Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Naturally Managing Arthritis Pain

Tips for Natural Arthritis Pain Management
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are painful conditions that affect millions of people all over the world. Though the arthritis cause for each is different, it doesn’t change the fact that the pain can be constant and a drain on the sufferers energy levels thereby decreasing their quality of life.

If you are an arthritis sufferer, you should see your doctor for advice on a treatment plan that’s best for you. But if you’re not interested in popping pills for managing rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis pain, then consider this sampling of natural arthritis pain relief remedies.

Essential oils:

Six drops each of rosemary and chamomile mixed into four ounces of sesame oil. Gently warm the oil and massage into the arthritic joints. A little oil goes a long way so use just a dab at a time. It’s better to apply a little of this remedy several times a day instead of a lot all at once.

Two Essential oil blends for Rheumatoid Arthritis pain relief:
  • Eight drops German Chamomile 
  • 10 drops Lavender 
  • Two drops Peppermint 
  • Eight drops Eucalyptus
  • Mix this blend in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints morning and before bed.
  •  --------------------------------------------------------
  •  Eight drops Rosemary 
  •  Seven drops Lavender
  • 10 drops Frankincense 
  •  Five drops Ginger 
  • Mix the essential oils in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints as above.

Two Essential oil blends for Osteoarthritis pain relief:
  • 13 drops Ginger
  •  Eight drops Black Pepper 
  •  Four drops Cedarwood 
  •  Five drops Cypress 
  • Mix the essential oils in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints as above.
  • ------------------------------------------------------
  • 15 drops Sandalwood
  • Five drops Ginger 
  • 10 drops Nutmeg  
  • Mix the essential oils in two tablespoons grape seed oil and massage into joints as above.
 Juice therapy for chronic arthritis pain:
  •  Drink two 8 oz glasses of black cherry juice a day. Fresh, organic juice is the best choice, but jarred juice from concentrate provides arthritic pain relief.   
  •  Juice fresh veggies high in beta-carotene such as broccoli and spinach, those high in copper such as ginger and carrots. 
  • Pineapple juice is high in bromelain an enzyme that is a strong anti-inflammatory.
 Avoid citrus fruits and vegetables in the nightshade family which include eggplant and tomatoes.

Tea:
            A cup of ginger tea with one tablespoon of castor oil added and drunk before bed is helpful to manage arthritis pain.

Hydrotherapy:
  •  Immersing the affected arthritic joints and exercising in a warm pool heated to 85 degrees is beneficial.  
  •  Warm moist heat packs applied to the painful joint for up to 20 minutes every four hours is helpful. 
  • During severe flare-ups, use a cold pack for no longer than 20 minutes every four hours. When pain lessens after a day or two of cold treatment, switch to the warm compress.
           

           

Monday, March 26, 2012

Easy Home Remedies for Sinus Congestion


Tis the season for colds, allergies and general sinus congestion, and it seems I’m surrounded by folks with stuffy heads. Here are some quick tips for getting natural sinus congestion relief.

  • An Ayurvedic method to relieve sinus congestion: Using a few drops of fresh squeezed garlic juice in an eyedropper (yes, garlic juice, preferably organic, use a garlic press,) tilt your head back and put the drops into your nose. Remain with your head back for about five minutes, then straighten up and let juice drain into a tissue. This method may be used once a day to clear sinus congestion, and up to three times a day during a severe sinus conditions – morning, mid-day and at night.
  • Barley Green can be helpful for sinus problems.
  • Juice organic apples and dark grapes and drink at room temperature on an empty stomach.
  • Fill a medium sized mixing bowl halfway with boiling water; put in two to three drops of eucalyptus essential oil along with a drop of peppermint oil in the water. Hover your head over the bowl with a towel draped over your head and bowl. (Essentially you’re creating your own mini steam sauna for your head.) Breathe normally. You should feel relief within a few minutes.

Note: You may have a sinus infection if:
·       your sinus pain doesn’t improve after three to five days
·       your eyelids and/or nose swell up
·       you have green or bright yellowish mucous discharge

See your doctor if you think you have a sinus infection!

Disclaimer

The Information Contained Herein Should not be Considered Medical Advice; Nor is it Meant to Treat, Diagnose, Prescribe or Cure Any Disease. Seek the Guidance of a Qualified Health Professional if You Have Concerns or Questions About your Health issues.

About Me

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Southern California, United States
Holistic living, natural remedies have been part of my life since the early 80's. As a natural progression of my passion, I became a certified massage therapist in 2006, a Reiki Master in 2008, and in 2013 an Ayurveda Lifestyle Coach. I am here to promote natural healing, for it is my deep belief that with a little help from our friends and nature, we can all heal ourselves.