Treating Arthritis with Holistic Medication
This involves finding and treating the root cause of the disease and treating the mind and body as a whole- hence ‘holistic’. Holistic medicine works on the belief that imbalances in one area of the mind or body will impact upon other areas, resulting in ill health. Treatment usually involves the use of homeopathic remedies such as Chinese herbs, acupuncture and meditation to restore energy and balance to the system.

Treating Arthritis with Massage
Many have found relief from the symptoms of arthritis by using massage techniques on the affected areas. Essential oils can be used to great effect; the best oils for treating arthritis are Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary, Chamomile and Juniper. They should be diluted in olive oil (10 parts of oil to one part essential oil) and should be warmed gently before use. Apply directly to affected joints and massage them in very gently.

Treating Arthritis with Diet
Adding certain supplements to the diet can also help to naturally relieve arthritis symptoms. Garlic contains strong anti-inflammatory properties, so try adding it, either raw or cooked, to your meals. If you don’t like the strong taste, garlic supplements can be purchased at health stores.

Cod liver oil has been proven to slow the deterioration of cartilage and connective tissues. Try taking a supplement or drinking one or two teaspoons a day.

Castor oil can also help reduce arthritic pain. Castor oil should be boiled over a stove burner and mixed into fresh orange juice.

Vitamin B6 can reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Bananas are an excellent source of this vitamin; it can also be purchased as a health supplement.

Honey has also been proven to reduce symptoms of inflammation and stiffness in arthritis sufferers.

Treating Arthritis with Herbs
Black Cohosh has pain-relieving qualities similar to aspirin, and can help reduce joint inflammation. Ginger can also be used to treat pain and inflammation.

Certain herbs such as Feverfew, angelica, Boswellia and Ginseng have anti-inflammatory properties. Angelica can reduce inflammation and is a natural pain reliever. It also relaxes the muscles, relieving muscle tension which may aggravate arthritis symptoms.

Bathe Those Symptoms Away
Epsom salts can help break down the uric acids in the body which can lead to arthritis, and are also a source of magnesium, which aids bone growth. An Epsom salts bath can be really effective- add three cups of Epsom salts to a hot bath, and soak in it. Have the water as hot as you can stand it, and keep topping it up as required.

Bathing in sea water can be beneficial as the natural iodine found in sea water can alleviate arthritic pain. Iodine can also help repair tissues and regenerate the skeletal frame.

Some people have found relief from their symptoms by using steam baths and saunas.

Other Natural Arthritis Treatments
Using heat pads on the affected joints can also work wonders, although you should be careful not to overheat them or restrict the joints too much.

Exercise is a great way to treat arthritis and help deal with the symptoms. Regular exercise will improve joint stability, reduce joint stiffness and help to reduce excess weight which may be putting more pressure on affected joints. Swimming and walking are ideal exercises as they are low impact but will raise the heart rate.

If you do decide on using natural arthritis remedies, you should always discuss this with your doctor first before stopping any prescribed medication.

Many people are turning towards natural remedies for treating gout. These are much safer, with little or no side effects.

There are certain foods which are thought to lessen the occurrence of gout attacks. These include foods high in potassium, cherry juice, blueberries and dairy foods. You should aim to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and drink plenty of water each day (six to eight glasses) to help your body excrete uric acids. Foods containing a high level of purines should be avoided- these include alcohol, kidney, liver, creamy sauces and shellfish.

Lemon juice is very good at preventing gout attacks as it stimulates to body’s ability to form calcium carbonate, which neutralizes acids in the body. Drink lemon juice in hot or warm water.

Apple Cider Vinegar helps the body to break down uric acid deposits. Drink two teaspoons per day. This can be rather bitter so it may be more palatable mixed with honey or water, or used as a salad dressing.

Baking soda helps to alkalize the body and prevent gout attacks. Try taking ½ teaspoon with your meals.

Try bathing the affected leg or foot in Epsom salts added to hot water. This will help break down uric acid deposits.

In addition to diet, there are several supplements you can try;
Fish oil can be beneficial- take supplements or aim to include oily fish regularly in your diet.

Glucosamine or Shark Cartilage can promote regeneration of cartilage affected by arthritis.

Vitamin B Complex will enable the body to eliminate uric acids.

Vitamin C will help to lower uric acid levels in the body.

Vitamin E may be useful as a deficiency can contribute to the formation of uric acid.

Bromelain is a useful anti-inflammatory supplement.

L-glutamine, L-glycine and L-glutathione are antacids and will help the body eliminate deposits of uric acid.

Black Cohosh and Ginkgo Biloba have proved beneficial in treating arthritis and lessening symptoms.

See this article for other herbal remedies which can help arthritis.

Some people find relief in other natural remedies such as acupuncture or acupressure. You should also make sure you keep the affected leg elevated as much as possible.

Many arthritis patients also suffer from vitamin and or mineral deficiencies and sufferers should have a regular blood check to test for this. In particular, calcium, magnesium and folic acid are critical micronutrients which should be incorporated into the arthritis diet, preferably through natural sources, or failing that using a supplement.

If you need to lose weight you should restrict your calorie intake appropriately while still maintaining a nutritional balance; ensure you are eating plenty of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains (whole meal bread, pasta and rice etc) and vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes etc.

In some patients, arthritis can be related to certain food allergies. Some sufferers benefit from eliminating one or more problematic foods from their diet so that they can gain relief from their arthritis. Common foods that are associated with exacerbating arthritis symptoms include dairy foods (milk, cheese, butter etc), red meat, certain vegetables, some citrus fruits, and preservatives or food additives.

If you think a food allergy may be making your symptoms worse, try an exclusion diet for a fortnight and see if it makes a difference. Many people find they are able to pinpoint the problem through this method.

Speak to a nutritionist for a more detailed analysis of your diet and for a recommendation of your own personal diet plan.

Symptoms can be reduced by drinking raw juices; celery, red beetroot and carrot are particularly good. Raw juices are alkaline, which helps to dissolve the deposits accumulated around the joints and joint tissues. Pineapple juice can also benefit, as the juice contains bromelain, which is an enzyme proven to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Some foods are thought to help alleviate arthritis symptoms. Bananas are a source of Vitamin B6, which can reduce pain and inflammation. Lime can also be beneficial, as it contains citric acid, which can dissolve the uric acids responsible for some forms of arthritis. The juice is best drunk diluted in water to avoid the bitter taste! Coconut milk is also thought to be beneficial for arthritis sufferers. Avoid excess caffeine and overly spicy foods, although Cinnamon is thought to have arthritis relieving properties.

Honey has also been proven to reduce symptoms of inflammation and stiffness, and Cider Vinegar is very effective at breaking down the joint deposits caused by uric acids.

A small daily amount of cod liver oil can slow the degeneration of joint cartilage and tissue; try consuming 1 or 2 teaspoons of olive oil a day. Garlic can also be effective, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. Cooked or raw garlic is equally effective.

Castor Oil has also shown some benefits in reducing the symptoms of arthritis; ideally it should be boiled over a stove burner and taken with fresh orange juice each day.

Epsom salts also help break down uric acids in the body, and are also a source of magnesium, which aids bone growth. If the body becomes deficient in Magnesium, it is less able to use and absorb calcium. Try adding 3 cups of Epsom salts to a hot bath, and soak in it. Have the water as hot as you can stand it, and keep topping it up as required. Whilst you are in the water, gently exercise your joints.

Many people have found some relief by bathing in sea water. The natural iodine found in sea water can alleviate the pain of arthritis. Iodine can help repair tissues and regenerate the skeletal frame. It also regulates the acid- alkaline balance in the blood. If you are not able to access the sea, relaxing in a warm bath in which a cup or two of salt has been dissolved.

Black Cohosh has pain- relieving qualities similar to aspirin. It has also been shown to reduce joint inflammation.

Celery also has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being a good source of potassium. Potassium deficiency can aggravate arthritis pain.
Feverfew is another herb containing anti-inflammatory properties, and also stimulates the circulation.

Angelica can reduce inflammation and natural pain relievers. It will also relax the muscles, which can be beneficial as muscle tension can aggravate arthritis pain.

Devil’s Claw is a fairly new remedy which has shown to enable healing of affected joints.

Turmeric is a herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms such as stiffness and pain in a number of arthritis suffers.

Boswellia is another herb containing anti-inflammatory properties.
Other herbs shown to be beneficial in treating and relieving arthritis symptoms include Chaparral, Ginseng, Liquorice, Oregano, Rosemary and Wild Yam.

These herbs can either be supplied in a paste to be rubbed into the skin, whereby they are absorbed into the body, whereas others may be consumed as a dietary supplement. A herbalist will be able to advise on correct dosage. It is also a good idea to consult with your doctor before trying alternative treatments.

People are choosing to take herbal remedies to treat their arthritis rather than prescribed medication, with products such as Synflex, Supple and Joint Advance becoming increasingly popular.