Arthritis Natural Treatment - Remedies, Herbs, Supplements, Therapies

Are you seeking an arthritis natural treatment?

Over 100 diseases fall under the general term arthritis, however, all share two symptoms - joint pain and inflammation. Two types have received widespread attention - osteoarthristis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cushiony cartilages between the bones wears down, allowing the bones to rub together, causing stiffness, pain and eventually noticeable swelling in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis results from an overactive immune system, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

Arthritis natural treatment centers around a holistic approach to relieving daily discomfort or stiffness, with a combination of rest, specific exercises, herbal remedies, and hot or cold compresses which help reduce inflammation.

Herbal remedies work best when combined with proper diet and exercise. Most holistic practitioners begin arthritis natural treatment by recommending a diet full of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and generally with very little meat, dairy or refined carbohydrates. Patients will also be prescribed daily multivitamin and antioxidant supplements, as these both work in tandem to relieve inflammation and preserve joint tissue.

Though some herbs function as pain relievers, most work to improve the cleansing of congested tissues around the joints. In addition, herbs that stimulate blood flow and circulation, digestion and elimination can help eliminate toxins that encourage inflammation. In this way, arthritis natural treatment helps to tackle the root causes of the condition.

Taking a complementary natural approach to treating arthritis allows the patient to take an active role in his or her health care, easing many of the symptoms from a holistic perspective, including the anxiety and depression that may develop because of the reduced mobility and pain associated with arthritis.

In general, a holistic natural approach will improve outlook, attitude and quality of life, so that the patient no longer feels like a victim of the condition, but an empowered individual striving towards optimum health.

Herbal remedies of arthritis natural treatment include:

• Boswellia - An Ayurvedic Indian herb, this extract from the frankinscense tree has no undesirable side effects and acts quickly on joint pain. The boswellic acids, a key active ingredient, interrupt the inflammatory reaction and prevent the formation of biochemicals which trigger the pain reaction.
  
  
• Turmeric - This spice relieves chronic pain and inflammation with a powerful acting agent called curcumin.
  
  
• Ginger - Ginger not only acts on arthritis’ symptoms, but will soothe the stomach, unlike so many joint pain relievers on the market. Use fresh organically grown rhizomes whenever possible.
  
  
• Cayenne - A hot pepper cream will work to soothe painful joints with the natural painkiller stimulating ingredient capsaicin. This compound actually triggers the body to release its own stores of pain-relieving agents.
  
  
• Juniper - You can use the diluted essential oil on sore joints three or four times a day.
  
  
• Guaiacum - Many herbalists prescribe guaiacum for treatment of swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The herb stimulates blood flow to affected areas and flushes away dead and damaged cells caused by inflammation.

Other herbs and natural supplements that can be used to as part of arthritis natural treatment include aloe, various Chinese herbs, fish oil and flaxseed, evening primrose oil or borage oil (many omega fatty acid supplements on the market now use a combination of fish and plant oils), glucosamine, green tea, kava kava, magnesium, selenium, stinging nettle, valerian, wild yam, and zinc sulfate.

Arthritic sufferers may wish to see which herbs work best for them, and with their specific set of symptoms. A qualified herbalist will help make a suitable determination as to appropriate supplements and dosages.

Other alternative therapies used in treating arthritis include modalities from the Ayurvedic Indian, Chinese, naturopathic, and osteopathic medicine traditions, as well as chiropractic or homeopathic techniques and remedies.

Yoga as an exercise system has benefited many with arthritis by restoring mobility while uniting mind, body and spirit. Tai chi and qi gong have been used by many as well, with promising results. Some people find relief through massage and bodywork, or through acupuncture and acupressure.

Arthritis can also be treated with numerous miscellaneous alternative therapies like bee venom therapy, copper bracelets, low energy laser therapy, magnet therapy, and pulsed electromagnetic therapy. These unconventional techniques for arthritis natural treatment have varying results, depending in large part on the capabilities of the provider and the consistency of application by the patient.

Click here to learn more about a scientifically proven natural arthritis cure.

Click here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for arthritis.

Click here for more pages and articles on Arthritis.

Some Related Arthritis Pages
Introducing Natural Treatments for Arthritis
Natural Remedies for Arthritis - Natural Cures & Home Remedies for Arthritis
Herbal Treatment for Arthritis - Herbs for Arthritis

Arthritis Natural Treatment - Remedies, Herbs, Supplements, Therapies
Arthritis Foods - What Helps, and What to Avoid
Exercise for Arthritis - Useful Systems
Arthritis Water Exercise - How it Helps and Tips
Childhood Arthritis - Types, Causes and Other Information

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes - Discussion
Home Remedies for Arthritis - Reduce Joint Pain
Rheumatoid Arthritis Nutrition and Diet Choices

Arthritis of the Neck - Symptoms, Prevention, Natural Remedies, Treatment
Arthritis in Spine - Symptoms, Natural Remedies and Treatment
Arthritis in Hips - Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Remedies
Arthritis in Hand - Signs and Symptoms
Arthritis in Fingers - Tips, Natural Remedies and Treatment
Arthritis in Thumb - Symptoms, Causes, Natural Remedies and Treatment
Arthritis in the Knee - Causes, Symptoms, Natural Remedies, Treatment
Arthritis in Feet - Tips for Prevention and Recovery