If those stiff, swollen joints with skin-redness refuse to budge an inch without pain, chances are you are afflicted with RA (rheumatoid arthritis). Let us explore the home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disorder affecting the wrist, knees, elbows, fingers, toes, ankle, or neck.

Rheumatoid arthritis home remedies  

The first symptoms of the disease include morning stiffness, excessive fatigue, overall muscle aches, and loss of appetite. The disease strikes the joints, causing an inflammation in the synovial lining (the lubricating sac for the joints). The condition can end up causing destruction of the joints, if left unattended. Home remedies for the condition will focus on diet, lifestyle factors, which can help alleviate the condition.

Effective home remedies for Rheumatoid arthritis

• Hot or cold compress provide immense relief from the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Hot temperature enhances blood circulation in the affected region by relaxing the muscles, whereas cold compress works towards reducing the inflammation and therefore the pain.

• Massaging with certain oils can bring relief from the symptoms of RA. Apply Camphorated mustard oil (prepared by adding a couple of tablets of camphor and warming the oil) on the region of pain. Mustard oil imparts warmth and camphor has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Warm the leaves of papaya and apply it as a hot fermentation on the region of pain. Papaya leaves have been scientifically recorded to have anti-inflammatory properties.

• Include omega 3 fatty acids in your diet as the fatty acid expounds a high degree of anti-inflammatory property, which can help to provide relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Traditional Chinese medicine has used thunder god vine to treat RA. However, before resorting to this herbal home remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, it is imperative to consult an herbalist.

• Evening primrose oil is beneficial in treating the inflammation and morning stiffness in RA. However, EPO may come with certain side effects and requires a doctor’s prescription before administration.

• Tai chi, the Chinese technique of gentle stretches is gaining ground as a potential reliever from RA symptoms.

• Over and above, it is important to eat a balanced diet with less of foods, which might trigger RA symptoms.

Points of caution

The above-mentioned home remedies are not applicable to nursing mothers, pregnant women and juveniles. In such cases, it is important to consult the medical practitioner before resorting to any treatment.

These home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis can mobilize those affected joints to a great extent, with less friction to overcome.

Photo courtesy: jointpainsupply.com