Arthritis is a chronic disease which means ‘inflammation of joints.’ It can occur in various forms and the most frequent is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease and people in their old age are more prone to it. The main symptoms are stiffness and pain in the joints which tend to increase after exercise. It is a result of changes in the structure of cartilage in joints such as those of spine and knees.
The other most frequent form is rheumatoid arthritis which affects the muscles, tendons and other tissues in the body along with the joints of fingers, wrists, hips, knees and feet. It is often known as the ‘cooked food disease’ and develops gradually. Its symptoms include anaemia, constipation, deformed hands and feet. It is a result of inflammation of the lining of the joints along with swelling which leads to deformity. The arthritis pain is excruciating and can cause great deal of discomfort.
Following Remedies Can Provide Relief From The Pain And Can Also Help In The Treatment Of The Condition:
1. Potato Juice:
Juice from raw potato is one of the best means to treat the arthritic condition. The traditional way to prepare the juice is to thinly slice a medium-sized potato, without taking its skin off, and place it in a glass or container filled with cold water, overnight. This water must be consumed next morning on an empty stomach. This juice can also be prepared fresh in the morning by diluting a potato in a cup of water.
2. Calcium:
It has proved to have provided relief in joint pains and in some cases calcium entirely treated the pain. It should be taken in the form of calcium lactate. Two teaspoons of calcium lactate must be taken thrice, daily, before meals for at least four months.
3. Lime:
The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some of the types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, must be taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach.
4. Copper:
A person suffering from arthritis should drink water kept overnight in a copper container. The water accumulates the traces of copper which helps in strengthening the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet can also be worn for the same purpose.
5. Alfalfa:
Tea made from seeds of alfalfa is beneficial for the persons suffering from arthritis. Add one teaspoon of alfalfa seeds to one cup of water and consume it daily three to four times for at least two weeks.
6. Garlic:
The anti-inflammatory nature of garlic proves effective in treating arthritis. It is easily available and is one of the most used ingredients in almost every household. Garlic may be consumed raw or cooked according to one’s preference.
7. Sesame Seeds:
Soak a teaspoon of black sesame seeds in a quarter cup of water, overnight. The water along with the seeds must be taken the first thing in the morning. This remedy has been effective in relieving the patients of the joint pains.
8. Green Gram Soup:
It is one of the most useful remedies in relieving joint pains and stiffness. The soup must be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gram in a cup of water with two crushed garlic cloves. This must be taken twice a day.
9. Juice From Raw Fruits And Vegetables:
The alkaline property of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and other tissues. Juice of green leafy vegetables mixed with carrot, celery and beetroot juices is beneficial for the pain and stiffness. The enzyme bromelain present in pineapple reduces swelling and inflammation caused due to arthritis. Thus, fresh pineapple juice is highly recommended.
10. Coconut Or Mustard Oil:
Massage stiff and aching joints with mustard or coconut oil infused with two to three pieces of camphor. This will improve blood supply and reduce inflammation and stiffness of the joints.
Diet and other measures also help in treating the condition. An arthritis patient must include in his/her diet, fruits and vegetables in the form of salads and cooked vegetables. In severe cases the patient is put on a diet of raw vegetable juice thrice a day for a week. This diet is recommended to be followed at an interval of two months.
An arthritis patient must keep his/her body warm at all times. One should not bandage the joints tightly as it restricts the movement and blood circulation. Sea bathing is known to be effective in treating arthritis as the presence of iodine in sea water relieves arthritis pain.