Since use of NSAID and other medicines for long period may be harmful for over all health due to their side effects, remedies for joint pain by using herbs, exercises, massages and therapies are more prevalent these days. Joint pain sometimes subsides in one or two days when caused due to relatively benign conditions but it takes much more time when it is due to any serious injury, disease or infection. It is of two types acute and chronic, acute joint pain is sharp and occurs for short duration and with a specific reason. Whereas chronic pain can be mild to severe and may continue for longer duration sometimes even for a lifetime, in few cases it is not possible to detect the exact reason for chronic joint pain.
Herbs have proven to be an effective joint pain remedies, some herbs are meant for oral consumption while few are for topical use, using anyway, these have no side effects and can go along with allopathic treatments. However dosage shall be worked out in expert"s guidance as few of these herbs are very strong. Ashwagandha or withania somnifera or winter cherry is a natural pain reliever and very good herbal supplement for overall health. This herb has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times to improve vigor, strength and stamina. Boswellia serrata is a magical herb for joint pain due to rheumatic arthritis, this herb has proven properties for suppressing pain and inflammation by inhibiting the secretion of hormones and chemicals associated with pain and inflammation and also it helps the body in rebuilding the damaged cartilages.
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent herbal remedy when applied warm on aching joints before going to bed provides immense relief. Ginger is also an effective remedy for joint pain as it has anti-oxidant properties. Another simple remedy can be prepared by drying and mashing two egg plants and later baking it in two teaspoons of castor oil and with cumin seeds, garlic, coriander, turmeric and salt. This preparation consumed once in a day relieves from this problem.
Application of hot and cold packs on the aching joints is a simple and easy remedy. Hot water bath or Epsom salt tub bath also helps in relieving all sorts of pain in the body. Heating the joints with a piece of towel soaked in warm water also helps. Exercising in a pool of water like done in hydrotherapy improve endurance of joints as water takes some pressure off the joints and while moving them provide just right kind of resistance for an excellent workout.
Yoga provides many poses and exercises for preventing and curing joint pain. Yoga poses like tada asana, pavanmukta asana, bhujang asana, makar asana etc are very helpful in improving joint functioning and works as good remedy for pain. Topical application of cayenne cream available as over the counter medicine is very helpful due to its effects as that of NSAID. This cream inhibits the signals of pain to the brain which helps in moving the joint easily.
