Arthritis is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. Besides state-of-the-art medical treatment methods, arthritis sufferers can reduce joint pain with home-made cures. Dr Nguyễn Thanh Hải of HCM City-based Trưng Vương Hospital, suggests some simple recipes based on herbs and spices widely available in markets across the country.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple vinegar can be used to treat arthritis inflammation. Thanks to its alkalinize characteristics, the apple vinegar will reduce the arthritis pain and inflammation by eliminating the toxic elements that accumulate in the body and cause arthritis with its pain and swelling. In addition, apple cider vinegar is rich in magnesium, calcium, kali and phosphate.

A teaspoon of apple vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil can also be used to reduce arthritis pain. The mixture should be applied on the painful area several times a day until the pain goes away.

Ginger

Ginger

Ginger extract can also be used to relieve arthritis and rheumatology pain. Medical experiences show that ginger is particularly effective for arthritis pains in the knee.

In addition, ginger also helps inhibit COX-2,  an enzyme that causes painful inflammation.

Two to three cups of ginger should be consumed a day.

Making ginger tea is easy: slice a piece of ginger, put it in a cup of water, boil it for about 10 minutes and then let it cool down. To make the drink more delicious, add some honey.

Another way to reduce pain is to chew a piece of fresh ginger or add ginger to daily foods. Applying a piece of ginger and massaging the painful spot also helps.

Curcumin

According to research conducted in 2009 and published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine", curcumin can be used to treat arthritis as it has the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Just put one piece of curcumin into a cup of water and boil. Honey drops can be added to the mixture. Drink twice a day for several days.

Green tea

Green tea

According to research published in 2011 in  "Arthritis Research and Therapy", green tea may help control and prevent arthritis symptom.

In addition, green tea also helps reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. It also helps protect bone density and strength.

Preparing a cup of green tea is very simple. Place several leaves of green tea in a glass of boiling water and leave for several minutes. When the tea is ready, add some honey if desired. Drinking 2-3 cups of green tea a day is the recommended "dose"..

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and oxidization, and it can help to reduce arthritis and rheumatological pain.

The usage is very simple. Just put some cinnamon flour and a teaspoon of honey into a cup of warm water. Drink the mixture every morning before eating breakfast.

A mixture of cinnamon flour, water and honey can also be placed as a compress on the painful spot, at least two or three times a day. — VNS

Source: Tuổi trẻ (Youth) newspaper