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Best 5 Alternative Medicine for Arthritis

Arthritis is an extremely common complaint affecting as many as 40 million people in the United States alone and is far from being a modern disease, dating back as it does to at least 4500 BC. The word arthritis stems from the Greek for joint and inflammation and is actually a collective term for over 100 different conditions which affect the joint. The inflammation resulting from different arthritis forms can vary from mild cases of deep joint aches to completely crippling conditions. Most patients report increased symptoms in cold and/or damp conditions. There is currently no cure for arthritis and the condition is only partially responsive to pain relief and medicines to alleviate symptoms. As a result more and more sufferers are turning to alternative medicine for arthritis relief.

Alternative and Natural Remedies for Treating Arthritis

Many of the traditional natural medicine systems have arthritis remedies and have been used for centuries for its relief.

1.) Acupuncture and Acupressure for Arthritis – as part of the system of traditional Chinese medicine, these two treatments work on the principle of balance and energy blockage. Although they have been used extensively and with great success in many cases, the scientific medical establishment refuses to accept credibility in general, citing lack of clinical proof. Some doctors however embrace this branch of traditional medicine and work in conjunction with acupuncturists to treat patients.

2.) Traditional Chinese Medicine for Arthritis – the underlying principles of Chinese medicine is that all disease comes about through lack of balance of mind, body and spirit and the theory of energy meridians throughout the body which get blocked. All of the ingredients in Chinese medicine are natural and herbs and plants are used extensively. Chinese medicine has offered relief to arthritis sufferers for centuries and although many of the remedies can be prepared at home it is more beneficial to consult a Chinese medicine practitioner for the best treatment.

Chinese bitters, a mix of Gentian root and Bupleurum root, has long been used effectively in Chinese medicine for many complaints, amongst them arthritis relief.

Magnolia bark, another ingredient used in Chinese medicine, is also used for the treatment of arthritis.

3.) Ayurvedic Medicine for Arthritis – this system has its roots in India but has now become popular worldwide. Nearly all its treatments use herbs and plants and occasionally animal ingredients such as milk and bone. As with traditional Chinese medicine, many of the treatments can be home prepared but consulting a practitioner will address all issues and effect better results in the first instance.

4.) Herbal Remedies for Arthritis – almost every culture has a traditional system of herbal alternative medicine, sometimes called folk medicine. The term has come to be a generic one suggesting natural remedies rather than those that just use herbs. Within the umbrella of herbal remedies there are many which are used for the treatment and relief of arthritis, usually addressing the inflammation. Two such natural remedies are:

• Royal Jelly – this substance is that fed to all bee larva in their very first stages of life and also the substance that makes a queen bee into a queen bee. It is an incredibly powerful food supplement for humans, having many health benefits which include its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Oil of Oregano – this oil is extracted from wild Oregano which grows in certain Mediterranean regions. One small bottle of this miracle oil can replace virtually every item in your medicine cabinet having as it does potent antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

5.) Magnetic Therapy – the use of magnets for improving health is an ancient practice. Medical science now accepts and endorses the benefits of using magnets in medicine since extensive clinical trials have conclusively shown positive results. Magnetic bracelets are particularly effective in combating the symptoms of arthritis and severe joint inflammation. There are many recorded cases of arthritis patients making significant improvements even in severe cases.

Foods that Heal Arthritis

There are several food sources that doctors recommend for combating the symptoms of arthritis. These include -

Omega 3 fatty acid rich foods

Sources of which include salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies, trout, green lipped mussels, flax seed, soy-bean and walnuts. Omega 3 fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties as one of its many health benefits and clinical trials have shown significant benefits to arthritis sufferers.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a critical part in helping to combat joint damage and is therefore indicated in the treatment of arthritis by doctors. Vitamin C is found in many foods but is present particularly in many fruit and vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet peppers (capsicum), strawberries, oranges, berries and grapefruit.

Beta-carotene rich foods

Beta-carotene is a substance found present in many fruit and vegetables, particularly those colored red/orange such as carrots, pumpkin, apricots and mango. Here is a list of foods that contain beta carotene. Similarly, as for Vitamin C, it is essential for fighting joint damage and is one of the suggestions by doctors for addressing arthritis symptoms through diet.

It is important to obtain a professional diagnosis for any chronic condition which is prolonged and often deteriorates before considering options for treatment. In the case of arthritis, studies have shown that many of the natural and alternative remedies, including dietary supplements, are just as effective, if not more so, than pharmaceutical drugs. In many cases, side effects are often less with alternative medicines for arthritis.

Article by expert author ‘Deneice Arthurton’.