The winter season is most definitely upon us, and whilst some may welcome the change in weather, for others the colder months can be especially painful, particularly for those suffering from arthritis.
Perhaps your grandparents used to complain about achy joints and could put the weather forecasters to shame by magically predicting an unexpected drop in temperature. Well it appears that they were not wrong, as studies have shown that sudden drops in barometric pressure, a precursor to a “cold spell”, can cause the joints to swell, and place more pressure on the nerves that control the pain centers.
It is also believed that cold temperatures increase the thickness of the synovial fluid which acts as the joint’s shock absorber, making the joints stiffer and more sensitive to pain. Not to mention the reduction in physical exercise during the colder months which also has an adverse effect on the joints, causing them to become stiffer and sore.
All in all, winter is not a good time for arthritis sufferers, unless you happen to live on the other side of the equator of course!
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the general term describing joint and bone diseases which can effect both adults and children alike. The name is derived from the Greek words ‘arthro’ and “itis” which mean joint and inflammation respectively. The most prevalent types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis which is a degenerative breakdown of the cartilage within the joint, and causes a change to the underlying bone.
During a general infection the body stimulates an acute inflammatory reaction to fight off foreign invaders, however as we age this inflammatory balance can be upset, and produce an inflammatory impairment, known as inflammaging. This imbalance can result in inappropriate chronic inflammation, and is the key to most chronic and age-related diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is one such auto-immune condition which causes inflammation in the joint, caused by the immune system attacking its own tissue and joint. It is a chronic condition with no cure, and most often affects older patients.
Other types of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis, gout, lupus, and juvenile arthritis (JA), also known as pediatric rheumatic disease.
Symptoms of arthritis
Regardless of the type, arthritis generally demonstrates inflammation and pain in the joints, accompanied by stiffness, swelling, and redness which inevitably reduces mobility. Conventional medical treatments include anti-inflammatories, pain killers and a recommended modification in lifestyle regarding diet and exercise.
This disease can greatly affect everyday life, general wellbeing and quality of life, with further symptoms including physical weakness, general fatigue, sleeping disorders, exhaustion, and often the onset of depression. In more severe cases it can greatly impact on general independence.
Natural remedies
Whilst arthritis cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed, and the good news is that there are natural remedies available to help manage the symptoms, and they can also be used to complement existing treatments:
Cold-pressed natural oils
Black seed oil
Black seed is literally a “miracle” oil, so it shouldn’t be any surprise that it has proven to be an effective weapon against the symptoms of arthritis.
Cold-pressed black seed oil has the ability to readdress the gentle balance between protective and destructive inflammation. It counteracts non-essential inflammation, but still triggers healthy inflammation in response to a possible foreign attack. Many studies have indicated that black seed oil is able to critically rebalance the body’s inflammation reactions.
Since rheumatoid arthritis is related to inflammation it is unsurprising that black seed oil has demonstrated encouraging results in human studies. For instance, in one clinical study, all of the 40 subjects experienced significant improvement in terms of how the disease was affecting the body overall, and reported reductions in the number of swollen joints plus a shorter duration of morning stiffness.
Black seed oil has also been shown to impact positively on osteoarthritis, and was noted to reduce levels of MMP (matrix metalloproteinase), the protein-melting enzyme responsible for destroying the bone and joint tissue.
Furthermore, multiple studies have confirmed the analgesic properties of black seed oil, and one such study affirmed the effectiveness of treating knee pain in geriatric patients, which confirms its comprehensive treatment of arthritis.
Dosage: One teaspoon every morning (may be added to honey to improve taste). Do not mix with hot water to preserve the nutrients. Treatment course is three months with a one month break in between treatments.
Rucola (Arugula) Seed Oil
Rucola seed oil has several feathers in its cap when it comes to managing the symptoms of arthritis. Inflammation is the precursor to many chronic diseases if left unresolved, and recent studies have demonstrated that erucine, an isothiocyanate contained in rucola seed oil, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Furthermore this oil is high in potassium, which can help to normalise fluid balance in the joint and improve joint mobility. It can also help to restore and strengthen cartilage tissue.
Rucola Seed Oil may be taken internally for the relief of inflammatory ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism.
Dosage: One teaspoon every morning, and drizzle some over your salad or pasta at lunch or dinner. Treatment course is three months with a one month break in between treatments.
Essential Oils
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a key ingredient in a number of popular over the counter products for pain relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Several compounds contained within eucalyptus have demonstrated their ability to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Furthermore, it contains a compound called eucalyptol which is a potent vasodilator, and thus increases the size of the blood vessels and allows more blood to flow freely and easily all over the body, thereby circulating the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the eucalyptus oil. Research has confirmed eucalyptus oil’s capability to relieve joint pain.
A study on Eucalyptus oil evaluating pain management involving participants that had undergone total knee replacement concluded that just inhaling the oil (for 30 minutes per day for 3 consecutive days) could significantly lower pain, inflammation and blood pressure.
Dosage: Add a couple of drops of oil to a teaspoon of a carrier oil (almond oil, jojoba oil, etc). Massage the diluted oil into the affected areas to experience the cooling, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, or add to a compress and apply to the area. ✧ Add to a diffuser as per manufacturers instructions. ✧ Combine a couple of drops with a bath product or some epsom salt or sea salt and add to warm bath.
Frankincense
Frankincense has been used for centuries within traditional medicine to reduce inflammation and chronic pain. It contains terpenes, including boswellic acid, which are strong anti-inflammatories and researchers believe that frankincense is able to block leukotrienes – the compounds that cause inflammation. Boswellic acid is also believed to prevent autoimmune responses. Furthermore, frankincense oil can be useful in helping to prevent the breakdown of the cartilage tissue. The Arthritis Foundation confirm that frankincense, with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can be helpful for the treatment of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. A 2010 study affirmed the effectiveness in regard to reducing inflammation, pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis. Furthermore, Frankincense is also a great stress reliever and it is known that anxiety and stress, often a consequence of arthritis, lead to greater levels of pain. This oil also appears to enhance the properties of other oils when used together in a blend.
Dosage: Add a couple of drops of oil to a teaspoon of a carrier oil (almond oil, jojoba oil, etc). Massage the diluted oil into the affected areas to experience the cooling, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, or add to a compress and apply to the area. ✧ Add to a diffuser as per manufacturers instructions. ✧ Combine a couple of drops with a bath product or some epsom salt or sea salt and add to warm bath.
Massage Oils
Sandalwood gel
Sandalwood has a long tradition of use within both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and other ancient cultures, and was often utilised for its soothing properties. It sedates the nervous system, which allows it to reduce pain. It also promotes blood circulation, is a natural relaxant and, as established by studies, is able to relax nerves and muscles, curing spasms, reducing pain, minimising inflammation and relieving tension throughout the body. A 2014 study concluded that a compound in sandalwood alpha-santalol, helps to decrease inflammation markers called cytokines, and research further indicated that sandalwood may be able to prevent arthritis as well as benefit the symptoms. It is also a great stress buster, and can therefore have a positive effect on arthritis through the perception of pain.
Dosage: Massage gently into the affected area, or apply a compress if preferred, 2-3 times a day or as required for maximum relief. May be used in massage therapy.
Pain Relief Oil
Pain Relief oil is a powerful synergy blend of eucalyptus oil, marjoram oil, black seed oil, fennel oil and sandalwood oil. These oils were carefully chosen for their ability to reduce pain, inflammation, tension and spasms. Exact proportions of each oil have been perfectly calculated to allow each oil to reach their full potential and maximise their value, whilst strengthening each other’s effect and working in unison to make an exceptional blend to calm and soothe painful ailments and disorders. Pain relief oil is a long-lasting, non-warming natural and therapeutic remedy to rapidly diminish aches and pains, and relax painful joints and therefore is indicated for the relief of arthritis.
Dosage: Massage gently into the affected area, or apply a compress if preferred, 2-3 times a day or as required for maximum relief. May be used in massage therapy.
It is estimated that at least 25% of the population have some sort of doctor-diagnosed form of arthritis, and this figure is on the increase thanks to the increase of fast food and processed foods in the diet. A sedentary lifestyle, also on the increase, is commonly associated with degenerative arthritis.
Decrease symptoms of arthritis and debilitating joint pain with any of the above oils and take back control of your life. Don’t allow arthritis to steal your independence or reduce your quality of life.
