There are quite a few different ways and methods of treating knee pain, concerning the cause of the pain (arthritis, injury, age), without using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Although these methods are not scientifically proven, what has been proved is that NSAIDs are not the best thing for your organism, if used regularly.
What NSAIDs Do to Your Body Over Time
Joint pain can be persistent and hard to eliminate, and if the condition is chronic basically all you can do is reduce the discomfort as much as you can. Exercising can help the muscles surrounding the knee, and thus improving overall well-being.
If you regularly use medicines such as Tylenol, Aleve and Advil be aware of the following consequences:
- Side effects may include gastrointestinal complications, dyspepsia and ulcers
- Cardiovascular diseases, heart attack and coronary artery disease
- Increase of risk in strokes
Understandably, sometimes a painkiller is necessary, but long term use is harmful and fortunately there are numerous other ways to reduce inflammation and knee pain.
Best Six Natural Knee Pain Homemade Remedies
Like stated before, these methods, or at least most of them are not scientifically proven but you can talk with your doctor about which one you should use as an alternative method to harmful medicines. Many of these methods are part from peoples’ medicine.
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Cayenne Pepper Oil
The active ingredient in cayenne pepper oil called capsaicin has analgesic effect. Partial research discovered that this ingredient can get you lasting relief in short amount of time.
This type of oil is naturally pretty spicy so to prevent skin irritation you can mix it with a carrier oil or dissolving it in a solution. Coconut oil might be the right choice to do so, since it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients:
- 5-10 drops cayenne pepper oil
- 1 coconut oil
Mix the oils together and rub it on the affected area. You can use gloves to do this, in case you don’t like the warming sensation on your hands. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse with water and soap. Do this once a day.
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Ginger Oil
One study examined the effect of ginger oil massage for elderly people with pain in the knees and discovered decreasing of pain intensity. However, these effects didn’t last more than four weeks so this remedy is thought of as a short term solution.
Ingredients:
- 5-10 drops ginger oil
- One coconut oil
Mix the oils and massage onto the knee, emphasizing the most painful areas. Leave it for half an hour and rinse with water and soap. Do this once a week.
· Eucalyptus and Peppermint Oils
Both of these herbs contain menthol. Menthol activates cool receptors which help to get pain relief and produce entirely natural analgesic effect.
Ingredients:
- 5 drops peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil (each)
- 1 coconut oil (or other carrier oil)
Mix these oils and massage the knee. Leave it for up to half an hour. If you like to add to the cool effect, hold on to an ice pack on the affected area too.
· Turmeric and Ginger Tea
Famous for their anti-inflammatory characteristics, these herbs can help for swelling reduction and discomfort relief caused by injuries and arthritis.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons turmeric and ginger (both fresh and grated)
- raw honey to taste
- 1 cup of water
Add the herbs in the water and boil the water. Leave it for about 10 minutes, strain into a cup afterwards and add honey if you’d like. Drink while hot, daily.
· Juniper Berry Tea
This type of berries have been used as natural remedy for rheumatic arthritis, but be cautious, they are not recommended to use during pregnancy.
Ingredients:
- 1 dried juniper berries
- 1 cup water
- honey (optional)
Boil the water and then add the dried berries. Let it soak for 15 minutes. Strain the tea into a cup, add honey if you’d like and consume while warm once a day.
· White Willow Bark
This is one of the oldest natural remedies for inflammation and pain. It has been used in many cultures like the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Indians, Romans and many other. Some studies compare its effect to the one of Aspirin. However, people that have ulcers or diabetes, as well as renal disorders may think twice before consuming it. There is a limit of daily consumption and that is about a cup a day.
Ingredients:
- 1 white willow bark
- 1 cup of water
Boil the water, add the bark and leave for 10 minutes. Strain it afterwards, like a regular tea and consume while warm.
Overall Knees Health
Using these natural homemade remedies will help you indeed, but you have to maintain a healthy lifestyle too in order to have the optimal results. Good shoes, resting, regular exercise for knee strength, staying hydrated as well as doctor supervision are a few of the rules. Only holistic approach will get you to the destination – true healing!
