Osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease, primarily affects the bones, and treatment mainly calls for a combination of medicines and lifestyle changes. Natural remedies for osteoarthritis are hugely preferred and recommended as they do not cause any side effects. Home remedies in the form of dietary and lifestyle changes can bring about significant improvement when followed in the long run. Here are a few natural remedies patients can consider:

Green tea
A healthy diet is important for osteoarthritis patients, and certain foods can be considered natural remedies for the condition. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are compounds that may help reduce inflammation and the need for medications. Research suggests that green tea provides increased cartilage protection, but concentrated amounts can elevate the risk of liver problems and side effects. So, one should ensure that they consume green tea in moderation.

Ginger
Consuming ginger orally is an effective natural remedy for osteoarthritis, as it reduces the pain associated with the condition. A 2015 study concerning osteoarthritis and cartilage showcased that ginger may even decrease the risk of osteoarthritis-related disability if taken for the long-term. That said, it’s advisable to consume ginger moderately as a spice, instead of in the form of supplements, as it can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, and heartburn. It might also interact with prescription medications, like Warfarin, because it’s an anticoagulant.

Turmeric (curcumin)
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. The spice is a part of the ginger family, and it also helps osteoarthritis patients in various ways. The curcumin in turmeric is effective in fighting inflammatory compounds, and it may also help alleviate pain and stiffness during a flare-up. For the treatment of arthritis, one can take capsules of 400 to 600 milligrams up to thrice a day. Patients can also consume 0.5 to 1 grams in the form of powdered root extract thrice every day.

Hot and cold compress
When talking about pain, hot and cold compresses are extremely beneficial, and they are among the top natural remedies for osteoarthritis. This is because they don’t cause any of the long-term side effects that are often associated with medications. Heat is helpful for relieving joint stiffness, while cold compresses help alleviate joint pain. Compresses can reduce muscle pain or spasms around a joint, and one can simply make a compress using a warm or cold towel.

Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt baths can provide a lot of relief, especially from joint pain. This is because the magnesium content in Epsom salt largely helps relieve inflammation and pain. Epsom salts are easily available at any medicine store, and these baths are safe to take as often as one likes, for 30 minutes at a time. One can use 2 cups of Epsom salt in warm water at a temperature of about 102°F to get significant relief from osteoarthritis pain.

These natural remedies for osteoarthritis can help patients stay strong and healthy for longer and improve their quality of life by providing relief from the painful symptoms to a significant extent.