Natural Remedies for Arthritis

Arthritis in two words is joint inflammation. However, the word arthritis is widely used to describe diseases that cause stiffness, swelling, and pain in joints. In its severe form, arthritis is perhaps the most debilitating disease and cause of disability for people 65 and older. The most common form of arthritis is the degenerative joint disease, which is also known as osteoarthritis. 

Osteoarthritis is basically deterioration of joint cartilage with age, more severe in vata body type. The cartilage surface wears, deteriorates, inflames, and eventually may get completely worn out. It leaves joints without cushion in between the bones. The bone on bone friction causes pain and limited joint mobility. The disease progresses as you age.

For 55 years and older, it is the beginning of vata age which means increase in vata energy. As vata increases, particularly in vata body type, a person has difficulty retaining fluids in the tissues. The loss of juices in the body creates more dryness. The dryness leads to lack of lubrication in joints. If further adds to stiffness and pain. To make matters worse, increase in vata initiates other vata issues like loss of restful sleep. Without restful sleep, the arthritis pain feels even worse.

To date there is no cure for arthritis. However, the progression of the disease can be halted or even reversed somewhat. Ayurvedic treatment offers natural means to manage and improve on this condition, so you enjoy the quality of your life without the side effects of drugs. Ayurvedic treatment starts with vata pacifying diet; avoid cold, dry and light processed foods; in general eat warm cooked foods with healthy fats and oils; eat juicy nourishing foods; and include turmeric in your recipes. Turmeric has incredible anti-inflammatory properties. In addition add Tulsi (basil), grape juice, and green tea. All have distinct properties to inhibit inflammation and thus inhibit pain.