Joint pain can arise from any number of conditions such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases and acute injuries. Regardless of how it starts, joint pain can limit mobility, interfere with daily activities and make you downright miserable. Because of the potential for developing side effects from taking conventional medicines, many people now opt for natural remedies and supplements to relieve joint pain and restore movement. Consult your health practitioner if you decide to use natural products to ensure they are right for your situation.
Grape Juice and Pectin
Grapes are high in potassium, a mineral that helps alkalize the blood, which may reduce acidosis and accompanying pain, according to Dr. Theodore Baroody in "Alkalize or Die." Adding grapes to a smoothie or making fresh grape juice in a home juicer may help relieve stiffness and aching in sore joints. "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" recommends making a drink combining grape juice and natural fruit pectin to help arthritis and gout as well as other joint pain. Add 1 to 4 tsp. pectin to 4 oz. grape juice. Stir until the pectin is dissolved and drink immediately. Start with 1 tsp. pectin and work up to the full amount if needed. You can drink this mixture twice a day. Pectin is available in the grocery store in the aisle where canning supplies are sold. It can also be purchased at health food stores.
Celery Seeds
Celery seeds have been used medicinally for thousands of years as a diuretic and to reduce fluid retention from edema, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They add that there is anecdotal evidence that celery seeds may also be helpful in the treatment of joint disease. Make a tea by boiling 1 tsp. celery seeds in 1 cup water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and allow cooling, and then drinking the tea three times daily. You can make three cups at a time and store the remainder in the refrigerator until later in the day, and then reheat. Do not use celery seeds if you suffer from kidney disease. Celery may cause hypersensitivity to the skin on exposure to sunlight. If you develop symptoms, stop drinking the tea and consult your practitioner.
Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may offer relief to some people suffering from joint pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Research shows that Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation, lessen stiffness in the joints and lower the risk of developing arthritis and other joint diseases, they add. Taking fish oil supplements may not only reduce pain and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but may also lower their need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, fish oil cannot slow the progression of this disease or prevent joint damage, only reduce symptoms. Fish oil supplements may also offer relief from pain for people suffering from autoimmune diseases such as lupus and scleroderma. Fish oil can thin the blood, so if you take blood-thinning medicine, consult your doctor before adding fish oil to your diet.
Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherries and cherry juice are high in antioxidants and anthocyanins, compounds known to reduce inflammation and relieve chronic pain. The "Arthritis and Glucosamine Resource Center" mentions that drinking tart cherry juice daily may offer benefits to people suffering from joint pain. Also high in potassium, as well as other nutritients, cherry juice helps to alkalize the blood, reducing acidosis, which contributes to the formation of uric acid and gout. Mix 4 oz. tart cherry juice concentrate with an equal portion of water and drink two glasses daily during an acute attack of joint pain. Reduce to one glass daily for maintenance.
References
- "Alkalize or Die"; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon MS and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoarthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Celery Seed
- Arthritis and Glucosamine Resource Center: For Arthritis Sufferers, Life Is a Bowl of Cherries
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3
