Natural Arthritis Remedies

Lemon is Incredible for Wrist, Knee, or Any Joint Arthritis.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:56:00 +0000

The incredible, amazing lemon may help with wrist arthritis, knee arthritis, or arthritis in any joint. Lemon is a popular fruit when it comes to therapeutic properties. We never fail to start our mornings with lemon juice in warm water the first thing to hit our stomachs.

All fruits are cleansing, but lemons in particular, help flush toxins out of your system. This is especially important for people with wrist arthritis, knee arthritis, or arthritis in any joint. It also is important for people suffering from cancer as it cleanses toxins from the liver and kidneys taking a load off the immune system.

Other than being an amazing detoxifier, lemon water also has the following health benefits.

Lemon water is an alkalizer and helps the body balance pH.
Lemon water gives relief from cold and flu symptoms.
Lemon water cleanses and stimulates the kidneys and liver.
Lemon water has a high Vitamin C content so it helps prevent infection and hastens wound healing.
Lemon water has excellent digestive properties and can ease digestion problems like heartburn and bloating.
Lemon water promotes a strong immune system and also acts as a blood purifier.

Kick your lemon water up to the next level with this healthful, quick and easy health drink to combat arthritis pain.

Lemon MSM Health Drink.

1 to 2 teaspoons MSM
½ to 1 teaspoon Vitamin C
Juice of half a lemon
1/8 teaspoon sea salt.

Combine all the ingredients in a glass. Add filtered or distilled water and stir well.

Scented Heating Pad for Topical Arthritis Pain Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:11:00 +0000

Does that knee arthritis make it painful to get out of bed in the morning? Try applying a little heat for topical arthritis pain relief and to increase joint flexibility.

Heat can decrease joint stiffness, relax tight muscles and temporarily relieve arthritis pain. Heat works by stimulating your body’s own healing mechanism, because it stimulates blood circulation, dilates the blood vessels, and reduces muscle spasms. It also decreases the sensation of pain and is wonderful for topical arthritis pain relief.

However, be careful of electric heating pads and electric blankets. Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. says that the electromagnetic fields (EMFs), invisible lines of force that surround electrical equipment, may disrupt internal body control systems, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of cancer.

To be safe, use this Scented Heating Pad Recipe. Not only is it safe, it is really an inexpensive to make your own topical arthritis pain relief and smells great. This is a fantastically aromatic way to unknot tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and relieve wrist arthritis, knee arthritis, or arthritis in any joint.

Scented Heating Pad Recipe.

4 cups uncooked rice
½ cup dried lavender
1 pair clean, long socks.

Mix the uncooked rice and dried lavender and pour into a clean, long sock. Knot the ends, place inside the other sock and knot that end. Heat for 90 seconds in a microwave before each use.

Laughter Relieves Stress and Pain.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:47:00 +0000

Laugh and the world laughs with you. We all know how infectious laughter is, but did you know that it can be a natural remedy for stress relief?

I worried for years about my young niece and nephew who were left fatherless when my brother died of lymphoma. The kids had grown up to be smart and good students. It bothered me that they were not interested in any thought provoking or serious movies. All they wanted to watch were comedies.

With the current medical research about laughter, I know now that without even realizing it, they were using laughter as a natural remedy for stress relief from a life of being different than the other kids – a life without a Dad.

Now, people have taken laughter to new heights. Did you know there are laughter yoga clubs springing up everywhere around the country and the world? Many of those clubs are in a business environment where a quick fix for stress relief is at a premium. The best part is that this natural remedy is not only quick, it’s free.

This natural remedy for stress relief is so important, because high levels of stress can lead to depression. Research shows that laughter quickly brings down the levels of stress-related hormones and brings balance back to the bloodstream.

It is believed the stress hormones are replaced with endorphins when you laugh whether it is real or faked. Endorphins, in turn, are believed to produce euphoric feelings, sex hormones, and decrease the appetite. Endorphins, which are released during exercise, create a phenomenon called the “runners high.”

So, laugh, shed your stress, loose weight, and have more intimacy.

Behind-the-Back Stretch

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:14:00 +0000

This exercise stretches the triceps at the back of the upper arm, shoulders and chest. You can do this stretch while standing or sitting in an upright position. Either way, it feels great.

Bend your right arm behind your head so your right hand is pointed toward the middle of your upper back and your right elbow is pointed upward.
Keeping your back straight, grasp your right elbow with your left hand. Pull gently back and down until you feel a slight stretch along the back of your upper arm.
Hold for 5-10 seconds.
Repeat with the other arm.

Find out how you can get fast and effective back pain relief.

FDA Admits That ALL Anti-Inflammatory Drugs May Kill You

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:02:00 +0000

It has been discovered that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, such as Cox-2 inhibitors Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex, lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.

However, it turns out that these prescription drugs are not the only painkillers that should be avoided: The FDA has urged the public to limit the use of over-the-counter pain medications and to use them in strict accordance with the label directions.

Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers to be Wary Of;
· Aleve
· Aspirin
· Ibuprofen

Aleve (made by Bayer) is the first non-prescription NSAID to be added to the list of painkillers associated with heart attacks and strokes. In fact, Aleve is so detrimental to one's health that those who have been taking the drug for nearly three years have been advised to stop using it, while those who opt to continue taking it should take no more than two pills a day for no longer than 10 days (unless otherwise advised by a doctor). People taking the prescription version of Aleve, Naprosyn, are also being directed to take the drug with extreme caution. Further, a study administered to discover whether Aleve or Celebrex could prevent Alzheimer's disease showed that those taking Aleve had an estimated 50 percent higher risk of heart attacks and strokes than those taking a placebo.

Although over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like Aleve, Aspirin and Ibuprofen offer pain relief, they all have potentially harmful side effects. There are other arthritis pain relief products, like Arthritin, that work completely side effect free.

Add 9 Years to Your Life with Simple Lifestyle Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:57:00 +0000

Here are four simple, health-happy lifestyle changes that pay big on living longer, and living better longer. Researchers at Loma Linda University in California studied the lifestyles of more than 34,000 Seventh-Day Adventists - a religious group known for their longevity and healthy lifestyle. You don't need to convert religions to reap the longevity benefits of this study. Simply take on the lifestyle habits of this group.

Here is a synopsis of lifestyle changes and the associated years gained because of the lifestyle;
· Exercise vigorously three times per week; gain 2.1 years.
· Eat nuts five times a week; gain 2.9 years.
· Maintain a healthy weight; gain 1.5 years.
· Eat a vegetarian-style diet; gain 2.4 years.

Arnica Essential Oil – A "must have” Arthritis Home Remedy

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:41:00 +0000

The gentle Arnica oil is a pain relieving essential oil. Arnica stimulates white blood cells activity and is also known to stimulate blood circulation. Arnica has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling and improving wound healing. Arnica Essential Oil is typically rubbed on the skin for:

arthritis pain and inflammation
sore or painful joints
bruised tissue
sprains
sore muscle
cartilage pain
swelling

You can use Arnica oil after a hard workout to reduce soreness and swelling or to soothe arthritis pain and reduce inflammation. You can also use Arnica oil in a footbath for tender feet or in a hot compress for abdominal pain.

To soothe aching joints, add 4 drops of arnica essential oil to one teaspoon of your favorite healing salve. Do not use arnica oil internally. This is for external use only.

For natural arthritis pain relief, you will also want to use Arthritin.

Arthritis is on the Rise

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:52:00 +0000

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20 percent of U.S. adults have arthritis and more than a third of them have limited activity because of this growing problem. Arthritis is on the rise in the U.S. and the problem is only becoming worse.

The CDC reviewed information of an annual survey of 30,000 people for it's latest report that is published in the CDC's weekly summary of disease and death. This survey covered the different forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia. The findings indicate that 46.4 million of U.S. adults reported doctor diagnosed arthritis, and 17.4 million reported arthritis limited their activity during 2003-2005. These figures are higher then those taken in 2002, with 43 million reporting arthritis to their doctor and slightly less than eight percent affecting people's activity levels.

This annual survey also reported that those most susceptible to the different forms of arthrits include women, older adults, those with very little education, white, as compared with blacks and Hispanics, anyone who is obese, overweight, or physically inactive. Unfortunately about 30 percent of the population is obese and 60 percent are overweight. Even though it's been told time and again that exercise has been shown to help prevent arthritis, only 22 percent of U.S. residents say they exercise at least 30 minutes a day five or more times a week. The survey also found that 16 percent of those who have a normal weight or are underweight have arthritis.

Published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the CDC predicts that by 2030 arthritis will be affecting 67 million U.S. adults. The CDC believes that those with a low education, obese or are physically inactive are the ones most likely to say that arthritis and joint problems limit their activity levels. The CDC suggests that Americans get moving. By exercising, shedding pounds and becoming more active you may have an edge against arthritis.

The CDC reports that 31 percent of obese adults and 21 percent of overweight adults say they had been diagnosed with arthritis, compared with 16 percent of leaner adults. Remember, extra weight will put more stress on your joints, and when joints get little use, they become more stiff and painful.

Fibromyalgia vs. Arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:37:00 +0000

Truth is, it's not a competition with these two. In fact, these two conditions are on the same side. Fibromyalgia, while it is not actually arthritis, is
arthritis related and does exist under the same general category as arthritis.

Many people with fibromyalgia are quick to correct a doctor by saying, "I have fibromyalgia - not arthritis." There are about 100 other disorders that belong to the category arthritis is in as well. Maybe this will help to answer some of the questions.

You can eliminate pain, increase energy and promote healthful sleep patterns with safe and natural fibromyalgia products.

Hip Flexor Stretch

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:06:00 +0000

If your hips aren't hoppin' the way they used to, try this hip flexor stretch to loosen them up.

Lie on your back with your knees bent, with both feet flat on the floor about shoulder-width apart.

Bring your right knee toward your chest, pulling the upper leg back with your hands in the crook of your leg behind the knee.
The small of your back should be pressed against the floor. Without arching your back, slowly extend your left leg along the floor.

Hold for 5-10 seconds. Slowly return both legs to starting position.
Repeat with the other leg.

Depression and Other Chronic Conditions

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:39:00 +0000

If you suffer from arthritis, you are at risk for depression as well. A World Health Organization (WHO) survey compared depression and overall health, and with four other chronic diseases:

Angina

Arthritis

Asthma
Diabetes

This study, published in "Lancet," incorporated 240,000 people from over 60 countries around the world. Health scores were given to people without the above chronic conditions as well as those with. People answered questions on their ability to function daily activities, movement and memory, sleep, energy and interpersonal activities. Results ranged from 1 to 100.

People WITHOUT chronic conditions averaged a score of about 90.
People WITH chronic conditions dropped a full 10 points, to an average score of 80.

The possibility of further depression in patients with chronic diseases is high:

angina - 15%

arthritis - 11%

asthma - 18%

diabetes - 9%

Depression often goes hand in hand with chronic health problems. This study measured the impact of depression .

Clover Pain Relief Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:24:00 +0000

Last week I gave you a recipe for “Pain Relief Tea” that is used during painful arthritis flare-ups. Now I am going to give you a great tea recipe that is used as a preventative. Starting your day with a cup of clover tea might just ward off flare-ups altogether.

To make this tea, combine 1 teaspoon of crushed red clover blossom and 1 teaspoon dried alfalfa leaves. Add to 1 cup of boiling water and steep, covered, for 5 minutes. Strain the herbs before drinking.

Red Clover is an amazing herb. Red clover is considered one of the best herbs to purify the blood. Red Clover is used to support the lymphatic system and support immune system function. Red clover is also known as a blood purifier. Red clover helps with muscle relaxation and provides a mild sedative effect that can relax and relieve muscle cramping and nervousness.

Like Red Clover, Alfalfa is also a folk remedy for arthritis. Alfalfa also purifies the blood and supports the immune system. Additionally, Alfalfa tea is rich in nutritive minerals. Enjoying a daily spot of tea using these herbs can do wonders for your achy joints and your overall health.

Remeber also to use your formulated arthritis supplements and Opti-MSM alongside these arthritis home remedy tips.

Arthritis Pain Relief w/out the Side Effects

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:48:00 +0000

Arthritis can cause debilitating pain and limit your activities. Sometimes the "cure" is no better than the condition.

Here are a few natural arthritis pain relief options:
•Herbal supplements
•Magnet Therapy
•Acupuncture
•Ayurveda

Canine Arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:35:00 +0000

Pain and discomfort is the same for pets as it is for humans, cartiliage breaks down around the joint in them as it does in us humans. The same medication glucosamine and chrondroitin work for pets as well as humans in relieving pain. MSM also works beautifully for dogs with arthritis. There are an assortment of pet foods that already include these supplements for the older pet.

Remember that your pet cannot speak to you about what ails him, so keep an eye on your pet, recognize the signs of pain and find a safe canine arthritis treatment for your achy pooch.

Pain Relief Tea for Arthritis Flair-Ups

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:52:00 +0000

Use this calming and pain relieving during painful flare-ups. Drink two or three cups daily until the flare-up subsides.

To make this tea, combine 1 teaspoon each of black cohosh, devil’s claw, passion flower and ginger. Add to 4 cups of boiling water and steep, covered, for 20 minutes. Strain the herbs before drinking.

To understand why this tea works so well, let’s take a look at each ingredient;

Black cohosh contains aspirin-like substances as well as other anti- inflammatory constituents.

Ginger is used for arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory effects. Many people drink ginger tea for osteoarthritis.

The primary use for devil's claw is for conditions that cause inflammation and pain including back pain, neck pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and tendinitis.

Passionflower is a general nerve tonic with a calming influence. This herb has also shown ability to lesson pain.

Remeber also to use your formulated arthritis supplements and Opti-MSM alongside these arthritis home remedy tips.

Arthritis Pain Relief Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:31:00 +0000

There are many different ways to decrease your chances of suffering from arthritis pain:

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce wear and tear on weight bearing joints.
Regular exercise program will help strengthen muscles around joints.
Don't over exert yourself in work or exercise as this may be harmful to your joints.
Avoid repetitive movements to prevent problems later on when you age.
Eat healthy and drink plenty of water to avoid early onset of arthritis.

Once you have started to feel the effects of arthritis you will need to manage it:

Regular exercise- if you have no program it is important that you start now.
See your physician- he can help you with medication to manage your pain.
Herbal supplements - you may be able to avoid the risks with other medications you currently take.
Be informed about alternative medicines such as; magnet therapy, acupuncture, ayurveda as they do not work for everybody.

Remember that it is important to research and learn as much as possible about all the arthritis remedies available to you. Then you can make an informed decision on treating your arthritis.

Neck Stretches for Relieving Arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie R.) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:58:00 +0000

Physical activity plays a vital role in managing arthritis. Research shows that exercise is an essential tool in managing arthritis. Regular, moderate exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscle around the joints, increases flexibility and endurance and wards off other health problems.

Three Neck Stretches

Tilt your head sideways, with your ear going to your shoulder. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the other side. Do three to five repetitions.
Turn head to one side and look back over your shoulder. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the other side. Do three to five repetitions.
Tuck chin in and pull head straight back. Hold for 5 seconds and then tilt your face to the ceiling and hold for another 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

Anyone for Pigs in the Blanket?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie R.) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:59:00 +0000

Natural remedies for relieving arthritis pain is nothing new. People have been using a variety of concoctions since the dawning of mankind. With all the medications and other treatments you will find available, sometimes, it is nice to see an old-timer in terms of treatments still works as good today as it did in years past.

Take a look at this fashionable favorite!

Cabbage leaves have been used to soothe inflammation for hundreds of years. If you want to try this arthritis “Pig in a Blanket,” blanch a cabbage leaf and apply warm or cold to the area of inflammation. You can keep the cabbage in place by wrapping it in gauze or an elastic bandage.

What you get is a pain-free life with the only downside being that you may smell like cabbage for a while….

Aspirin the Most Trusted Painkiller?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie R.) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:54:00 +0000

After learning about the adverse side effects linked to prescription painkillers Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra, arthritis patients are turning back to over-the-counter drugs in hopes of finding a safer option.

Many are again opting for aspirin. Aspirin is regarded as one of the oldest, most trusted painkillers of all. In fact, it has been around for so long -- more than 100 years -- that it never went through the stringent tests today's drugs must go through in order to become non-prescription. With more than 100 billion tablets of aspirin consumed worldwide each year, aspirin is commonly used to treat inflammation and pain.

However, reliance on this over-the-counter drug may result in serious health problems, including gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach irritation. While aspirin may be fine for the occasional ache or pain, doctors do not recommend it for chronic pain sufferers because aspirin is not void of health risks.

One pharmacist (and senior editor for Harvard Health Publications) offered a word of caution pertaining to the safety of aspirin and other over-the-counter pain relievers: "My guess is that if aspirin was launched in 2004, it would not be an over-the-counter drug. People have the misunderstanding that if you can simply buy without a prescription, that it is completely safe to use. But every drug has side effects."

Although aspirin offers pain relief with less side effects than the Cox-2 inhibitors, there are other arthritis pain relief products, like Arthritin, that work completely side effect free.

An Ounce of Prevention... It's Not So Different for Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:21:00 +0000

A previous blog post addressed ways to prevent arthritis in humans. Now I want to talk about arthritis prevention for man's best friend. No surprisingly, the tips are very similar in beast as they are for man.

•Loss the weight: Maintaining proper weight is key to arthritis prevention in man and in beast. And since we humans (ideally) control what the dog eats and how much he eats, controlling the dog's weight might be easier than controlling our own. Just remember, you are doing your dog no favors by slipping him treats and table scraps.
•Exercise: This is easy prevention for dogs. Unlike we humans, who seem to have an aversion to exercise, dogs love it. They beg for it. Cut back on the food, but give your dog all the exercise it wants.
•But don’t over do it: Take Fido out for several 10-15 minute walks daily instread of one long walk, especially if your dog is getting up there in years. •Diet: A natural diet high in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy bones and tissue.

Canine Arthritis Symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:29:00 +0000

It sure would be easy if your beloved dog could speak up and tell you that his joints are hurting. They can't so it's up to you to recognize the the signs and symptoms of canine arthritis.

Canine Arthritis Symptoms: Here are a few signs that your beloved pet has painful joints;

Has trouble getting up from a lying position
Avoids stairs
Is slow moving
Is slow to lie down
Avoids jumping
Plays less
Sleeps more
Is less excited to see you when you come home
Has weight gain

Common Arthritis Causes

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:04:00 +0000

There are over 100 different types of arthritis and probably as many causes of arthritis as there are types of arthritis. The most common cause of arthritis though is wear and tear.

So what causes wear and tear on the joints? Here are the most common;
• Age: As age increases, so does the risk of arthritis. Cartilage becomes more brittle and is more likely to wear away with the aging process, leaving the joints without the protective cushioning it needs.
• Injury: Often, a previous injury can accelerate the wear and tear process on the joint and lead to arthritis later in life.
• Excess weight: Extra weight increases the pressure on joints, which can result in an earlier onset of arthritis.
• Sports: Years of playing tennis will stress the elbow. Football and baseball can stress the knees. If you stick with one sport for many years, you can increase the chance of arthritis later in life.
• Occupational Hazards: A number of jobs can contribute to the onset of arthritis. Jobs, such as assembly line work, with repeatative motion for extended periods of time can lead to tendonitis or other forms of arthritis. Construction work and other jobs that require constant heavy lifting can also contribute to arthritis.
• Infection: Both viral and bacterial infections can result in the onset of certain types of arthritis.
• Stress: Not only will it kill you, it can make the trip to the grave a painful one. Being under too much stress can upset the body’s hormonal balance, which in turn upsets the body’s immune system. A weakened immune system leaves you vulnerable to foreign bacteria, which can result in the onset of arthritis.
• Genetic predisposition: While heredity plays less of a role than your own lifestyle, it does play a role. If your mom hobbles around on arthritic knees, you might want to give yours a little extra special care.

You can't do much about your genetics but there is plenty you can do about the other common causes of wear and tear on the joints. With that in mind, you can reduce the wear and tear on your joints by;
• Avoiding repetitive movements.
• Keeping joints flexible and muscles strong with a regular exercise routine. • Avoid lifting heavy objects that are too heavy.
• Live a life of balance and moderation.

Canine Arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:41:00 +0000

Yes, dogs get arthritis too. It is estimated that over 10 million dogs have been diagnosed and 31% of owners state that it is an a real problem for their pets. Canine arthritis is most common in older and large breed dogs since they will put more weight on their joints than the smaller pets. However don't overlook the signs of arthritis in any size pet as they get older.

Pain and discomfort is the same for pets as it is for humans, cartiliage breaks down around the joint in them as it does in us humans. The same medication glucosamine and chrondroitin work for pets as well as humans in relieving pain. MSM also works beautifully for dogs with arthritis. There are an assortment of pet foods that already include these supplements for the older pet.

Remember that your pet cannot speak to you about what ails him, so keep an eye on your pet and recognize the signs of pain.

Swimming Soothes Fibromylagia Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:14:00 +0000

Swimming can significantly soothe fibromyalgia pain, European researchers reported in February after studying aquatic exercise as an effective fibromyalgia treatment.

In this study, published in the journal "Arthritis Research & Therapy," researchers divided 33 female study participants into two groups. For eight months, one group exercised in warm water for more than 60 minutes three times weekly. The other group did no aquatic training.

The swimming women reported an improved quality of life and said the workouts eased their pain.

Researchers noted that adding an aquatic exercise program to the fibromyalgia treatment mix is effective for pain and cost-effective in terms of both health care costs.

Depression and Early Retirement

noreply@blogger.com (Jeannine Virtue) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:10:00 +0000

A study from Finland indicates that depression increases the liklihood of workers taking early retirement.

Depression in middle-aged men will cause more men to retire early whereas women with mild depression will take the leap to retire early. The high number of US workers' who decide to retire early would indicate the severity of depression's impact.