Although there is a large choice of prescription medications for the treatment of arthritis, many people are turning towards more natural arthritis treatment. Prescription medication can often cause adverse reactions and unwanted side effects that are not present in natural treatments. Although we do not advise stopping any treatment without consulting your doctor, here are some natural arthritis remedies you may want to consider.

Treating Arthritis with Holistic Medication
This involves finding and treating the root cause of the disease and treating the mind and body as a whole- hence ‘holistic’. Holistic medicine works on the belief that imbalances in one area of the mind or body will impact upon other areas, resulting in ill health. Treatment usually involves the use of homeopathic remedies such as Chinese herbs, acupuncture and meditation to restore energy and balance to the system.

Treating Arthritis with Massage
Many have found relief from the symptoms of arthritis by using massage techniques on the affected areas. Essential oils can be used to great effect; the best oils for treating arthritis are Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary, Chamomile and Juniper. They should be diluted in olive oil (10 parts of oil to one part essential oil) and should be warmed gently before use. Apply directly to affected joints and massage them in very gently.

Treating Arthritis with Diet
Adding certain supplements to the diet can also help to naturally relieve arthritis symptoms. Garlic contains strong anti-inflammatory properties, so try adding it, either raw or cooked, to your meals. If you don’t like the strong taste, garlic supplements can be purchased at health stores.

Cod liver oil has been proven to slow the deterioration of cartilage and connective tissues. Try taking a supplement or drinking one or two teaspoons a day.

Castor oil can also help reduce arthritic pain. Castor oil should be boiled over a stove burner and mixed into fresh orange juice.

Vitamin B6 can reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Bananas are an excellent source of this vitamin; it can also be purchased as a health supplement.

Honey has also been proven to reduce symptoms of inflammation and stiffness in arthritis sufferers.

Treating Arthritis with Herbs
Black Cohosh has pain-relieving qualities similar to aspirin, and can help reduce joint inflammation. Ginger can also be used to treat pain and inflammation

Certain herbs such as Feverfew, angelica, Boswellia and Ginseng have anti-inflammatory properties. Angelica can reduce inflammation and is a natural pain reliever. It also relaxes the muscles, relieving muscle tension which may aggravate arthritis symptoms.

Bathe Those Symptoms Away
Epsom salts can help break down the uric acids in the body which can lead to arthritis, and are also a source of magnesium, which aids bone growth. An Epsom salts bath can be really effective- add three cups of Epsom salts to a hot bath, and soak in it. Have the water as hot as you can stand it, and keep topping it up as required.

Bathing in sea water can be beneficial as the natural iodine found in sea water can alleviate arthritic pain. Iodine can also help repair tissues and regenerate the skeletal frame.

Some people have found relief from their symptoms by using steam baths and saunas.

Other Natural Arthritis Treatments
Using heat pads on the affected joints can also work wonders, although you should be careful not to overheat them or restrict the joints too much.

Exercise is a great way to treat arthritis and help deal with the symptoms. Regular exercise will improve joint stability, reduce joint stiffness and help to reduce excess weight which may be putting more pressure on affected joints. Swimming and walking are ideal exercises as they are low impact but will raise the heart rate.

If you do decide on using natural arthritis remedies, you should always discuss this with your doctor first before stopping any prescribed medication.