Ayurveda & Arthritis

Ayurveda has been the traditional medicine of India for over 5,000 years; it takes a holistic to health. Practitioners have used Ayurvedic herbs and healing techniques to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis. The main premise of Ayurveda promotes good health through balance of the mind, body and consciousness using herbs and diet practices combined with lifestyle choices. Herbs can produce side effects, regardless of which healing modality is used. Consult with a health practitioner before using any herbs to treat arthritis.

Diet

Diet is important in the Ayurvedic tradition and most practitioners will prescribe a detoxification diet to clear the system of toxins and to purify the body. You may be asked to fast, eating only certain vegetables, juices, spices and herbs for three to five days or longer. These foods stimulate the liver and kidneys, helping them to clear the body rapidly of unwanted chemicals and toxins. Your fast will be ended when you begin to experience lightness, a return of your appetite and no discoloration or coating on your tongue. An Ayurvedic fast should only be done under the supervision of your practitioner, who will provide details instructions of the diet.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce inflammation and is high in anti-inflammatory compounds similar to those found in steroids, according to "Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice." Castor oil can help reduce swelling, pain and stiffness associated with all forms of arthritis and joint pain. The tea is made by boiling a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger in a cup of boiling water and 2 tsp. castor oil. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes and remove the ginger to drink at bedtime. Castor oil may cause a laxative effect and you may develop loose stools. This is normal and should not be of concern except in the instance that symptoms persist. In that instance, consult your practitioner for guidance.

Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia serrata is a traditional herb used in Ayurveda to treat joint pain and inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory properties and anecdotal evidence indicate its efficacy in reducing pain, even though research indicates mixed results pertaining to its effectiveness, according to the University of Michigan Health Systems. The suggested dose is 400 to 800 mg, three times daily. Consult your health practitioner for specific dosage guidelines for your condition.

Ginger

Ginger is used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce inflammation and treat arthritis. It is often combined with boswellia, ashwaganda and turmeric to make a potent pain reliever for swollen joints, says the University of Michigan Health Systems. Additionally, ginger possesses properties of a Cox-2 pain inhibitor, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Cox-2 is a compound that causes inflammation, pain and swelling throughout the body. You can add fresh ginger to your food to benefit from its anti-inflammatory action or take supplements made from powdered ginger. If you take supplements, ensure you buy them from a store where there is high turnover, to avoid buying products whose potency has been lost due to shelf time. Ginger can thin the blood, so consult with a health practitioner if you take blood-thinning medicines before you use ginger medicinally.