Joint inflammation or arthritis has been a plaguing mankind for centuries. Most people have used some form of drug to battle this illness. One arthritis natural remedy called stinging nettle has helped patients overcome their pain.

The most common variety of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This type affects 16-20 million Americans. Arthritis pain relief remedies are geared towards easing the pain in the knees, hips, ankles, fingers, neck and spine. These areas of the body are for the most part where this variety of the disease shows up.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.

Psoriatic arthritis affects tissues surrounding the joints including tendons and ligaments. There is also skin inflammation, particularly on the elbows, knees and scalp. Psoriatic arthritis is linked to psoriasis, a disorder causing areas of the skin to become inflamed and be covered with silvery or grey scales.

Knowing what to use is of supreme importance. Here are a few arthritis natural remedies that can be used effectively.

Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps. Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle. It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.

Bogbean
Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the walls of the colon and digestive juices.

Celery Seeds
Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic. This herb is great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches. Also one of the best cancer herbs.

Feverfew
Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness and tinnitus.

Nettle
This herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those "universal" plants. They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur. A great natural arthritis remedy.

Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces lactic acid build up. Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca
Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment.

Specific foods or food groups often seem to cause a worsening of arthritis symptoms. In this case, an elimination diet could be effective. All suspected foods must be completely abstained from the diet for certain weeks, and then reinstated one at a time over a period of many days. If the symptoms of throbbing and inflammation re-materialize after each food is eaten again, then that particular food could be the culprit. This should be done at least three times to specify that there were no other factors involved. If an elimination diet is followed, it is wise to keep two records. One of the food eaten and at what times and dates, the other of the dates and times of torment flare-ups. When the two are compared, it will be plain to catch what was eaten that could have induced misery.

One of the main studies done way back in the 1950's has shown that fish oil has a very beneficial affect on arthritis pain. Fish oil supplements are widely taken, but in some cases cause unwelcome side effects like a fishy after-taste, gas and an upset stomach. Some researchers recommend simply adding omega 3's, as an arthritis natural remedy, to the diet by eating cold-water fish like mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, anchovies, bluefish and mullet.

Resources
NutraSanus
Essortmant
Medicine.net
The Arthritis Society