The human body has hundreds of joints! When even one of them is not up to par, significant inconvenience and/or pain can result. Joint problems can be caused by arthritis, injury, inflammation, disease, infection, or degeneration.
Natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, castor oil, turmeric, and other supplements can relieve pain, restore function, heal diseases, and facilitate regeneration.
Home Remedies for Joint Problems
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, taken as an internal tonic, reduces pain and inflammation due to its alkalizing effect on the body. It also contains nutrients that support body functions. For arthritis and joint pain, 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar can be added to a glass of water and consumed daily.
Apple cider vinegar can be applied topically for acute joint discomfort. Soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the joint of concern. Wrap plastic around the cloth and secure it with an ace bandage. The apple cider vinegar bandage can be worn overnight. This method is especially useful for pain caused by strains and gout.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is not taken internally but massaged into painful joints. It relieves inflammation and pain, sometimes, as well as oral pain relievers! Castor oil can be messy, so use old clothes and towels to avoid getting castor oil on clothing and furniture.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. It is often taken on an ongoing basis for those suffering from various pains. 2-4 capsules are taken twice a day. Alternatively, a teaspoon of turmeric can be added to a mug full of warm milk. A sprinkle of black pepper helps to potentiate the turmeric.
Borax
Borax contains boron, which is a necessary element in the joints. Boron also helps the body to balance other minerals and hormones. Studies have found that boron is needed for strong bones.
Dietary Changes
Sugar and processed foods aggravate inflammation and pain. They also fill the body up, so more quality foods are not consumed at levels needed to provide necessary nutrients to the body.
Bone broth contains concentrated amounts of gelatin and the necessary minerals for joint health. Look for organic bone broths or make your own!
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy involves alternating warm and cool applications to painful joints. Cool applications help reduce inflammation, while warm applications promote circulation and repair. Use two bowls of water; one warm and one cool. (NOT hot and ice cold!) Soak a cloth in the cool water and apply it to the painful joint for 1 minute. Remove the cool cloth and replace it with the warm cloth. Continue alternating warm and cool for 7 changes, beginning and ending with cool. Hydrotherapy can be repeated several times a day.
The exception would be that a freshly injured joint should not have warm applications. Instead, use cold applications for 15 minutes every hour or two.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt soaks provide magnesium and sulfur to the joints. Add ½ cup of Epsom salt to a water basin and soak the painful joint. For fresh injuries, use cool water; otherwise, use warm water.
Additional Supplements for Joint Health
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
These supplements support joint health by aiding in cartilage repair and reducing inflammation. They are commonly used for arthritis and joint pain.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and flaxseed oil, have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a natural sulfur compound that supports joint health by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and can help reduce the risk of joint issues. Sun exposure and supplements can help maintain adequate levels.
Share Your Experience
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Continue reading our reader-reported list of remedies to heal joint issues.
