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Natural Remedies for Bone Spurs: Ginger, Turmeric, ACV & Castor Oil

| Modified on Oct 22, 2024
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Apple Cider Vinegar

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are extra bone growths that can harm muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Even though they're usually smooth, their location can lead to further damage if they rub against other bones or tissues. They often appear in areas like the spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knees, and feet. Many people might have them without realizing, but they can be painful if they press on surrounding structures.1, 2

Standard treatments aim to ease pain or naturally remove the bone spur. Yet, natural remedies like ginger, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and castor oil can also alleviate symptoms and help dissolve the spurs.

Ginger

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can be used to treat inflammation associated with bone spurs. Inflammation is one of the main symptoms associated with bone spurs. According to Dr. Weil, a standard treatment dose of two 500 mg tablets three to four times daily can provide extended relief and treatment. Ginger can be consumed as a tea or supplement. 2

Turmeric

Turmeric is another natural pain reliever and contains curcumin, which helps reduce inflammation and diminish pain. To most effectively treat pain associated with bone spurs, take 400-600 mg three times a day. Turmeric can be taken as a supplement or consumed in foods such as curries.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another effective home treatment option that naturally dissolves bone spurs and reduces inflammation.

According to our Earth Clinic readers, one cause of heel spurs is too much acid in the body, which causes calcium deposits. ACV helps rebalance the body's pH levels and naturally dissolves bone spurs. A simple tonic can be made using one tablespoon of ACV diluted in 1 glass of water. Drink the mixture twice a day for the best results.

Castor Oil

Castor oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health conditions, including bone spurs. Castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant, and its main component is ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with bone spurs.

To use castor oil for bone spurs, apply a small amount of oil to the affected area and massage it gently into the skin. You can also use a warm compress to enhance the oil's effectiveness. Soak a cloth in warm water, wring out the excess water, and apply it to the affected area. Cover the warm compress with plastic wrap or a towel to keep it in place, and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour.

Other Natural Remedies

In addition to ginger, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar, other natural remedies can help relieve the pain associated with bone spurs. These remedies include:

  • Massage therapy: Massage can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with bone spurs by increasing circulation and relaxing muscles.
  • Epsom salt baths: Epsom salt baths can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with bone spurs. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes.
  • Proper footwear: Wearing correctly fitting shoes with good arch support can help reduce the pressure on the feet and prevent the formation of bone spurs.

Conclusion

Bone spurs can be particularly painful and can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue. Natural remedies, such as ginger, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar, can be used to treat symptoms and dissolve bone spurs. In addition to these remedies, massage therapy, Epsom salt baths, and proper footwear can help alleviate bone spurs' pain. It is important to seek treatment promptly if you are experiencing symptoms of bone spurs to prevent further damage and alleviate pain.

Continue reading below to learn how Earth Clinic readers used castor oil, ACV, and more to heal bone spurs. Please let the EC community know what helped you!

Related Links:

Osteochondritis Dissecans | Bone Chip
The Powerful Health Benefits of Borax: Natural Remedy for Wellness

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Apple Cider Vinegar

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Posted by Julia (Ohio) on 02/24/2022 4 posts
 ★★☆☆☆

I have been taking apple cider vinegar for 3 months to help with arthritis and bone spurs in my hip. The pain just seems to be worse than before I started. I was wondering I'm just “detoxing” for 3 months or is Apple Cider Vinegar not the thing for me??? Is it true that it can be too acidic for my body? I thought it was to help me and that it is an alkaline ph. I'm just confused. Thank you in advance for any comments you may write to help me.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stefanie (Philadelphia, Pa) on 05/25/2019
 ★★★☆☆

I have a bone spur on my big toe. Not much pain but it's no longer flexible like it was. When I try to bend it when I walk that's when I feel a burning pain. Been using Organic ACV with the mother. One tbsp in the morning and one at night. I've been doing this less than a week so haven't noticed anything different so far. Also, just started with Magnesium powder. I've read about boron/borax but seems like it's important to get the magnesium levels up in the body before taking boron, but keeping it in mind. Any advice would be appreciated!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Frank M. (United States) on 02/24/2019
 ★★★★★

I had been dealing with debilitating knee issues and I thought the cause was scar tissue. so I went to an orthopedist where, of course, knee replacement surgery was recommended. I did not like the answer, so I bought some tools to work the scar tissue away, but problems ensued. After more research, I realized the pain was caused by osteophytes or, bone spurs.

More research suggested apple cider vinegar may have some benefits in dissolving of the calcium build up. I still had nearly a full bottle so I began taking 1-2 table spoons full each morn a week ago, and I am quite pleased with the results thus far.

Of course the BIG arthritis foundations call it a myth and suggest, you guessed it, FDA approved pharmaceutical medications.

Replied by Denise
(United States)
02/24/2019
★★★★★

Hey Frank,

I know you said you're taking one to two tablespoons each morning for a week and I do one teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon and almost 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger root, so I do the Apple cider vinegar on its own and I do the other ingredients I mentioned in a tea. I've been doing that for probably very steadily 2 months possibly longer and I do think that the bone spurs in my neck are improving. The reason I say that is I haven't had them bother me and sometimes I think if things are getting better I kind of forget about them but I was glad to see your post because it reminded me that I've been taking those things quite a while.

tara
(us)
09/13/2022

In the US they label Cassia as 'cinnamon'. Dismayed to see 'cinnamon' aka Cassia encapsulated & sold as a supplement. Liver damage be damned. True cinnamon doesn't damage the liver when used medicinally. True Cinnamon farmers in Sri Lanka sell freshly harvested sticks on etsy & ebay. I buy mine from Distacart with other Ayurvedic remedies. You probably already know this BUT when someone says, they take 'cinnamon' medicinally, I feel the need, to speak up about liver damage. Thank you.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Karen (California) on 07/19/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have tried soaking an ace bandage in apple cider vinegar for a bone spur. Put in plastic bag overnight and my foot by next morning my area that was very swollen had almost gone down to normal. I was diagnosed with bone heel spur and calcification and Dr.wanted to do surgery and sever my tendon. No way. PLEASE try the vinegar and overnight and maybe a few times. It works. Believe me.

Replied by Sharie
(Mesa, Az)
10/28/2016

I was so happy to see your post, I'v seen several like it, so figured I'd try it. Lol... I left on socks soaked in raw apple cider vinegar and tied grocery bags around them. 4 hours later I awoke and took everything off to notice my feet were in a rash... was I suppose to dilute the vinegar?

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
10/29/2016

My husband gets a rash if he uses apple cider vinegar straight as well.

Yes, dilute if you want to try it again, or just use the apple cider vinegar internally as a daily tonic. 1 Tablespoon in a glass of water once or twice a day. Might not work as quickly, but it does help many.

~Mama to Many~

Sandy
(Illinois)
04/06/2021

Hello Mama to Many,

For the past three days, I have severe pain in the left side bone of my left foot, and sometimes even my big tow is hurting. There is no pain the entire day but by end of the day, it is hurting making me difficult to walk. It started the day I did some yoga for feet, watching a video. I just did it because now during summer I have lot of work in my vegetable patch and I also go for long walks. So I thought I should make my feet stronger. My knees have been hurting since 5 years and when I started taking ACV, my knee pain vanished. but since everyone around me started telling me that I lost a lot of weight and the skin on my face also started becoming loose, and some said I am looking older than the older people around me. So I stopped taking Apple Cider Vinegar for the past couple of months. and my knees were also fine. But now knee plus bone in my feet are hurting. But it happens only by the end of the day.

Please suggest some remedy as you have always been suggesting very good remedies for my health problems and also for so many readers you have been helping.

Mama to Many
(TN)
04/08/2021

Dear Sandy,

A neighbor introduced me to a salve that I have been using for everything! It has comfrey root in it, which I think it why it is so helpful. I have been using it on my hip bones when my bursitis flares up. I used it on my son's knee that he injured falling out of a tree, and on my toe that I dislocated. It has been helpful for all.

Have you ever tried the borax protocol?

And, of course there is always castor oil to massage into the feet and knees at bedtime.

Epsom salt baths at the end of the day might also be helpful and a nice reward for your walking and gardening.

Do you have good shoes? A supportive comfortable shoe is important.

I hope you will find one or more of these helpful! Keep me posted!

~Mama to Many~

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Clatterbuck (Beltsville, Md) on 07/02/2016
 ★★★★★

I have a bone spur and walking had become really painful, especially when I woke up in the morning. I tried vinegar and it worked.

I soaked a washcloth in apple cider vinegar, wrapped it around my heel and put my foot in a gallon sized food storage bag. My husband thought I was crazy. I kept the bag and washcloth on my foot for about two hours (while I watched TV) for three evenings. My foot feels so much better. It's not perfect, but so much better. I can walk again without pain. I don't know how it works, but it does. I am going to keep using it until there is absolutely no discomfort at all.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Karlenn (Idaho Falls, Id) on 07/21/2014
 ★★★★★

I had to hop on here and let you know that ACV has helped my bone spur (maybe even eliminated it?) pain 100%. I had plantar fasciitis for a year, which then created a bone spur. Through physical therapy, I feel that the fasciitis is finally gone, but the spur remained and caused a new, different kind of pain. I'm a ballet teacher and really didn't want to have surgery, because it would put me out of commission for two months. In desperation, I did a google search, found this website, and, nervous about drinking ACV, applied it topically.

I have one of those foot braces that keeps your foot flexed while you sleep, which turned out to be perfect. I would soak a washcloth in ACV, ring it out, and wrap it around the base of my heel. Then I tied a grocery bag around it (it reeks. You gotta contain the smell...)Then put my foot brace over the top of the bag. Then tied a handkerchief over the outside of the heel to keep it pressed right against the skin all night. The next morning, I could walk with zero pain. It got sore as the day progressed, but not nearly as bad as usual. I've been doing it for a week now and it has been amazing. I can dance and jump and turn with my students again. So grateful for this site and the reviews people have given. Now I have a pulled tendon on my other foot and found that ACV works for that, too. Thank goodness for ACV.

Replied by Alice
(Greer, Sc)
08/15/2015

How do I use this for bone spurs in my shoulder?

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maral (Peoria, Il) on 07/21/2010
 ★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar DOES work for heel spurs. You don't drink it. Before you go to bed wet a cotton ball with ACV and rub it over your entire foot and let it dry. My chiropractor gave me this remedy. I could not even put my foot down on the floor in the morning without excruciating pain. The first morning after using it I could not only step down on my foot but I could walk across the floor. There was still some pain- comparable to the pain/discomfort you have at the end of the day after walking on it. Believe me- THIS WORKS!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by JO ANN (CLEARWATER, FLORIDA) on 07/23/2005
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have been very sick for 14 years, with arthritis and severe bone spurs. Last month a lady heard about my sickness and gave me this recipe. 1-64 oz.pure apple juice, 1-64 oz.pure grape juice. 1 cup apple cider vinegar. Mix well, place in your refrigerator, drink 1/3 cup of mixture 3 times a day. I was also told to take 250 mg. Magnesium oxide ,(this promotes bone and muscle health, and 250 mg.super b-complex. Take as instructed on bottle.

Good luck!

Replied by Brandie
(Bloomfield, Nm)
05/26/2011

Please let us know if rubbing the Apple Cider Vinegar works. I am due @ the Dr.on Tues. To decide what to do with mine. Dr. recommends surgery which I absolutely DO NOT want! I have been suffering for over a year and will literally try anything right now to keep away from surgery.

Linda
(Carmel In)
02/23/2016

Apple Cider Vinegar works! Good Luck

Replied by Ladyliza
(Los Angeles, Ca)
09/27/2011
32 posts

There are a lot of things you can try. I hope the doctor you went to was a podiatrist. You don't need surgery. There are stretching exercises.. the doctor should know this but the trick is to hold each stretch for 30 seconds with 3 repeats of 10 morning and night.

Then order silicone orthotic pads from Target or Walmart (5.99) (Dr Scholls) They are arch pads (not the whole foot) and you put them in each shoe. You only need 1 pr as you can remove them nightly and change shoes. This supports your arch and relieves the pressure on the heel.

Then there is ultra sound. Podiatrists have this.. No pain. It worked once for me but not the second time.

Never walk barefoot again, and make sure the silicone pads are even in slippers. A block heeled shoe at least 1 or 1 1/2 inches high helps in the beginning take pressure off the heel. But keep using the silicone for life. Then try taking boswellia or tumeric for the inflammation. Its the inflammation that is causing the pain. No one told me this trick.. I learned it from trying it on my sore back and it works.

Forget surgery!

Replied by Julie
(Corpus Christi, Texas)
03/04/2012

I read somewhere on the internet that if you rub the foot that has the spurs with the vinegar before going to sleep it helps, going to try this tonight myself, also I have on order hydrangea root and burdock root together, it's in pill form, 1-2 pills 3 times a day, forget the time span, but you take this and it gets rid of the spur not just the pain!

Replied by Carole
(Marysville, Michigan)
04/20/2012

If ACV can be rubbed on heel spurs, will it help with neck spurs too?

Replied by Johng
(Brighton, Uk)
10/05/2012

And how about a bone spur on an elbow? Would the ACV work for that, does anyone know?

Replied by Dhiraj
(Ahmedabad, India)
07/28/2013

Will it [apple cider vinigar] work with my lower spine bone spur with acute nerve pinch for both legs? Then how to use it for me. Thanks

Replied by Lp
(Talkeetna, Ak)
06/10/2014

As I read so many of you saying "let me know if it works.." I wonder why you don't just try it and see if it does work for you.

Replied by Zakariya
(London)
05/15/2015

I think I have a spinal bone spur from working out, as I pulled heavy weight. It's been hurting me for 8 month now, do you think the apple cider is applicable to the back?

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
05/15/2015

Dear Zakariya,

Yes, I think apple cider vinegar would be applicable to the back.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Lawrence
(New York)
08/13/2015

All of the answers are related to Spurs in the foot, but what about a spur in the shoulder? Does any of what all of you are saying apply or work for a shoulder spur? Just Wondering.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
08/14/2015

Dear Lawrence,

The remedies for spurs in the foot should work for spurs in the shoulder. It may take some trial and error to find which one will help you.

~Mama to Many~

Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda

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Posted by Leslei (Alaska) on 11/03/2022
 ★★★★★

I had bone spurs in neck and both sides of spine between shoulders, upper spine. Chiropractor said he could no longer adjust me. I searched and found ACV and baking soda. I take every day, 2 or 3 times. First thing in morning. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 to 2 tablespoons of Organic ACV with the mother and then ad 6 Oz water and drink it. I also ad 1/4 teaspoon sea salt at night and helps me sleep. The spurs are gone. My back can be adjusted by a different chiropractor. Good luck.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Molasses, Baking Soda

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Posted by Angela (Rosebud, Australia) on 11/01/2013
 ★★★★★

About 4 years I got a recipe for ACV, Blackstrap and Bicarb to cure spurs, which I used and it did. But now a friend of mine would like the recipe but I can't remember to the ratio and I can't find it on your site any more. Could someone please help with it. Thanks, Regards Angela

Replied by Debi
(Los Angeles, California)
12/13/2013
★★★★★

Angela from Australia~ I do 1 TB OACV, 1 ts OBSM and just about 1/4 ts Bicarb. I put it in hot (not boiling) water and drink as a tea every morning. Put the Bicarb and OACV in first, it will bubble a bit, then the OBSM. Sometimes I even squeeze in 1/2 lemon (good for liver/gall bladder first thing in the morning).

Also for the foot, I had a heel spur where my achilies attaches to the arch and one on the heel. I had read on here somewhere about rubbing AVC on it so I went one step further. Soak an ace bandage in the ACV and wrap the area. Then I put my foot in a large zip type plastic bag and used tape to secure at the top. The next morning I was pain free! Remember, a bone spur is a bone spur, ACV will help where ever it is located. Some places you woud just soak some type of pad and maybe tape plastic wrap to hold it in place. ACV is a little miracle in a bottle!

Avoid Milk

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Posted by Sharon (Tennessee) on 10/08/2015
 ★★★★★

I used to get bone spurs in a couple places on my fingers. They went away after I quit drinking milk. Almond milk can replace the milk you drink. The problem with milk is that the calcium in it has been heated- and many times can not assimilate into the body correctly- thus it attaches itself to joints, and sometimes even kidney stones.

Try it. Hope it helps. There are many types of almond milk to pick from. The unsweetened vanilla is better tasting, but I can drink any of them.

Cabbage Leaves, Kombucha Scoby

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Posted by Inara (Australia) on 11/11/2016 1 posts
 ★★★★★

I have Pump Bump (Haglund's Deformity) more than ten years. Physio and med. doctors can't help. Spent lots of money and wasted time. What helps wonderful to reduce swelling is fresh cabbage leaves. I apply it not only all night but even keep it on during all day when staying home. No mess and no pain. Also very effective to reduce swelling is Kombucha's scoby. Without these precautions my foot get swollen afternoon and evening. Also I taken Boswellia tablets 3x . I'm still need some advice how to get rid of inflammation. I refused take antibiotics - doctor prescribed Voltaren.

Sorry for poor English( Its my third language). I hope cabbage leaves and scoby will help to some people.

Replied by Lou
(Tyler, Tx)
09/27/2018

Systemic enzymes and bromelain can help.

Diatomaceous Earth

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Posted by Lisa (Texas) on 03/17/2015
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

For bone spurs, try taking 1 1/2 tablespoons of food grade Diatomaceous Earth every morning and late afternoon. DE boosts your energy levels and can keep some people awake when you should be sleeping.

My bone spur is gone from my right heel, and the neuropathy, which developed after having a bone spur surgically removed from my left foot, is completely gone.

The arthritis in my ankles and wrist has subsided, as well.

I bought mine from a Farm Store and paid $20 for a 10 pound bag, which should last me 8 months. Good Luck...

Replied by Cecilia M
(Edmond, Ol)
12/30/2015

How long did it take for your bone spur to dissolve?

DMAE Detoxification

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Posted by Sarah (Richmond Heights, CA) on 12/23/2006
 ★★★★★

Bone spurs are often a result of fluoride ingestion, primarily from fluoridated water and/or dental treatments. DMAE detoxifies fluoride as shown by years of clinical findings at the Bioenergy Balancing Centers in California.

DMSO

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Posted by Raindear (Pahrump, Nv) on 01/17/2021
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

About a month ago I closed my right hand into a fist and saw I had a lump the size of a pea on my index finger knuckle. My husband suggested it might be a bone spur. I started putting DMSO on it. I used the DMSO about four times over a week or 10 days. I noticed that the lump was shrinking about 4 days into the treatment. It is now almost gone. I am so excited that I just had to share.


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