Natural Remedies for Arthritis:

Six Common Natural Remedies To Reduce Pain and Inflammation, While Improving Your Health

Living with arthritis is a daily nagging problem for millions of people around the world. Arthritis is classified into two categories: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The most common type is osteoarthritis which involves the breakdown or wearing out of the body joints. Rheumatoic arthritis is a more serious condition because it affects the immune system. With more people seeking less expensive ways to control their pain and inflammation, it's good to know there are alternative natural remedies for arthritis.

Osteoarthritis comes on over time, as we age and use the joints of our body. Everyday activities, particularly repetitive actions, can cause wear and tear on body joints, as well previous injuries to joints. Many people experience osteoarthritis symptoms as early as in their 40's. However, the slow progression of this disease does not mean it is any less painful. In fact, the pain and stiffness experienced by sufferers of osteoarthritis only gets worse with each passing year. Just why some people have more painful osteoarthritis symptoms than others depends on many factors, such as body weight, exercise (or a lack of exercise), occupational conditions, and eating habits.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the body's immune system, and progresses more rapidly. The daily pain of rheumatoid arthritis can be accompanied by occasional flare-ups that cause even worse debilitating problems for the sufferer.

People with rheumatoid arthritis can be prescribed medications and treatments that may well slow the progression of this immune system disease. For osteoarthritis, a doctor can prescribe pain killers - which for many people only may dull the pain and not fully provide pain relief. Some people opt for joint replacement surgery to aid their mobility, and others may take pain killing injections of cortisone for occasional flare-ups. But, for the most part, people with osteoarthritis are likely to just feel they have to live with it the best they can.

In both cases, conventional medicine does not offer much, besides some relief of pain. However, you can take advantage of some time-tested natural remedies for arthritis that can actually improve your condition and reduce the need for pain medications. It's also easy to incorporate these foods and herbs into your daily routine.

- Ginger is used by many only as a spice for taste, without realizing it is very useful for anti-inflammatory purposes, and is used as a natural remedy for arthritis. Ginger is also beneficial to heart health. An easy way to use ginger is by having ginger tea three times daily.

- Bing cherries are a great anti-inflammatory. Although fresh cherries when in season work best, you can derive significant benefit from canned cherries.

- Capsaicin creams are one of the most useful of the natural remedies for arthritis when used as a topical on the affected areas. During damp, cold weather, you'll find substantial relief from pain and inflammation. The effect can be enhanced by wearing nylon gloves and socks, which help hold the heat. Capsaicin can be obtained in different strengths starting at .25% up to 1% depending on your pain relief needs. Using capsacin creams regularly (every day or two) on the affected area provides more continuous relief. It's best to experiment by starting with the lowest percentage amount and going up from there, because some people may experience skin irritation if too much is used at a time. Also, it depends on what part of the body capsaicin is used on in determining how much and how frequently to use.

- Alfalfa is among the inexpensive and time tested of the natural remedies for arthritis. Alfalfa in dried powdered leaves is the best form to use. Health food stores is a good source to buy this in capsule form. Another benefit you'll derive is alfalfa is packed with nutrients and is also good for respiratory problems.

- Turmeric, in capsule form or added to prepared curry dishes, is a great addition to your list of natural remedies for arthritis, and is found to be as effective as cortisone in alleviating symptoms of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. More benefits include improvements in digestion, reduction of cholesterol and lowering blood sugar - which is great for diabetics.

- Omega-3 fatty acids, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant found in fish, is another time tested use of natural remedies for arthritis. High quantities of Omega-3's are found in salmon, tuna, herring, and sardines. If you don't like eating fish, try taking gel caps available at health food stores. Use of this supplement has added benefits of reducing your risk of heart problems, reducing bad cholesterol while raising the good cholesterol.

Consider using these natural remedies for arthritis to reduce your inflammation and painful symptoms, and you may very well be amazed how much improvement you will derive in overall good health.

*Special note: As with any changes that can affect your health, first discuss use of these natural remedies with your doctor(s).