Arthritis Relief in Your Kitchen
By Desirea D. Caucci, PT, DPT
I am always looking for natural ways to deal with everyday health problems. When I came across an article in
Better Homes and Gardens entitled, “Spice Up Arthritis Relief” I was immediately drawn to it. I have heard the
mention of different herbal pain relief secrets before and this article does a great job of summing up some of
them. With the various harmful side effects from the medications for treating arthritis, it is always helpful to try
alternatives to manage pain and inflammation, like herbs, if possible.
Turmeric is one such herb that helps curb arthritis symptoms by fighting inflammation. Findings show turmeric
is capable of preserving cartilage, blocking inflammation and reducing swelling. Using curry as a seasoning in
several meals per week or opting for a turmeric supplement are great ways to get some of the benefit.
Ginger also inhibits inflammation and increases blood flow, helping to reduce the main culprit of arthritis pain.
You can use ginger in several ways. One is to make your own ginger tea by adding one teaspoon of freshly
grated ginger to hot water, allowing to steep 10-20 minutes, strain and enjoy. You can also use the essential oil
form (3 drops in combination with half teaspoon of almond oil) and rub directly over arthritic joints. There are
also ginger supplements available.
Rosemary is another herb that acts to reduce inflammation and also relieve pain with its make-up of antioxidants
and phytochemicals. It is best used in the bath (six drops of essential oil), or rub directly over joints using the
same method as described for ginger.
Saffron is a potent antioxidant but a bit pricey. It is difficult to grow and labor intensive to extract from crocus
blossoms, so it will cost you about $45 per ounce (most likely less than your monthly prescriptions, though)! It
can be consumed in tea form using ½ teaspoon in hot water (careful--too much can make you nauseous). It
can also be rubbed right onto painful joints as described for ginger.
Finally, cayenne pepper can be used to interfere with pain signals. This is nature’s heating pad. Many
pharmacies and health food stores sell topical creams containing cayenne. It is best used topically since, like
saffron, it can cause nausea if consumed too much.
I am sure there are many more natural remedies available for arthritis pain and other ailments if you do some
careful research of your own. Always check with a trusted health professional before trying alternatives; even
natural ones can cause complications.
Along with exercise, of course, nutrition is key to obtaining optimal health. Try spicing up your life with some of
these herbs found right in your kitchen and you just might be surprised by the results.
By Desirea D. Caucci, PT, DPT
I am always looking for natural ways to deal with everyday health problems. When I came across an article in
Better Homes and Gardens entitled, “Spice Up Arthritis Relief” I was immediately drawn to it. I have heard the
mention of different herbal pain relief secrets before and this article does a great job of summing up some of
them. With the various harmful side effects from the medications for treating arthritis, it is always helpful to try
alternatives to manage pain and inflammation, like herbs, if possible.
Turmeric is one such herb that helps curb arthritis symptoms by fighting inflammation. Findings show turmeric
is capable of preserving cartilage, blocking inflammation and reducing swelling. Using curry as a seasoning in
several meals per week or opting for a turmeric supplement are great ways to get some of the benefit.
Ginger also inhibits inflammation and increases blood flow, helping to reduce the main culprit of arthritis pain.
You can use ginger in several ways. One is to make your own ginger tea by adding one teaspoon of freshly
grated ginger to hot water, allowing to steep 10-20 minutes, strain and enjoy. You can also use the essential oil
form (3 drops in combination with half teaspoon of almond oil) and rub directly over arthritic joints. There are
also ginger supplements available.
Rosemary is another herb that acts to reduce inflammation and also relieve pain with its make-up of antioxidants
and phytochemicals. It is best used in the bath (six drops of essential oil), or rub directly over joints using the
same method as described for ginger.
Saffron is a potent antioxidant but a bit pricey. It is difficult to grow and labor intensive to extract from crocus
blossoms, so it will cost you about $45 per ounce (most likely less than your monthly prescriptions, though)! It
can be consumed in tea form using ½ teaspoon in hot water (careful--too much can make you nauseous). It
can also be rubbed right onto painful joints as described for ginger.
Finally, cayenne pepper can be used to interfere with pain signals. This is nature’s heating pad. Many
pharmacies and health food stores sell topical creams containing cayenne. It is best used topically since, like
saffron, it can cause nausea if consumed too much.
I am sure there are many more natural remedies available for arthritis pain and other ailments if you do some
careful research of your own. Always check with a trusted health professional before trying alternatives; even
natural ones can cause complications.
Along with exercise, of course, nutrition is key to obtaining optimal health. Try spicing up your life with some of
these herbs found right in your kitchen and you just might be surprised by the results.
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