheal pain during menstruation. This herb's composition is deemed to have anti-inflammatory properties. This will help in the soreness of joints due to arthritis. It will also help in the relief of pain experienced by the patient. This is often mixed with other herbs like willow bark and guaiacum for arthritis relief.

Cider Vinegar

This is recommended for patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. It is also a well-known remedy for those who want to lose weight. The sour taste often repulses those who take it. But if you don't mind the taste, this may help you.

Alfalfa

This can be eaten or boiled like tea. This is believed to have bone strengthening properties. This type of herb also contains high concentrations of Vitamin K. It also contains protein, Vitamin D, Iron and calcium that may help build stronger bones.

Celery

The seed of this popular vegetable is ingested to improve symptoms of arthritis. Considered primarily for its medical value before it found its way to our tables as a vegetable, celery is known a good diuretic which is the main reason for its healing property. Potassium deficiency is often identified with rheumatoid arthritis and celery's abundance of this mineral may help with this problem.

Menthol

Because of its cooling property, menthol is used for quick pain relief on muscles and joints. Another herb with analgesic, menthol is known for its soothing capabilities. This natural pain reliever is commonly added to creams to produce another example of natural arthritis treatments.

Camphor

Liquid concentrations of camphor are massaged to the aching area afflicted with arthritis. This oil is natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory and could be used for dealing with arthritic pain. Use of this oil should be limited as it may be toxic when taken improperly.

Copper Bracelet

This is a break from the usual herbs in the list. Another age-old remedy for arthritis is the wearing of copper bracelets. Bracelets or rings made of copper are worn on the part where there is joint pain - for example, on the elbow, fingers, toes or ankles. This is said to relieve pain especially during flare-ups.

Emu Oil

From the emu bird common to the Australian outback, the oil extracted from the animal is an Aboriginal remedy for curing arthritis. Unlike other medications, emu oil has no side effects that make it a safer choice among arthritic patients. This is not commonly known among Americans but its popularity is increasingly catching up. Australian studies show that there is significant pain relief among arthritic patients who use emu oil.

Dandelion

Also known for its pain relieving properties, dandelion is claimed to be rich in potassium like celery. It contains high concentrations of Vitamin A. This is also a diuretic and helps the liver in straining the wastes out of our system.