Arthritis is an ailment disturbing millions of people each year. Even though doctors are agreeable to set down medication to you for both the disease and for the pain that is linked with all kinds of arthritis, keep in mind that there are many normal and option ways to treat arthritis and the symptoms related with it as well.

Arthritis, in the most simplistic terms, affects the joints and bones. Some specialists believe that living in a damp, cold climate increases the likelihood of becoming afflicted with this very painful and debilitating condition; others ascribe it to overuse, for example typists whose fingers become knotted, athletes with swollen knees and troublesome hips, ballerinas with painful feet.

Occasionally it can be caused by bad fall, a severe jolt or the trauma of an accident. One of the interesting aspects or arthritis is the higher proportion of women to men who suffer from it an it is reasonable to believe that this is as a result of the hormonal changes which take place during the menopause, causing not only a physical decline but leading not only a physical decline but leading also to emotional upheavals which in turn may lead to a state of unhappy introspection.

It was at one time believed that poisons in the system were created by bitterness, intolerance and brooding desire for revenge and that as this type of unhealthy anger could not thrive in atmosphere of love and forgiveness the antidote should be religious ritual in the form of confirmation, as many times as was necessary, to rid the body of its evil arthritis-forming toxins! I cannot help but feel that this was a bit hard on the poor old vicar who must surely have despaired at finding that his sermons upon ?loving the neighbour? were persistently falling on deaf ears. Nevertheless it is true to say that emotional stress and anxiety to leave their physical mark upon the body and perhaps we should not scoff at those, chauvinistic old psychologist of yesteryear.

Oil of evening primrose It is now believed that if women start taking evening primrose oil during and after the menopause they will never suffer from arthritis. It is also though to be able to arrest an existing condition.

Cider vinegar and honey One teaspoon of each in hot water taken first thing in the morning will reduce the chances of arthritis.

Honey and lemon Some fruits should not be eaten by arthritis suffers but lemon juice has a beneficial effect. Take daily the juice of 1 lemon in hot water sweetened with honey.

Agrimony tea or willow bark tea An infusion of either taken daily and preserved with over a long period of time will bring relief. Agrimony and willow both contain a fair amount of salicylic acid which is the vital component of aspirin.

Nettle and sage tea or catnip tea Both are excellent and pleasant-tasting teas which have a mildly sedative and regenerative effect, relieving tension and improving the state of mind. For other teas which will allay anxiety and thus improve a painful arthritic condition see Anxiety.

Swimming One of the most excellent methods of guarantee a flexible and healthy body is to swim every day. Taking a bathe every day or as frequently as is likely will reduce arthritis. Spa treatments, where one can swim and is fasted on natural spring water are considered by many to be far better than any other treatments and can be repeated regularly if circumstances allow, without adverse side effects. Indoor heated swimming pools and a self-inflicted fast, drinking water, may not be so luxurious but will bring the same benefits.

Olive oil A gentle massage with warm live oil as soon as the pain starts is cheap and effective.

Garlic, juniper, lavender, cajuput, sage, rosemary, thyme, or sassafras Any one of these oils diluted in the proportions of one part to 10 parts of olive oil and used to massage the painful joint will bring immense relief.

Liniment for Arthritis

2 drops essential oil of cloves

3 drops essential oil of eucalyptus

3 drops oil of wintergreen (synthetic)

7 drops oil of camphor B.P.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Shake together thoroughly and use to massage the afflicted joint.

There are many conflicting theories which arise over how much the diet creates of affects arthritis. Nevertheless it would be safe to say that when the condition becomes more painful and examination of the diet may reveal certain adverse factors. Red meat and dairy produce are destructive whilst a vegetarian diet, or one including fish, with plenty or raw fruit and vegetables can do nothing but well. There are those who swear that stewed fruit creates havoc whilst others believe that chocolate or refined carbohydrates have an equally devastating effect. An extra supplement of calcium, zinc and vitamin C is often recommended and worth trying at an early stage. See also Rheumatism, Constipation and Catarrhal Infections for more information on food and drink.

Cabbage juice This surprisingly pleasant drink is also frequently suggested to alleviate catarrh so that one cannot help but wonder if the tow conditions are connected.

Garlic Stringing garlic bulbs about the afflicted limb was a strong device offered by the wise women. Several garlic cloves chewed daily are an excellent idea but if this is too ghastly to contemplate try garlic perles or capsules.

Celery All parts eaten raw are considered to be effective. Celery contains a fair quantity of minerals and it is also a valuable diuretic.