Natural Home Remedies For Joint Pain And Muscle Inflammation

Joint Pain

Joint pain refers to any sensation of pain around the joint(s) of the body. This is an illness that can affect any person but is common with aging people. Joint pain results in swelling and stiffness of the joints which can limit the daily routine of the sufferer. Joint pain can result from several factors including infections. Other causes of joint pain are accidents (like collisions), strenuous work, cell degeneration (especially in older persons), or hereditary.

Muscle Inflammation

On the other hand, muscle inflammation, also called myositis, refers to the continued inflammation of the muscles. Myositis is rare and may not be easy to diagnose, but the common symptoms include sore muscles, pain, and fatigue. The major causes of muscle inflammation are strains, flu, and diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Home Remedies

While there are many known remedies for joint pain and muscle inflammation including physical therapy, yoga, and over-the-counter medications, the power of herbal plants and fruits cannot be over-emphasized.

Whether it is joint pain or muscle inflammation, there is an abundance of home remedies to help relieve the pains and reduce the inflammation. The advantage of these home remedies is the fact that they don?t cost as much as the conventional medications. Some of these natural home remedies include the following.

• Dandelion Leaves

Dandelion leaves are rich in vitamins A and C which are essential in repairing worn out tissues. The leaves also contain linoleic acid which is an anti-inflammatory agent.

Directions for use

1. Add three teaspoons of fresh dandelion leaves or one teaspoon of the dried leaves in one glass of water
2. Bring the mixture to boil
3. Filter the mixture and drink the solution

Drink the dandelion solution at least two times every day.

• Epsom salt

Epsom salt contains magnesium, which is a muscle relaxant. In addition, magnesium helps in reducing arthritis. The effect of this muscle relaxation is the reduction of soreness and stiffness of muscles.

1. Directions for use
2. Pour one cup of Epsom salt into your water-filled bathtub.
3. Stir the mixture and soak the affected area for about 20 minutes

The process should be done at least twice daily.

• Rosemary Leaves

Rosemary leaves have the benefit of giving a soothing relief to muscle inflammations thereby reducing the pain.

Directions for use

1. Add some rosemary leaves to two glasses of water.
2. Bring the mixture to boil.
3. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
4. Immerse the affected area into the mixture and leave for a while.

This process should be done at least twice daily.

• Olive oil

Including olive oil in your daily diet has immense health benefits. The oil is known to be a good pain reliever. Olive oil has been found to contain an anti-inflammatory chemical called oleocanthal which helps to fight the swelling-causing substances.

Directions for use

1. Massage the affected joints with olive oil.
2. Take two tablespoons of olive oil for added benefit.

Caveat: Olive oil is rich in calories, so ensure to reduce the intake of foods with high caloric content.

• Swimming

There are many benefits of swimming. More than an exercise, swimming is a form of hydrotherapy for joint pains and muscle inflammations. Exercising in water does a lot of good to the body, especially the joints areas. Various studies have been carried out that attest to this fact.

All you need to do is to dive into the pool and release yourself into painless freedom.

• Green tea

Green tea contains an anti-inflammatory substance called polyphenol which assists in reducing cartilage degeneration.

Directions for use

1. Pour some green tea leaves into a glass of hot water.
2. Allow the mixture to settle for some time.
3. Strain the mixture and add some honey.
4. Drink the filtered solution.

Do this at least twice daily for the best results.

• Turmeric

Turmeric has a chemical substance, curcumin which is a known antioxidant. Besides the pain inhibiting properties of this compound, it has anti-inflammatory effects.

Directions for use

1. Pour a teaspoon of turmeric into a glass of boiled water
2. Stir the mixture and drink within four hours.

Do this at least once every day. Make sure you drink the mixture within four hours to get the most out of the turmeric as the curcumin content will drop after some time in hot water.

• Fruits and foods rich in vitamin C

Some joint pains and inflammations are caused by the deficiency of some vitamins. ?Eating fruits and foods rich in vitamin C such as broccoli or orange will help in providing nutrients that reduce the swelling effects in joints.

• Cloves

Eugenol ? an anti-inflammatory substance ? is one of the main compositions of cloves. This chemical is known to inhibit the release of COX-2 which is a major cause of inflammation. In addition, cloves contain antioxidants that help in slowing the degeneration process of cartilage.

Directions for use

1. Add one teaspoon of ground cloves in a cup of water.
2. Stir well and drink

Do this once every day

• Spicy foods

Spicy foods like recipes containing hot sauce or cayenne pepper assist in reducing swollen joints and inhibit the pain-transmitting chemicals of the brain.

Foreign recipes like Peruvian or Mexican recipes are known for being spicy. So try to get a taste of these.

• Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties that help to reduce inflammation and joint pains. In addition, the antioxidants in ginger assist in inhibiting the effect of COX-2 which is the major cause of inflammatory pain.

Directions for use

1. Cut the ginger into small pieces and pour into a pot of water.
2. Boil the mixture for at least 5 minutes.
3. Bring down the mixture and strain.
4. Drink the filtered water.

This should be done at least two times daily. Eating fresh ginger and rubbing it on the affected joint will also do you good.

Conclusion

Although all the above-mentioned home remedies discussed in this article are effective, even though it might not be immediate, it doesn’t still take the place of healthy living. That being said, you can try any of the remedies listed before finally going to see a physician.

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