If you suffer from acute arthritis attacks, there are numerous home herbal treatments for arthritis that you can use to help you manage your arthritis pain. Some arthritis herbal treatments are applied topically while others are taken orally every day to prevent future attacks. Select a home herbal treatment for arthritis that complements your lifestyle and use it consistently to achieve maximum treatment benefits.
Stinging Nettle
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, stinging nettle has been used for thousands of years to treat joint pain. Stinging nettle alleviates arthritis pain by releasing chemical irritants that block pain at affected areas. Stinging nettle is used both topically and orally.
HolisticOnline.com recommends drinking 1 tbsp. of stinging nettle juice thrice per day. Apply fresh or dried stinging nettle leaves directly onto the affected area or make a tea by steeping 3 to 4 tsp. stinging nettle leaves into 2/3 cup boiling water for three to five minutes. Drink 3 cups daily along with a glass of water for best results.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a constituent that activates endorphin release into the body which in turn blocks arthritis pain. Cayenne pepper also reduces substance P, a messenger chemical that alerts the brain of pain, when applied topically.
Create a cayenne pepper decoction by pouring 1 oz. cayenne pepper into one quart of isopropyl, or rubbing alcohol. Store the mixture in a cool, dry place for three weeks and shake the bottle every day. Apply the cayenne pepper tincture to affected areas with a cloth, then let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes and wipe clean.
Rosemary
Rosemary contains four anti-inflammatory constituents that may relieve arthritis pain. Prepare your own rosemary tea by placing ½ oz. of fresh rosemary leaves into a one quart jar filled with boiling water. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes. Drink a cup of the hot rosemary tea before you go to bed and another one when you wake up. Continue the treatment for two to three weeks, then discontinue treatment for seven to ten days and repeat for two to three more weeks, if desired.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw has been used for hundreds of years to treat arthritis pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that cat's claw may relax muscles, dilate blood vessels and exhilarate the immune system. Cat's claw also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Prepare cat's claw tea by placing approximately 1 to 2 tsp. of fresh or dried cat's claw bark into 8 oz. boiling water. Allow to cool and strain through cheesecloth. Drink 1 cup three times a day.
