Arthritis Natural Remedies
Arthritis is a blanket term that describes pain, inflammation or degeneration of the joints. There are over 100 variations of arthritis including osteoarthritis (the most common form), gout, pseudogout and rheumatoid arthritis.
The following are some natural remedies.
Borax
Borax contains sodium, hydrogen, oxygen and boron. It is water-soluble. It is the boron that is the key to benefiting the joints. People with lower concentration of boron in their bones have higher rates of arthritis.
Boron is a mineral required by the body. Higher concentrations of boron are found in strong bones than in weak bones. Boron is needed by the body for proper calcium-magnesium balance, another factor in a healthy skeletal system. Most diets provide only 1 to 3 mg of boron per day.
Though the USDA and other health authorities still haven’t established a recommended dietary allowance, they’ve determined an “upper limit” instead, which means the amount many people consume and maintain their health without experiencing signs of deficiency or toxicity.
The upper limits for boron depend on your age and gender and are as follows:
1–3 years: 3 milligrams/day
4–8 years: 6 milligrams/day
9–13 years: 11 milligrams/day
14–18 years: 17 milligrams/day
Adults 19–50 years: 20 milligrams/day
Pregnant women : 17–20 milligrams/day
Women who are breastfeeding: 20–25 milligrams/day
Lethal doses of boron are believed to be about 15 to 20 grams/day for adults and three to six grams/day for infants, although many studies find minimal or no toxicity at these levels or even higher.
Topical boric acid is used to treat psoriatic arthritis. This boron compound is usually supplied as 1.5% boric acid in ointments.
There are no standard doses for boron in the treatment of osteoarthritis. However, up to 6 mg of boron per day has been used to provide relief for osteoarthritis patients. Some experts advice an upper daily limit of 13 mg of boron. Given that boron is safe to ingest, larger doses may be tolerated although it is unsure if these doses will provide corresponding increases in efficacy. Still, high doses of boron can cause some side effects. The side effects of boron are mild. They include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Boron may also trigger allergic reactions. Presentations of this allergy include chest pain, rashes, hives and respiratory difficulties. If any of these occurs then you need to stop your boron supplementation.
The National Institute of Health warns consumers that boron supplements can be harmful to people with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast or prostate cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids since it can increase estrogen levels. People with existing cases of kidney disease or liver disease should also use boron supplements very carefully and speak with a doctor first since these conditions can alter the way the body gets rid of excess boron and other minerals.
Food sources of Boron
Apples and pears are among the fruits commonly consumed that are highest in boron concentration. Most fruits, seeds, stalks, or barks have high concentrations of boron except for citrus fruits, berries, and pineapple. However, boron is naturally found in many whole foods, especially...
almonds sweet potatoes onions pecans
walnuts figs
peaches
apricots
cocoa
raisins cherries Brazil nuts
whole grains avocados berries artichokes plums/prunes oranges grapes red wine
bananas
kiwis
dates
chickpeas
tomatoes
lentils
olives
beer
honey
currants
beans (black, lima, kidney, snap peas, mungo)
kidney beans
Meat, dairy products and other animal diets are not rich in boron because the mineral does not accumulate in tissues in appreciable amounts. This property of boron is also beneficial because it means that the threshold of boron toxicity in humans is very high.
The type of boron we obtain from food is primarily boric acid, B(OH)3, which is naturally present only in plants.
The USDA reports that most people usually consume enough boron to meet their needs and get most of their boron from these foods: coffee, milk, apples, beans and potatoes. Together, these foods are responsible for about 27% of the boron most people consume though coffee and milk aren’t the best sources of boron.
Other uses of boron
Boron is used by many athletes and bodybuilders because it’s believed to increase the body’s ability to produce and use testosterone, so it’s beneficial for recovering from exercise, preventing aches and pains, building muscle mass, and keeping bones strong. Additionally, boron is linked to improved brain function in some instances since it helps boost concentration, focus and the ability to learn new information.
Boron is linked with helping prevent conditions, including:
Osteoporosis and weak or broken bones
Low concentration or “brain fog”
Poor memory
Signs of aging on the skin
Worsened menopausal and PMS symptoms
Allergies
Weak muscles
Stomach and digestive parasites
Candida infection and yeast infections
Eye infections
Boron can slow lipids (fats) from accumulating, which facilitates cholesterol removal. This will lower your chances of getting blood clots and atherosclerosis as well as protect you against heart attacks and strokes.
Boron helps balance pH levels and assists the body in handling other minerals like magnesium, calcium and phosphorus by producing necessary digestive enzymes. Studies show boron can help the body produce and use vitamin D better, which is a crucial nutrient for healthy bone formation. Boron helps relieve menopause symptoms as well as PMS, and also for increasing fertility. Boron acts as a natural food preservative within foods. Because boron helps diminish bacteria growth, it’s a natural way to prevent crops from spoiling.
Boron can help resolve vitamin D deficiency. It does this by blocking the enzyme that degrades vitamin D in the blood. Together with vitamin D, boron can stimulate the mineralization of bones to make them stronger. This is particularly important in post-menopausal women.
Boron glycinate supplements are in the form of either liquid or tablets. Most people prefer Liquid Boron supplements since they have high absorption rate in the body. Take these supplements in moderation due to the fact to that boron toxicity is a real thing. The best form of boron supplement is in dry pill form. Liquid and droppers can work but you get more absorption in pill form and get much more boron for your money than boron diluted in water or a solution.
A boron supplement should be taken once daily at the recommended rate of approximately 5mg per day. A dosage of more than 20mg per day can be bad for the body. These can be identified through skin peeling, inflammation, weakness, irritability, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and vomiting. A typical diet would supply approximately 2.5mg of boron per day.
Boron depletes Vitamin B6. So take B6 when taking boron. B6 deficiency causes irritability. The biggest role of Vitamin B6 in the body is to keep all minerals in balance, preventing 1 mineral from dominating another, so that proper ratios are maintained. Boron metabolizes copper, which in turn uses up zinc. Boron and copper are (right brain) minerals that are known to increase creativity. Boron e
affects calcium and magnesium metabolism. Both calcium and magnesium are "sedative" minerals, which cause irritibilty when they become out-of-balance. Taking boron without adequate calcium and/or magnesium could cause irritability.
If you fall under any of the following categories, do seek medical advice before starting on boron supplementation:
Expectant Mothers
Lactating Mothers
Sensitive medical condition patient like in case of diabetes
Cancer patients
Kidney disease patients
It is advisable to take boron glycinate together with silica since it adds synergy and functionality of the nutrient element.
If you're not comfortable drinking borax internally, there are boron supplements you can buy. An alternative form is calcium borate.
These videos will provide more extensive information about using borax for arthritis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXqlBVXUI98 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpSJdLyqibs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6x-9A6pEJc&t=161s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55dzxz_-gik
The man who championed the use of boron in the treatment of osteoarthritis is Dr. Rex Newnham who took the time to study the effect of boron on the outcome of osteoarthritis. He also demonstrated the link between the level of boron in the diet and the prevalence of osteoarthritis in different countries. This researcher discovered that in areas where boron can easily get into the diets of the populace, the number of arthritis cases is usually low.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw and organic apple cider vinegar provides trace nutrients to the body and helps the body to become more alkaline which reduces pain. 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar can be added to a glass of water. This tonic is consumed once or twice a day. Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for weight loss. Losing excess weight often reduces arthritis symptoms and risks.
3. Baking Soda
When an imbalance in the body’s natural pH level is the primary causes of arthritis, baking soda is an effective treatment option. Baking soda helps neutralize the body’s acidic state and return the body to alkalinity. Baking soda also provides carbonates to the body. Baking soda is a popular natural remedy for gout, one form of very painful arthritis.
4. Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses is a densely packed food. It contains calcium, magnesium, iron potassium, zinc selenium, and B vitamins to name a few! Nutritional deficiencies are common causes of many diseases. Restoring necessary nutrients to the body can allow it to heal itself. 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 200 mg of calcium, which is 20% of the RDA for calcium for adults 50 and under. Calcium is critical to bone health, and calcium from foods is more easily assimilated into the body. 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 25% of the RDA of magnesium for adults. Magnesium is necessary for healthy bones and cartilage. Copper is needed by the body to form connective tissue. Blackstrap molasses is a source of copper. Take note of the nutritional content of individual brands of blackstrap molasses. The amounts of nutrients in molasses does vary from brand to brand.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is an herbal anti-inflammatory and a wonderful natural pain remedy. It can be taken in capsule form or added to milk. Golden milk is a popular way to take turmeric and is quite palatable. Curcumin in turmeric is they key to turmeric's anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties. Early studies about the use of curcumin for arthritis are encouraging.1 Turmeric has few side effects, especially when compared to over the counter ani-inflammatory medications.
6. Essential Oils
A number of essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties. Frankincense and peppermint essential oils are each excellent topical treatments for arthritis pain. Frankincense has a long history in herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Peppermint essential oil has a cooling effect on the body. Using peppermint and frankincense together makes a pleasant smelling topical pain reliever. While some people use either of these oils “neat,” (undiluted) it is generally recommended to use essential oils with a carrier oil. Coconut oil or castor oil are two great carrier oils for arthritis treatment as each one has its own healing properties.
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed by the joints for the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Evidence suggests that vitamin C has analgesic properties for those with joint and other pain.2
Sodium ascorbate is the best form of vitamin C to take. It is easier on the stomach and less acidic than the ascorbic acid form.
8. Bone Broth (Gelatin)
Bone broth is gaining popularity as a remedy for many degenerative conditions, including arthritis. Perhaps it would be better to say that it is “regaining” popularity. Generations ago bone broth was a staple in homes and used on a regular basis. Bone broth is made by a low simmering of bones and cartilage for 12-48 hours. During this time the nutrients that make up the bones and joints are extracted. Bone broth is chock full of just the nutrients needed for bone and joint repair! It is not difficult to make bone broth at home. Alternately, gelatin, collagen or store bought bone broth can be used.
9. Weight Loss
Extra pounds cause extra stress to the joints, which promotes pain and degeneration. For every pound that a body is overweight there is a four pound increase in pressure on the knee joints. Someone who carries around only a modest 15 pound excess is placing an extra 60 pounds of force on the knee joints. Additionally, excess fat cells can aggravate arthritis conditions due the the inflammatory chemicals that are produced in the fat cells.3 Losing weight can reduce pressure on joints and reduce the inflammatory response in the body. Losing weight is definitely worth the trouble to improve health on many fronts. Weight loss goes hand in hand with the next important arthritis remedy on this list…
10. Exercise
Exercise helps strengthen the body, including the muscles and the bones. Stronger muscles mean there is less stress on and more support for the joints. Exercise also promotes effective circulation. Better circulation allows for the body’s repair mechanisms to take place at a faster rate. Swimming is a wonderful exercise for those with arthritis. Walking is pleasant and more easily available. If your doctor permits, small hand weights can be used to strengthen joints and muscles in the arms. (The legs will be getting the benefit of weight bearing exercise by virtue of carrying the body.)
11. Dietary Changes
Food is the primary vehicle for needed vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to enter the body. Making calories count with healthy and nutrient dense foods gives the body something to work with. Whether arthritis is caused by wear and tear, genetics, obesity, infection, autoimmune diseases, metabolic imbalances or nutritional deficiencies, quality nutrition will support healing or at least can help to slow down the progression of disease. Excessive amounts of sugar and processed foods fill up the body and keep it from getting needed nutrients. They also contribute to obesity, which aggravates arthritis. Supplements may still be necessary and helpful but they will never completely overcome damage done to a body that gets very little nutrition from food.
Some specific nutrients that arthritis suffers need and good sources of them are listed below:
Calcium - kale, milk, milk kefir, cheese, sardines, lentils, almonds
Magnesium - quinoa, black beans, brown rice, tofu, dark chocolate, avocados
Vitamin C - pineapple, strawberries, kiwi fruit, red peppers, papaya, broccoli
Vitamin D - fortified milk, cereal, salmon and tuna
Folate - chickpeas, lentils, broccoli, and spinach
In addition to quality foods, positive dietary changes include plenty of quality liquids. Even mild dehydration can contribute to pain. A well hydrated body feels better. Fluids keep toxins moving out of the body.
Keep coffee and sodas to a minimum. Both can cause the body to be more acidic, making pain worse and contributing to compromised health. Plenty of quality water should be consumed daily. Avoid distilled water as it can leach important minerals from the body, especially the bones.
Herbal tea is a wonderful way to fulfill needs for fluid and nutrition.
Try this nettle infusion daily to boost the intake of nutrients to benefit overall health, including that of the bones.
Nettle Infusion
1/4 cup dry nettle leaf
4 cups water
Bring water to a near boil. Place nettle leaf in a quart jar. Pour water into jar over the leaf. Allow the tea (an infusion is a strongly brewed tea) to steep without further heat for 12 hours. (Prepare before bed for use the next day.) Strain out the nettle leaf. Lightly sweeten with honey as desired. Consume 4 cups daily. This tea will keep for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Peppermint or spearmint leaf can be added for flavor.
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3591524/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5391567/
3. https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/comorbidities/obesity-arthritis/fat-and-arthritis.php 4. Boron Uses: Boosts Bone Density and Much More - Dr. Axe. (2018).
Dr. Axe. Retrieved 21 May 2018, from https://draxe.com/boron-uses/