How to Reduce Inflammation of Osteoarthritis?

What is Osteoarthritis?

As per modern aspect:

Osteoarthritis is the most common and long-lasting condition in which ‘osteo’ means bone and ‘arthritis’ means pain and inflammation in the joints.

In this condition, the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones wears down, results in the damage of joints and underlying bone.

It commonly affects the joints of hands, hip, knee, wrist, and spine.

It is mainly seen in middle-aged and elderly people and also referred to as “wear and Tear” of joints

As per Ayurvedic aspect:

Osteoarthritis is correlated with Sandhigata Vata. It is a type of vata vyadhi which is characterized by symptoms such as Sandhishopha (swelling of joints), sandhishoola (joint pain). It mainly occurs in vriddhavastha(old age) due to dhatukshaya that limits the range of motion. Vata dosha plays a major role in this disease.

What are the Causes of Osteoarthritis?

• Heredity
• Traumatic injury
• Obesity
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
• Pain and Swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Limited range of motion
• Tenderness
• Crackling sound

How to Reduce Inflammation of Osteoarthritis?

1. Dark Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens are rich in vitamin C and K which is very effective in increasing calcium levels and essential for calcium absorption. It is a stress-fighting phytochemical and antioxidant in nature. It helps the body to fight against infection. Vegetables that contain sulforaphane, block the inflammatory process and slow down the damage of cartilage. It reduces the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

It includes:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Broccoli (in less quantity)
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower (in less quantity)

2. Nuts

Nuts are the rich source of zinc, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin E. They are the good source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats which lower the cholesterol level and reduce the risk of heart disease that commonly occurs in people with osteoarthritis. Nuts play a major role in reducing the inflammation and pain.

It includes:

• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Pistachios

3. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a major component called as curcumin. It acts as an inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-carcinogenic and analgesic that alleviates the symptoms of joint pain and reduces the inflammation and other symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.

Steps to follow:

• Add a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of water.
• Mix it well and consume it.

Another step:

• Make a paste of turmeric and apply it on the affected joints.

4. Ginger

Ginger contains a compound gingerol that has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic property. It provides relief in pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis.

Steps to follow:

• Add an inch of ginger in a cup of boiling water.
• Simmer it for 5 minutes.
• Strain it and allow it to cool down
• Dip a washcloth or gauze in this solution and place it on the affected joint.
• Wrap this cloth around the affected joint.

Another step:

• Consume ginger tea daily.

5. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are very beneficial in osteoarthritis because of its anti-inflammatory property that reduces the inflammation and antioxidant property that inhibit the oxidation by slower down the damage to cells which are caused by free radicals.

Steps to follow:

• Soak two teaspoons of fenugreek in a glass of water for 7-8 hours.
• Strain it and consume this water.

Another Step:

• Blend these fenugreek seeds and make a paste of this.
• Apply this paste on the affected area.

6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde, both of these have antioxidant properties that help in inhibiting cells damage caused by free radicals.

Steps to follow:

• Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of boiled water.
• Add 2 tablespoons of honey in it.
• Mix this solution properly.
• Drink this regularly for about 2 weeks.

7. Cumin

Cumin seed is a powerful anti-inflammatory that suppresses the chronic inflammation and other symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. It also provides relief in morning stiffness.

Steps to follow:

• Crush some cumin seeds and stir into a cup of boiled water.
• Drink this tea daily for a few days.

8. Fennel Seeds

Fennel contains compound anethole which is very effective in blocking inflammation. It also acts as an antioxidant that inhibits the oxidation action and provides relief to the patient.

Steps to follow:

• Crush 1-2 tablespoons of fennel seeds and stir it into a cup of boiled water.
• Steep it for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Strain it and add some honey to it.
• Consume this tea daily.

9. Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants that prevent the cell damage caused by free radicals. It is useful in reducing the pain and inflammation which is associated with osteoarthritis.

Steps to follow:

• Add a teaspoon of lemon and honey in a cup of boiled water.
• Consume this tea daily.

10. Omega- 3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that have an anti-inflammatory property which helps in reducing the inflammation. It is very helpful in reducing the level of two proteins called as the C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 which causes inflammation. This also prevents the breakdown of cartilages.

11. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil helps in reducing the pain as well as inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Steps to follow:

• Take coconut oil and apply it on the affected joint.
• Allow it to dry on its own and rinse it off.

12. Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is rich in magnesium, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids which reduces the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. It also improves the other symptoms like tenderness, stiffness and muscle weakness.

13. Peppermint Leaves

Peppermint leaves are the rich source of potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains menthol that inhibits the pain receptors and provides relief in muscle spasms and increases the blood circulation. It helps in losing weight.

Steps to follow:

• Add one tablespoon of chopped fresh mint leaves in a cup of boiling water.
• Strain it and consume this tea daily.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis refers to the chronic condition of the joints that affects the joints of hands, knee, spine etc. Several causes that may result in osteoarthritis such as obesity, injury, and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis such as pain, inflammation, limited range of motion are also mentioned above. Several natural treatments are helpful in reducing inflammation are also discussed above.

Hope this information is useful.