Hands arthritis can be excruciating and hinder you from going about your daily activities. Aside from the pain, arthritis causes fatigue, weight loss, fever anemia, and lung-related issues like shortness of breath and dry mouth. Even with medical intervention, the pain and effect of arthritis may persist. This is why many persons suffering from this sickness are turning to natural home remedies that can help cure it.
These remedies are readily available and very potent. Here is a break down of eight home remedies for hand arthritis:
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera plant is widely known for its splendid healing power. It is mostly used for the treatment of skin abrasion, sunburns, and scars. However, the Aloe gel is one of the best home remedies for hand arthritis and inflammation. Aloe gel can be applied on the affected hand to soothe the pain and reduce swelling.
Aloe vera is available in two different forms: the oral aloe vera and the topical aloe vera. From the research carried out by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source, it was revealed that using the oral aloe vera can cause gastrointestinal side effects. However, the topical aloe vera does not have any side effects. As a result, it is advisable to use the topical aloe vera to treat hand arthritis.
The best way to use aloe vera is to apply it to the affected hand at least twice a day.
Indian Frankincense
Indian Frankincense is popularly known as Boswellia. Herbal medical practitioners praise this plant for its superb pain relief and anti-inflammatory power, which is very effective for the treatment of hand arthritis. The part of the plant used for the treatment is extracted from the gum of the tree.
Boswellia works by blocking the leukotrienes substance that attacks the joints, muscles, and hands, causing pain and inflammation. There are lots of research on the power of this plant, among the research is one carried out by NCCIH on animals. The result shows that Boswellia can heal inflammation and pain. No result on the effect of the plant on humans has been confirmed.
Boswellia is available in both topical cream form and tablet form.
How to use:
For hand arthritis, it is advisable to use the Boswellia topical cream. The cream should be applied at least twice a day.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another great plant for the treatment of hand arthritis. Like the aloe vera plant, eucalyptus is also widely available. The leaves of the plant are believed to contain tannins -a potent pain and anti-inflammatory remedy.
How to use:
Eucalyptus is available in both oral form and topical form. For hand arthritis, both forms are very effective. However, when using the topical form, it is advisable to follow this up with a heating pad. The heat pad helps to maximize the healing power of the plant.
Also, it is advisable to test the plant on a small area of the body for 24-48 hours before applying it directly on the hand. If there is no reaction after 48 hours, it means the plant is safe to use. Apply consistently for at least twice a day.
Cat’s claw
One of the best home remedies for treating pain and inflammation in hand arthritis is the cat’s claw. Cat’s claw is an ancient herb used to boost the immune system. The immune power of the herbs works effectively in reducing hand arthritis pain. However, the downside of using the herbs is that it can overstimulate the immune system and worsen the arthritis pain.
Research by the Arthritis Foundation shows that when cat claw was administered on animals suffering from arthritis, it reduces their pain. There is no report on the effect of the herbs on humans.
How to use:
Catclaw is available in both topical and oral forms. Both forms are very effective in treating hand arthritis. When using the oral form, it is advisable to take in small quantities to avoid the downside of the herb.
The topical form should be used at least two times a day.
Thunder god vine
This is one of the oldest plants used to treat arthritis pains, especially by the Chinese. Thunder god vine is extracted from the skinned root and use to manage an overactive immune system.
How to use:
The best way to use Thunder god vine for the treatment of hand arthritis is to rub it on the hand. Apply the treatment at least two times per day.
However, caution should be taken when using this plant because any other form of thunder god extracted from other parts of the vine aside from the root is poisonous. Also, long term use is not advisable.
Willow bark
One of the oldest herbs used for the treatment of arthritis is Willow bark. This herb has always been used for arthritis as far back as the fifth century. At this time, people often chew the bark to help cure their pains and inflammation. The herb is very potent and effective.
How to use:
Willow bark is taken orally as tea or chewed. There is no specific dosage for the use of the herb; hence it is advisable to take in small quantities. Willow bark contains a chemical called Salicin that can shut down the kidney when taken in excess or a large quantity. Getting the right dosage for the herb is tricky, but taking it in small batches is better and effective.
Also, if you are allergic to aspirin, it is advisable not to this herb.
Ginger
Although ginger is often used as a spice for cooking different types of food, the herb is a great cure for arthritis pains and inflammation. Ginger has a great flavor and peppery taste that makes it effective for the treatment of arthritis pain. The NCCIH revealed that the gingerol substance in ginger is very effective for the treatment of pain.
How to use:
Ginger cannot be applied directly to the affected area; it can only be used as a spice for cooking or taken in the form of tea. Ginger helps to increase blood circulation in the affected area, causing it to sweat. With consistent use, the pain and inflammation of the hand arthritis would reduce.
Turmeric
Like ginger, turmeric is another root used as a spice for cooking. Turmeric is very effective for the treatment of arthritis. Curcumin – the active ingredient in turmeric is potent in treating pains and inflammation. Also, like ginger, NCCIH revealed that for the treatment of arthritis, turmeric works well when taken orally than when applied to the affected area.
How to use:
Turmeric is available in both topical form and oral form; however, the oral form is more potent than the topical. Turmeric can be used orally as a spice for cooking or taken as a tea.
Another effective way to use turmeric is to combine it with Boswellia. This combination is available in oil form and known as Lab Grade Turmeric + Lab Grade Boswellia Serrata. The oil can be easily applied to the affected hand to treat arthritis.