Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the body's joints and surrounding tissue, with the hands and wrists being the focal areas of inflammation and pain. The Johns Hopkins University Health Alert explains that over the long term, RA generally results in deformity and severe joint damage with chronic pain. Arthritic attacks are periodic, with times of remission, and treatment is aimed toward extending the pain-free events and protecting joints from additional deformity. Natural remedies play a significant role in helping to bring this about.
Step 1
Make a drink from ½ tsp. of baking soda in 8 oz. of water. Sip slowly and consume two or three drinks per day to relieve RA symptoms. Have one drink at night before bedtime. Dr. Theodore A. Baroody, in his book "Alkalinize or Die," discusses how baking soda is able to help restore the body's pH to slightly alkaline levels, which helps reduce pain. He also discusses how the body becomes more acidic during the night when pain and inflammation tend to increase.
Step 2
Use Rhus Tox, a homeopathic remedy, for relief of pain, stiffness and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. A double blind study done by Swedish.com found Rhus Tox to be efficacious for treating musculoskeletal pain. Rhus Tox is helpful if your pain and stiffness is worse when you first start to move, but then lessens after you have been moving around for a few minutes. It also helps if the pain is made worse during cold, damp weather. If you become restless at night from the pain, having to get up out of bed for relief, or find yourself tossing and turning to get more comfortable, then Rhus Tox may help your condition. There is no recommended dose. Consult with a qualified homeopath for directions for use.
Step 3
Add a combination of the herbs ginger and tumeric to your routine for pain relief from RA. Andrew Weil, M.D., explains that these herbs both reduce inflammation and can be used for maximum effect when taken at the same time, in powdered form. They are both available in capsules from health food stores and online.
Step 4
Take Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, to reduce pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. Fatty acids are found in fish oil, which is said to be an excellent, safe supplement for treating RA symptoms, according to "The Arthritis Alternative." They recommend only using pharmaceutical-grade fish oil, which is is free from impurities and available in pharmacies.
Tips and Warnings
- Use only up to a total of 2 tsp. of baking soda per day. Baking soda can raise blood pressure, so speak to your doctor before trying this method of pain relief. He may prescribe a different dosage. You may use all of these treatments at the same time, but take them at different times of the day, not all together.
- The suggestions offered here are for educational purposes and are not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Rhus Tox
- Tumeric
- Ginger
- Fish oil
