Arthiritis refers to inflammation of the joints surrounding tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Arthiritis can affect virtually every part of the body. Symptoms range from slight pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints to crippling disability. Though it is more common in old age, arthritis can strike people at any age. It could also be associated with other disorders like Psoriasis.

A form of Arthritis Degenerative joint disease or Osteoarthritis, is a condition in which small bony growths appear on the large joints. In this condition of Arthiritis, person suffers from early morning stiffness or stiffness following periods of rest. The joint pains can become worse, when the user does some physical activity. Osteoarthritis usually sets in with old age.

Another form of Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arhtritis, is an autoimmune disorder causing chronic inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body tissues are mistakenly attacked by its own immune system.

Symptoms of Arthritis

• Reduced or complete loss of joint function
• Tenderness in joints
• Mild to Acute pain - observed constantly or after periods of movements or rest
• Swelling, creaking and cracking of joints on movement
• Restrictions in physical mobility
• Raised bones in the joint areas

What causes Arthritis?

• Long term Heavy Physical Activity which is strenous on joints, and ligaments.
• Severe or recurrent Joint Injuries.
• Hormonal Changes in and during menopause is a main cause of arthritis in women.
• Living in Extreme Cold Weather conditions increase risk of being arthritic.
• Nutritional deficiencies of Calcium, magnesium, manganese, protein and essential fatty acids.

Natural Remedies for Arthritis

• Since the main cause of arthritis is excess body weight, reducing it may prevent arthritis and help in reducing joint pains. Piper longum (Indian Long pepper, Pippali) improves digestion, accelerates metabolism and prevents the transformation of undigested carbohydrates into triglycerides. Zingiber officinale (Ginger, Sunthi) possesses antioxidant properties and thereby prevents lipid oxidation and its deposition in the body.
• Topical Massage with Olive oil alone or in combination with a diluted extract of Garlic, Juniper, Lavender, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, or Sassafras oils provides instant relief from joint pain.
• Intake of Mineral supplements specially calcium, and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) intake has shown good results in treatment of arthritis.
• Oils of Lavender, Rosemary and Chamomile have mild analgesic and high anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing pain and treatment of Arthritis.
• Magnesium salts (Epsom salt) should be added to bathing water, to reduce inflammation and stiffness of joints.
• In rheumatoid arthritis condition, oral intake of fish oil helps. Fish oil contains fatty acids called EPA and DHA, which help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Intake of Nutritional supplements, including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, helps in the treatment of arthritis.
• Boswellin or Indian frankincense, comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in the dry hills of India. The tree bark produces a resin, called salai guggal, which has highly effective anti-inflamatory properties and has been used traditionally by Indian healers. Several preparations made from a purified extract of this resin and packaged in pill or cream form are used to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ayurvedic Preparations like Chavanprasha and Shilajeet have potent adaptogenic properties, if taken regularly these help to improve the ability to work both physically and mentally.

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