Simple remedies to cure rheumatoid arthritis

[Guest guest]

Arthritis is one of the most common ailment for which Ayurvedic

help is being sought these days. In one of earlier posts, the author

had indicated that arthritis can be cured by change of food, massage,

fomentation and few simple home remedies. This post gives

recommendations. The objective of this post is not to give an

extensive coverage of arthritis, but to offer simple home remedies

which anyone can try. Medicines for arthritis are many and can be

recommended only case by case after physical examination.

 

Symptoms

In general, presence of arthritis is indicated by following symptoms:

 

- Severe pain in the affected joints.

- Muscles, ligaments and cartilage become inflamed.

- Movement of the joint becomes extremely painful, especially in

cold, windy and damp weather.

 

If this disease is not taken care of properly at the initial stages

the joint becomes immobile and may also become permanently deformed.

The stiffness, especially after seating in squatting position is

noticeable.

 

Causes

The aggravation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxins) are

the primary causes. Ama gets deposited in the weak areas of the body,

joints with a simultaneous aggravation of Vata that is known as Ama

Vata (arthritis).

 

Weak digestion, constipation, overeating and very little physical

activity are the symptoms that can develop in a patient of arthritis.

 

Remedies

- Ama must be digested and Vata reduced in the body.

- Digestion should be improved and fasting for one day (per week) is

beneficial for digesting Ama.

- Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup

of warm water is good for curing arthritis. Dosage: Taken twice a day

is adequate.

- Bake one or two egg- plants. Mash and fry in about 2 tablespoons of

castor oil. Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic and salt

can be added while frying. Dosage: Take once daily for two to three

months for relief.

- Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure

arthritis. Dosage: Taken twice a day

- One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove

can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Dosage: Once

daily for two-three months.

- Guggulu is very helpful in curing arthritis. If available, eat half

a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water. Guggulu must be

chewed a litle before swallowing.

- Paste of 1 teaspoon red chilies and fresh ginger mixed in half a

cup of sesame oil and strain. Gently rub this oil on the affected

joints. 5-10 minutes is adequate. Skin does not absorb further.

Fomentation with heating pad, or salt/beach sand in a cloth bag,

heated on plate can be tried.

- Camphor, wintergreen and cinnamon oils are also beneficial for

external application.

 

 

Diet and Lifestyle

Following is the diet suggested for the patients suffering form

arthritis:

Vegetable juices and soups

Coconut water

Coconut milk

Carrot juice

Beet root juice

Cucumber juice

Cooked vegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin

Spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, asafetida, garlic,

fennel and turmeric, Green salad with a dressing of lemon juice and a

little salt

Khichadi (recipe made by cooking rice and mung dal, 1:1 or

1:2 proportion )

Regular physical exercise and massage with oil should form an

important part of the routine. However, it is seen that massage is

not very effective in some cases of arthritis.

 

The patient of arthritis must avoid the following:

Eating hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets, wind forming foods

like brinjal, cabbage, Cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and

potatoes.

Too much tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt,

chocolate, cocoa.

Antibiotics, painkillers, steroids and nicotine

Sleeping during the day

Staying up late at night

Mental tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief.

 

Similar to arthritis of joints, Sciatica pains also immobilise women.

IN past, this was obseved after 60, whereas nowadays, some patients

aged 35-45 are also seen. A four week course using just home remedies

to cure sciatica, taught to author by a Jain monk, will be the

subject matter of next week post.

 

Dr Bhate