The freedom of movement is made possible by joints in our body. Joints are the parts of your body where your bones meet. These connections help you move and support you in whatever you do. Joint pain is discomfort that arises from any joint.
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Causes can be osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, strains, sprains, simple inflammation or some injuries. While knee pain is the most common one, other joint pains like shoulder and hip pain too affect many people. The exact cause of your joint pain can only be diagnosed by your physician. But there are certain natural remedies which are effective in treating mild to chronic joint pains.
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Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin which works on pain miraculously. If you are suffering from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, use turmeric to reduce inflammation and stiffness of your joints. When you take turmeric with ginger, you have even more chances to relieve your joint pains because ginger too, like turmeric, contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric Ginger Tea for Joint Pain
The ingredients are turmeric powder ½ teaspoon, water 2 cups, and honey 1-2 teaspoons as per taste.
Take water in a pan and bring it to a boil. Add turmeric and ginger to this boiling water and simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Strain and add honey and then sip your yellow herbal tea. Add turmeric and ginger powder to hot water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Add honey and drink this tea. It is better to take turmeric-ginger tea in between your meals because when taken with meals, they work more for digestion rather than for reducing pain in joints.
Caution: If you are taking medicines meant for thinning the blood, you should avoid having turmeric as well as ginger or take them under medical supervision. Both these herbs are capable of thinning your blood.
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Olive Oil
There is a component in olive oil called oleocanthal. It is capable of preventing the production of two enzymes that cause inflammation. These two enzymes are COX-1 and COX-2. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do the same thing- prevent the production of pro-inflammation enzymes. Strong flavored olive oils like extra virgin olive oil and to some extent, virgin olive oil have more amounts of oleocanthal in them.
Use extra virgin olive oil for salads, pastas, marinades, sauces or as a dip for your breads. You may massage your aching joints with olive oil to let the magic compound directly seep into the joint tissues.
Steam Bath
Steam bath is an effective home remedy that helps to treat the joint pain. It helps to soothe the inflamed joints in the knee and relaxes the muscle in it to get rid of the problem.
Run hot water in a bath tub and sit aside by closing the bathroom door and other windows so that the steam will not escape from the room. Have this steam bath daily to reduce the stiffness and pain in the knee area.
Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil Blend
Peppermint and eucalyptus have analgesic or pain-relieving properties. The cooling sensation that they produce can temporarily override your discomfort, and create a soothing sensation that can ease the pain of arthritis.
Ingredients are 5-10 drops of peppermint oil, 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil, 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil (olive, almond, grape seed, etc.), and a small dark glass bottle.
Blend 5-10 drops of eucalyptus and peppermint oil together, and then mix into 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Carrier oil is needed to dilute the essential oil so that it does not irritate the skin. Store the oil blend in dark glass bottle away from direct sunlight, and rub into your joints when they ache.
Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate which has been used to get relief from pain for years because of its high levels of magnesium.
Take 1/2 cup of epsom salt, a large bowl, and warm water.
Fill the large bowl with warm water and add ½ cup of epsom salt. Stir it around, and then submerge your sore joints in the liquid. If you are experiencing pain in a less convenient place to soak, such as your knees, try taking a bath with epsom salts. Run a tub full of warm water and add 2 cups of epsom salt. Soak for 15 minutes.
Wheat Germ Oil
Wheat germ is the edible part of wheat kernel which is removed during processing of wheat and is still valued for its rich nutritional profile. It is a powerhouse of nutrition having 23 nutrients including potassium, iron, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A, E, B1 and B3. Oil prepared from such nutritious wheatgerm can make your entire body healthy including bones, muscles, tissues and joints.
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium is something our bodies need, but we can’t make it ourselves. It is used in over 300 different biomechanical responses in our body. It relaxes all our muscles and nerve endings, relieving stiffness and pain. It is even part of what makes our heart beat. Not only does it relax muscles and ease pain, it helps bones to mineralize. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted one of many studies on magnesium that showed people who had a diet high in magnesium had higher bone density, and overall stronger bones. Magnesium capsules are a good thing to add to your day-to-day life, but they work best when used in conjunction with an improved diet.
Carrots
Did you know that carrots have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine as an effective remedy for aching joints? Simply grate a carrot in a bowl, and squeeze some lemon juice on it. Enjoy raw or steamed.
Massage
A gentle massage with warm oil eases inflammation, improves circulation and relaxes your muscles. As a result, your joints feel better too. A tried-and-tested home remedy for knee pain in our household is to heat two tablespoons of mustard oil, along with a whole clove of garlic. When the oil is still hot but not scalding, start massaging your aching knees with it. It brings immediate relief.
Workouts
Working out is vital for those who suffer from any form of stiffness, joint pain, or arthritis. It will help control weight (an excess of which puts more strain on your joints), strengthens the muscles that support the joint, even when the cartilage is thinning, and lubricates the joints, allowing them to move more freely.
You may try going for a brisk walk. Start with 15 minutes and work your way up into a solid daily routine. You may also try doing joint-targeted exercises, certain stretches and exercises specifically target joints to help rid them of stiffness and pain.
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Image courtesy: sheknows.com , wisegeek.com , just-health.net , youqueen.com
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