32 DIY Joint Pain Relief – Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of The Pain

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How often do we take advantage of our freedom of movement? We do all the monkeying around on a daily basis. One fine day, when we get caught with knee pain, ligament sprain, hips and shoulders pain, is when we realize how blessed we were all these days. The next thing we know  is limited movement, tests and a whole lot of pain. The pain can be between mild to severe. And there can be swelling and stiffness too, in joints. Severe joint pain needs immediate medical attention. Can it be cured completely? Why did I get this pain? Did I do something ?

Just sit back and think, while we go to the first important question – what leads to joint pain?

Causes

Joint pain is a common complaint. Let us know what causes it.

1. Arthritis: It can be osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA happens mostly in people who are more than 40 yrs, and affects hands, wrists, hips and knees.
   RA happens more in women and causes pain, inflammation, and fluid buildup in the joints.

2. Bursitis: This is inflammation of the cushion pads around joints.

3. Infectious diseases like Hepatitis, mumps and influenza are also responsible for joint pain.

4. Injury: Sudden or accidental injury can also be the reason of joint pain.

5. Bone infection: And when this happens, the pain in joints gets unbearable.

6. Cancer: What?? Yes!! Cancer can be a very painful experience for the joints.

7. Osteoporosis: When bone density gets reduced, the risk of fracture increases.

As far as symptoms of joint pain go, most of you must have experienced it – some at ‘starting stage’ and some leading to ‘acute’. Let us find out more.

Symptoms

Facing unexplained symptoms? Or unbearable? Don’t know the cause of your pain? See your doctor right away, if any of the following occur.

1. Past Injury

2. Deformation of joints

3. Sudden swelling of joints

4. Immobility of joints

5. Severe joint pain

Want relief from Joint Pain (JP) without any side effects? Turn to Home remedies.

Home Remedies for Joint Pain

Not one, but 32 home remedies to tackle joint pain. Jot them down and thank us later!

1. Warm or Cold Compress

What you need:

• Hot and cold compress

Directions:

1. Wrap the cold and hot compress in separate towel (avoid applying them on the skin directly)

2. Put the hot compress on the affected joints for 3 min

3. Now put the cold compress for a minute

4. Keep repeating this process for 15 to 20 min daily to get relief

How it works: Cold therapy reduces inflammation in the joints area, whereas Heat therapy decreases pain, and relaxes sore muscles and joints.

Tip: Do not do heat therapy if the affected area is red, hot and irritated. Similarly, do not do cold therapy if you have circulatory problems.

2. Turmeric & Ginger Tea

What you need:

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

• Honey

Directions:

1. Boil 2 cups of water

2. Add the mentioned amt. of turmeric and ground ginger

3. Let it simmer on slow flame for 10 min.

4. Now strain the contents

5. Add honey to taste

6. Sip it twice daily

How it works: Both turmeric and ginger tea are anti-inflammatory, and they are of great help in treating osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.

Tip: Two options you have in consuming it – spicy tea or capsule form

3. Epsom salt soak

What you need:

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

What all you need:

• 1-3 tsp of ACV

• Honey

• Warm water

Directions:

1. In a cup of warm water, mix ACV and a little honey

2. Drink this treated solution before meals, 2 to 3 times a day

How it works: ACV tackles joint pain by removing toxins from the joints and connective tissues.

Tip: You can also massage the affected area with 1 tbsp each of ACV and olive oil daily.

5. Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil Blend

What all you need:

• 5-10 drops Peppermint oil

• 5 -10 drops Eucalyptus oil

• 1-2 tbsp. of carrier oil (olive, almond, grape seed, etc.)

Directions:

1. Start by blending 5-10 drops of both the oils – eucalyptus and peppermint

2. Now mix a carrier oil into the blend of eucalyptus and peppermint (to dilute the essential oil so that no skin irritation happens)

3. Storage time it is! Yeah, store the oil blend in dark glass bottle away from sunlight

4. Rub into your aching joints

How it works: Both Peppermint and eucalyptus have analgesic (or pain-relieving) properties that create a soothing sensation from arthritis

6. White Willow Tea (the original aspirin)

What all you need:

• 2 tsp powdered (or chipped) white willow bark

• 1 cup water

• Honey or lemon (to taste)

Directions:

1. Boil a cup of water – one only

2. Now reduce the flame

3. Add 2 tsp of white willow bark

4. Allow it to infuse for 10 min

5. Remove it from heat

6. Steep it now for half an hour

7. Drink it twice daily for best results

How it works: Did you know, before aspirin came – there was white willow bark? Now this has an active ingredient “salicin” which results in less pain in joints.

Tip: White willow bark is available in ‘capsule’ form too, apart from tea version

7. Golden Raisins & Gin

What all you need:

• 1/2 cup gin

• 1 cup golden raisins

• A small bowl

Directions:

1. Put a single cup of golden raisins in a shallow dish/bowl

2. Pour enough gin so that it covers the raisins

3. Place a towel over the bowl and keep it in a dark place

4. Remember, the GIN has to EVAPORATE (for that to happen, it takes 2 weeks)!

5. Then your task starts – of eating 9 raisins daily!!

How it works: Hey, did you know, this remedy goes back to 20 years when it comes to treating arthritis? Gin flavor is anti-inflammatory.

Tip: The results will not be immediate, but this home remedy works.

8. Pectin & Grape Juice

What all you need:

• 1 tbsp. liquid pectin

• oz. grape juice

Directions:

1. Mix both the ingredients together – pectin and grape juice in a drinking jar

2. Make a rule – of drinking this treated juice twice daily

How it works: Pectin is known to naturally relieve joint pain and the pain of arthritis.

Tip: The effects on your joint pain will show up after 1 to 2 weeks of consumption

9. Ginger

What you need:

• Powder of ginger

• Fenugreek

• Turmeric

Directions:

1. Mix the same amounts of all the 3 ingredients – ginger, turmeric and fenugreek powder

2. Now take 1 tsp of this mixture in the morning and evening for best results

How it works: Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, count on ginger to get you relief from muscle and joint pain

Tip: Alternatively, you can drink ginger tea. The other option is to include fresh ginger root or dried ginger powder in your diet habits.

10. Dandelion Leaves

What all you need:

• 3 tsp dandelion leaves (fresh) or 1 tsp of dandelion leaves (dried)

• 1 cup boiling water

Directions (for fresh dandelion tea):

1. Steep 3 tsp fresh dandelion leaves or 1 tsp dried in 1 cup of boiling water

2. Now strain the solution

3. Drink it twice daily

How it works: Dandelions are a powerful anti-inflammatory, packed with the vitamins A, B, C, and D, plus the minerals iron, potassium, and zinc, all having a great potential in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Tip: Since dandelion tea is bitter to taste, you can add honey to sweeten-it-up

11. Homemade Cayenne Salve

What all you need:

• 3 tbsp cayenne powder

• 1 cup grapeseed oil

• 1/2 cup grated beeswax

• A Double boiler

• A glass jar with lid

Directions:

1. Mix cayenne powder with grapeseed oil (or oil of your choice)

2. Heat it in a double boiler for 5-10 min

3. Now stir the contents in 1/2 cup grated beeswax

4. Keep stirring till it has melted completely

5. Chill the preparation in fridge

6. Now transfer it in a glass jar and once again store it in the refrigerator

7. Keep applying it daily whenever pain strikes you.

How it works: Capsaicin found in cayenne powder reduces the pain signals

Tip: Have sensitive skin? Use this homemade remedy with caution.

12. Olive Oil

What all you need:

• 2-3 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Rub and massage…what? Olive oil to your joints

2. Let it get absorbed in the skin completely

3. Do it twice daily, but gently

How it works: Olive oil, being consistent, lubricates your joints and brings relief from arthritis pain.

Did you know – olive oil has a compound – the “oleocanthal” which prevents the production of COX – 1 and COX – 2 (two enzymes that cause inflammation)?

Tip: Olive oil is the go-to oil. You can cook dishes with it or add it to salads.

13. Eucalyptus and Jojoba Oil

What all you need: Eucalyptus Oil, and Jojoba Oil

Directions:

1. Take 10 drops of eucalyptus oil

2. Mix it with the same value of jojoba oil

3. Stir both the oils well

4. Fill the oil blend in a bottle

5. Now massage this oil blend on the aching joints for relief

How it works: While the Eucalyptus oil lessens the stiffness in joints, jojoba oil aids the eucalyptus oil in doing so.

14. Flaxseed Oil

What all you need:

• Flaxseed oil (or raw flax seeds)

Directions:

1. Soak uncrushed flaxseed in water for 30 minutes.

2. Remove the seeds

3. Now warm the water before consuming it.

How it works: Eases symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis; lubricates joints, and reduces joint pain and stiffness.

Tip: You can also mix 10g of flaxseed flour in honey and take it

15. Nettle Leaves

What you need:

• Dried nettle leaves

• Hot water

Directions:

1. Start by steeping 2 to 3 tsp of dried nettle leaves

2. That you are to do in a cup of hot water

3. Now strain the solution

4. Drink the tea

5. Not once, but you are to do it 3 times a day to get results

How it works: Research shows that stinging nettle is a good therapy for joint pain and has no major side effects. Since nettle leaves might interfere with blood thinners and medications for BP, heart and diabetes, do consult your doctor/qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before taking it.

Tip: The other option is to put nettle leaves on the affected area (joints) for about 30 sec, daily for a week

16. Lubricate With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

What you need:

2-3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Rub and massage…what? Olive oil to your joints

2. Do it twice daily, but gently

How it works: Olive oil, being consistent, lubricates your joints and brings relief from arthritis pain.

17. Coconut Oil

What you need:

• Coconut oil

Directions:

1. Apply coconut oil directly to your affected joints

2. This will give you pain relief.

How it works: Virgin coconut oil reduces joint inflammation because it has medium chain fatty acids (MCFA)

Tip: Do not use more than 1 tsp of coconut oil per day. You can also use coconut oil with Aloe Vera in order to reap the benefits.

18. Cayenne, Mustard and Ginger Infused Oil

What you need:

• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper

• 2 tbsp crushed mustard seeds

• 2 tsp grated ginger

• 1 cup olive oil

Directions:

1. In a jar, add all the ingredients

2. Now pour olive oil into it

3. Stir it well

4. Cover the jar and keep it aside for 7 days

5. Using a sieve or cheesecloth, strain the solution

6. Now, discard the herbs. As for the oil, store it in an air-tight container

7. Apply the oil on the joint pain

8. Massage it and dry it completely

9. Keep repeating this remedy till you experience relief

How it works: This combo will quickly provide you relief from joint pain. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which fight swelling and pain. Mustard helps loosen the stiff joint muscles.

19. Burdock Root

What you need:

• Burdock Root

• 2 cups water

Directions:

1. Boil 2 cups water

2. Now add 2 tbsp burdock root to the boiled water

3. Let it simmer for about 10 min

4. Now turn off the flame, and strain the tea using a sieve

5. Drink it warm

6. Don’t have fresh burdock? Then have 2 tsp of dried burdock root.

How it works: Did you know, Burdock Root has been used historically in India, Europe and China to treat painful joints? It has essential fatty oils that have sterols and tannins (which have anti – inflammatory properties).

Tip: You can also take burdock root herb in capsule form

20. Garlic

What you need:

• Garlic cloves

• 2 tbsp mustard or sesame oil

Directions:

1. Fry 2 garlic cloves in mustard or sesame oil

2. When the garlic cloves turn black, turn off the flame

3. Now strain the oil

4. Let the oil cool to room temp

5. Now massage it on the affected joints

6. Let it stay for 3 hours

7. Then wash it off

How it works: Garlic is sulfur and selenium-rich. This makes it beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and joint pain.

Tip: If you can’t eat garlic in raw form, then try taking it as “garlic supplements” (after reading the directions on the label)

21. Cinnamon

What you need:

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp honey

• Hot or cold water

Directions:

1. Dissolve cinnamon and honey in a glass of hot or cold water

2. Now drink it regularly for 2 weeks

How it works: You get reduced joint pain and swelling

Tip: Cinnamon can be combined with a variety of ingredients like ginger, coconut oil, etc. in tackling joint pain

22. Green Tea

What you need:

• Green tea (In tea bag form, or capsule form)

Directions:

1. Dip a green tea bag in a cup containing boiling water

2. Infuse it for 2-3 min, then drink it

How it works: Meet ‘the tea’ for aching joints – Green tea. It relives you from joint pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, thanks to the ‘polyphenols’ and antioxidants in it

Tip: Before taking green tea in the form of supplements, do consult your doc first

23. Capsaicin

What you need:

• Ground cayenne

• 2-3 tbsp olive oil

• Gauze strip

Directions:

1. Mix ground cayenne with recommended qty of olive oil

2. Apply this paste on a gauze strip

3. Not put it on the aching joints area

How it works: This is an old home remedy. It reduces levels of P compound, which transmits pain signals to the brain.

Tip: The first time you apply the capsaicin on the joints, you will get a burning sensation. After a week or so, it will get de-sensitised. But yes, keep this paste away from your eyes, mouth etc.

24. Cloves

What you need:

• Cloves (in oil form)

Directions:

1. Apply clove oil topically on painful joints (after mixing it with another essential oil).

2. Massage it till the time the oil sinks into the skin

3. Repeat this remedy twice or thrice a day, depending on the acuteness of your pain

How it works: Apart from treating pain in mouth and gums, Clove oil is also used for treating joint and muscle pain.

Tip: Since clove oil is quite strong, remember to dilute it before applying it or taking it though mouth.

25. Boswellia

What you need:

• Boswellia

Directions:

1. Take boswellia either in ‘topical cream’ form or in ‘tablet’ form

How it works: Also called Frankincense, Boswellia is a flowering plant whose gum resin (or extract) is anti-inflammatory and a pain-killer.

Tip: It is most often taken in tablet form

26. Cherries

What you need:

• Cherries – 1 cup

Directions:

1. Include cherries in the diet

2. One cup is ideal – it has 74 calories of energy.

How it works: Never knew that ‘wonder fruit’ Cherries would be wonderful for health too. It helps keep painful osteoarthritis (OA) in check.

27. Alfalfa

What you need:

• Alfalfa (in the form of tea, or supplements)

Directions:

1. Drink the tea made from alfalfa (especially made from its seeds)

2. This is beneficial in the treatment of arthritis.

How it works: It is said Alfalfa is nature’s remedy for joint pain and arthritis. The plant is rich in minerals needed for the forming and strengthening of bones.

Tip: Alfalfa can also be had in the form of capsules too

28. Fenugreek

What you need:

• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (finely ground)

• A glass of water (lukewarm)

Directions:

1. Swallow 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds in your mouth

2. Drink a glass of lukewarm water

3. Repeat it every morning till you get positive results

How it works: Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, fenugreek seeds are a good remedy for joint pain, even arthritis

Tip: You can also soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight and take them next morning

29. Thunder God Vine

What all you need:

• Roots of Thunder God Vine (TGV)

Directions:

1. Best to apply TGV directly to the skin (topically)

How it works: Know what Thunder God Vine is? It is a root of a vine-like plant from Asia. And how does it work? It reduces inflammation and treats symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Tip: Long-term use of TGV is not recommended. Can be poisonous if extracts are taken from other areas of the vine.

30. Juniper Berry Tea

What you need:

• 1 tbsp dried juniper berries

• 1 cup water (fresh)

• Honey (optional)

Directions:

1. Boil fresh water (in the qty. as mentioned)

2. Put 1 tbsp juniper berries (dried) in a mug

3. Now pour boiling water over the dried juniper berries

4. Let them steep for about 20 min

5. Strain and drink 1 cup daily

6. You can add honey to taste or skip it

How it works: According to a published research, juniper berries have ‘terpinen-4-ol’ component which helps in tackling arthritis pain

Tip: Please DON’T drink juniper berry tea while pregnant.

31. Acupuncture

What all you need:

• Acupuncture needles

Directions:

1. The procedure calls for insertion of ‘thin’ needles into body points

2. This will improve the pain in joints and bring relief

3. Acupuncture technique should be Ideally done by a medical practitioner

How it works: Acupuncture helps in giving relief from all kinds of knee pain – arthritis, osteoporosis or any other

32. Borage

What you need:

• Borage oil

Directions:

1. Take 1.1 to 1.4 grams of borage oil daily for up to 24 weeks.

2. But first consult your doctor.

How it works: Borage oil is an anti-inflammatory supplement. It has the highest amount of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which helps in pain reduction.

Tip: Pregnant and breast-feeding ladies should avoid taking Borage oil as it can cause liver disease and cancer in the mother.

Are you Fitness-wise? You better be – if you have to treat joint pain.

Physical Exercise to Prevent and Treat Joint Pain

I know, how UNPLEASANT the word ‘exercise’ sounds, particularly, if you are down with joint pain. But it is important for those who are suffering from the pesky pain, stiffness in joints, and arthritis.

Exercise is a MUST – but why? Because, it helps in controlling weight and strengthens the muscles that support the joint (when even the cartilage is on the brink of thinning) and does the JOINT-LUBRICATION.

Imagine if you were sitting all day, one fine day you would get so stiff that, movement would become next-to-impossible.

You don’t want that, do you?

Tip 1 – Go for a brisk walk. Start with 15 min walk, and then make it a solid everyday routine

Tip 2 – Stretches and exercises targeting joints will help you get rid of the stiffness and pain

Tip 3 – Do a ‘dog-doing’. Bow! Wow! Walk the dog and see how you start to walk

DIY Pain Relieving Creams For You:

Move aside ‘Moov’…

After all, there are far more effective joint-pain-relieving home remedies available via creams (not the moisturizing ones but pain-relieving ones).

Cream (1)

Ingredients:

• Coconut Oil

• Beeswax pellets

• 2 tsp Camphor crystals or 5 drops Camphor oil

• 2 tsp Menthol crystals or 5 drops Peppermint oil

• Eucalyptus oil

Directions:

1. In the first step, you need to melt coconut oil and beeswax

2. Microwave or double boiler – you can consider both options. There is even a saucepan-on-the-stove option

3. You have to keep stirring the coconut oil and beeswax so that they can fully melt

4. Let the mixture cool down for a few min

5. Now add camphor crystals (or the camphor oil), menthol crystals (or the oil) and finally, the eucalyptus oil

6. Now transfer all this in a container

7. Allow it to cool so that it can become ‘solid’

8. Now apply it on your skin and experience relief

How it works: Coconut oil is perfect for massaging into sore muscles and joints.

Cream (2)

Ingredients:

• Coconut Oil – 1/2 cup

• 2 tbsp Cayenne Paper

Directions:

1. Using a double boiler, melt coconut oil

2. Remove it from the flame

3. Now add cayenne pepper

4. Mix both the ingredients thoroughly

5. Now apply it on the affected joints

6. Let it stay for 20 to 25 min

7. Rinse it off with water

8. Keep doing this few times a day to get relief

9. Avoid applying this cream on open cuts and wounds.

How it works: This is a 2-ingredient-cream. Pretty effective in treating joint pains in shoulders, knees neck and hands.

Do ‘Dietary changes’ have anything to do with joint pain? Let’s find out.

Dietary Tips for Joint Pain

Here are 12 tips on diet management when it comes to controlling joint pain.

1. Pineapple has ‘bromelain’ and vitamin C. So, what does this do? Relieves joint pain. It also has copper to nourish the bones and support functioning of joints. Which is why, include Pineapple in your daily diet.

2. Molasses have the following elements – calcium, potassium, magnesium. They do their work in maintaining healthy bones. To make use of it, add 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses into a glass of water and drink it.

3. Wheat germ has omega–3 and omega–6 fatty acids. These reduce the pain in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. All you need to do is take 1-2 tbsp wheat germ oil daily so as to treat and reduce knee arthritis and chronic joint pains.

4. Include foods rich in magnesium e.g. dark leafy greens (like spinach), nuts (in the form of almonds) and legumes (such as beans).

5. Do take Bosweilla or Frankincense. Its a pain killer which you can buy at health stores (also available online). Take it only after you have consulted your doctor on the right time and dosage.

6. Cut down on tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc. They have alkaloids in them which can be a root cause of inflammation.

7. Heard of Jello – O gelatin? Daily intake of it gets you relief from JP and arthritis. Avoid its over-consumption since it can cause more inflammation

8. Carrots are the go-to remedy for treating aching joints. Eat carrots in raw form or as steamed.

9. Water, water, water! Keep drinking it all through the day. It detoxifies the joints and lessen the pain.

10. Onions are anti-inflammatory. So do include them in your diet. It has ‘sulfur’ which inhibit the pain-causing enzymes.

11. Stay away from food that is likely to increase your weight. This can be the reason of joint pain

12. Want fast recovery from joint pain? Stay away from all kinds of oily, sugary, processed foods. Avoid eating red meat, fast foods, carbonated beverages, etc.

When to Seek for Medical Help?

Try and schedule an appointment when the following happen –

• Increased or sudden swelling in joints or knee pain

• Redness as a result of inflammation

• Intense and Unbearable pain

• Joint that looks DEFORMED

• ‘Popping’ noise at the time of your knee injury

• Inability to bear weight

• Feeling of tenderness around the joints

• Fever

Even if your knee pain has been minor for some amount of time, still see a doctor.

Better late than never!

Prevention and Reduction Tips

Here are some ways to prevent knee and hip pain (what we call as ‘joint pain’) –

1. Ice Therapy – Did you know cold temps reduce blood flow, and reduce tissue swelling? In case, you are down with joint pain, do an ice pack on the affected area every hour for 15 min.
   Do not apply the ice straight on the aching joints. Wrap them in a towel or washcloth and then on the aching area.

2. Hydrotherapy – The concept of warm water will certainly reduce the pressure on the aching joints and muscles. So get into a nice warm bath to minimize joint pain

3. Massage – This is an Xcellent way to relive joint pain. Do it at home or get it professionally done. If you are doing it on your own, then try massaging the affected area with a‘menthol rub’ to help ease the pain

4. Exercise – Our grandparents were not wrong when they advised us to do physical exercises in the morning. Choose the one that gives you the flexibility to move within the limits of your pain, not excess

5. Medications – There are certain medicines like ‘Ibuprofen’ which are helpful in giving you relief from joint pain. Its always better to take them on doctor’s advice.

6. Alternative Medical Treatments – Heard of medical practices such as ‘Acupuncture’ and ‘Bikram yoga’? They not only enhance your joint movement, they also reduce the pain.

7. Immobilize the affected area – Down with too much of joint pain? Then, immobilize the area with a splint or brace. But do it only when the pain becomes very very unbearable!

8. Rest – Relaxation and rest is one of the best ways to reduce joint pain. This will give the body the freedom to repair itself on its own.

Now this was a short ‘encyclopedia’ on Joint Pain. Hope many of you who have made the effort to read it will find ways and means to stop and treat the existing joint pain and prevent it from happening in the first place.

Do write your comments/feedback please and share it with your loved ones. Joint Pain can be the most painful thing happening to the body. We need remedies and preventive care so that it reduces and heals, not aggravate.