Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Best Homeopathic Arthritis Treatments?

Ron Marr
Ron Marr

Arthritis is often a normal, bothersome and painful result of the again process. Different forms of arthritis exist, some more troublesome than others, but osteoarthritis is the most common type. It involves the degeneration of cartilage and cushioning between inflamed synovial joints, and is frequently caused by the normal wear and tear a body experiences over a lifetime. Homeopathic remedies for arthritis are sought due to the fact that existing arthritis drugs often fail to relieve pain and stiffness. Some people combine homeopathic arthritis remedies with medical therapies, but the individual's physician should be kept informed on the substances being ingested.

Herbs are some of the most popular homeopathic arthritis remedies. Black cohosh is a favorite of female arthritis sufferers who are menopausal, but little research has been performed on the substance. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should never take it. Celery seed is thought to help detoxify the body and improve circulation. Common dandelion greens, mixed in salads or brewed into a tea, are a homeopathic arthritis regimen said to increase flexibility and mobility.

Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, may help relieve the pain of arthritis.
Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, may help relieve the pain of arthritis.

Turmeric, known primarily as a cooking spice, has been used in arthritis relief for literally thousands of years. The spice was typically used in Middle Eastern and Asian countries, but has gained popularity in the west since the 1930s. Research appears to indicate that turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. Willow bark, brewed into a tea, has been used as a homeopathic arthritis remedy since the early days of colonial America. This is not surprising, as willow bark contains salicylic acid, the primary substance found in aspirin.

Circulation in arthritis sufferers might be improved with celery seed.
Circulation in arthritis sufferers might be improved with celery seed.

Homeopathic arthritis remedies are often determined based on the severity and location of the afflicted person’s pain. Homeopaths sometimes recommend belladonna for arthritis that strikes quickly and involves sharp pains. Cayenne creams are applied topically to provide relief. The working ingredient in cayenne — capsaicin — provides short-term pain relief that has been confirmed in legitimate, double-blind studies. Powdered ginger, taken orally, is another homeopathic arthritis remedy that seems to function as an anti-inflammatory.

Turmeric is a spice used as a homeopathic treatment for arthritis.
Turmeric is a spice used as a homeopathic treatment for arthritis.

Lesser-known homeopathic arthritis treatments include packs of hot castor oil applied to the site of the pain. Hot baths in water steeped with hayflower are also suggested. It should be noted that these correctives have no basis in scientific fact, but they do not pose a health threat. The most well known remedy for relieving arthritis pain consists of wearing a copper bracelet. Thousands of people swear that wearing copper bracelets stave off arthritis pain, although it is unknown how many people making these claims happen to sell copper bracelets.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, may help relieve the pain of arthritis.
      By: atoss
      Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, may help relieve the pain of arthritis.
    • Circulation in arthritis sufferers might be improved with celery seed.
      By: travis manley
      Circulation in arthritis sufferers might be improved with celery seed.
    • Turmeric is a spice used as a homeopathic treatment for arthritis.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Turmeric is a spice used as a homeopathic treatment for arthritis.
    • Some forms of arthritis are more troublesome than others.
      By: hriana
      Some forms of arthritis are more troublesome than others.
    • Green tea fights inflammation, making it a good beverage option for arthritis sufferers.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Green tea fights inflammation, making it a good beverage option for arthritis sufferers.
    • Swimming is good exercise for arthritis sufferers because does not put pressure on the joints.
      By: yanlev
      Swimming is good exercise for arthritis sufferers because does not put pressure on the joints.
    • Drinking ginger tea or eating raw ginger can alleviate joint pain and inflammation.
      By: praisaeng
      Drinking ginger tea or eating raw ginger can alleviate joint pain and inflammation.
    • Arthritis is a often a normal result of the aging process.
      By: ia_64
      Arthritis is a often a normal result of the aging process.
    • Herbs are some of the most common homeopathic arthritis remedies.
      By: maska82
      Herbs are some of the most common homeopathic arthritis remedies.