Arthritis
Natural Remedies

Effective Natural Arthritis Remedies: Relief & Healing

| Modified on Mar 11, 2024
Apple Cider Vinegar for arthritis.

Arthritis, a condition impacting over 350 million people globally, including children, encompasses more than 100 variations. However, natural treatments like borax, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, baking soda, and blackstrap molasses offer significant relief. These home remedies for arthritis alleviate pain and support the body's self-healing process.

Effective natural solutions for arthritis combat symptoms such as pain, inflammation, stiffness, and limited mobility. Incorporating specific foods and supplements can aid in the body's natural regeneration and repair of joint damage.

Various top natural remedies for arthritis exist, each customizable to individual requirements. A combination of these remedies is often necessary to achieve comprehensive relief from arthritis symptoms.

Top Natural Remedies for Arthritis

1. Borax

Globally mined, Borax is a natural compound rich in sodium, hydrogen, oxygen, and boron. Boron, a vital mineral, is especially crucial for bone strength, as it's found in higher concentrations in strong bones than weak ones. It plays a key role in maintaining the body's calcium-magnesium balance, which is essential for a healthy skeletal system.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Organic and unprocessed apple cider vinegar is a treasure trove of trace nutrients that help the body maintain a more alkaline state, thus reducing pain. Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water, consuming this mixture once or twice daily. Besides its role in alleviating arthritis, apple cider vinegar is renowned for its benefits in weight loss, which can, in turn, lessen arthritis symptoms and risks.

3. Baking Soda

Effective in treating arthritis stemming from an imbalance in the body’s natural pH levels, baking soda serves as an alkalizing agent. It restores the body’s pH balance by neutralizing acidity and also supplies carbonates, which are beneficial for health. Baking soda is particularly famed as a natural remedy for gout, a severely painful form of arthritis.

4. Blackstrap Molasses

Packed with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins, blackstrap molasses addresses nutritional deficiencies often linked to various diseases. Just one tablespoon provides 200 mg of calcium (20% of the RDA for adults under 50) and 25% of the magnesium, critical for bone and cartilage health. Additionally, it's a source of copper, essential for connective tissue formation. Be mindful of nutritional variances among different brands of blackstrap molasses.

5. Turmeric 

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a powerful herbal remedy for pain relief. It can be consumed in capsule form or as golden milk, a palatable turmeric-infused beverage. Curcumin, the key compound in turmeric, is responsible for its anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects. Early studies on curcumin's effectiveness in arthritis treatment show promising results.1

6. Essential Oils

Many essential oils, like frankincense and peppermint, are anti-inflammatory and excellent for topical arthritis pain relief. Frankincense is historically valued in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, while peppermint oil provides a cooling effect. A combination of both creates a pleasant, effective topical pain reliever. It's generally recommended to dilute essential oils with carrier oils like coconut or castor oil, each with its own healing properties, for arthritis treatment.

7. Vitamin C

 Essential for collagen synthesis in joints and possessing natural anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin C can also offer pain relief. Sodium ascorbate is the recommended form of Vitamin C for consumption due to its gentler impact on the stomach and lower acidity compared to ascorbic acid.2

8. Bone Broth (Gelatin)

Bone broth, a traditional remedy regaining popularity, is highly beneficial for degenerative conditions like arthritis. Made by simmering bones and cartilage for 12-48 hours, it extracts nutrients crucial for bone and joint repair. Homemade bone broth, gelatin, collagen, or store-bought variants are options.

9. Weight Loss

Reducing excess weight alleviates joint stress, decreasing pain and degeneration. Every pound of excess weight equals four times the pressure on knee joints. Moreover, fat cells produce inflammatory chemicals that can worsen arthritis. Weight loss reduces joint pressure and inflammation.

10. Exercise

Strengthening muscles through exercise reduces stress on joints and improves support. Activities like swimming and walking, possibly combined with light weights, enhance circulation, facilitating faster bodily repair. Exercise is vital for joint health and overall wellness.

11. Dietary Changes

A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is fundamental for arthritis management. Reducing sugar and processed foods, which contribute to obesity and nutritional deficiencies, is crucial. Healthy hydration is also key, with a focus on reducing coffee and soda intake, which can increase acidity and pain. Herbal teas, like nettle infusion, are beneficial for hydration and nutrient intake.

Earth Clinic users report numerous success stories below using these natural remedies for various forms of arthritis, including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and degenerative disc disease. Share your experiences with natural arthritis remedies to contribute to this collective knowledge!

Related Links:

Natural Osteoarthritis Relief: Holistic Remedies Guide
Natural Remedies for Psoriatic Arthritis
Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Effective Solutions




Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Davey D (Victoria, BC Canada) on 07/30/2008
★★★★★

Hi Ted!

I would just like to say how wonderful the site is.

About a year ago I started to search for natural cures for arthritis because my hips were giving me terrible pain and some pain in my knuckles as well. I am a male of 60 years with Muscular Dystrophy.

I started taking 2 tbs apple cider vinegar with 1/2 tsp of backing soda twice a day for 5 days on and 2 days off. I can say that today I am almost pain free. I have found that the Omega 369 has taken care of my suicidal depression, but one a day is all I can afford because our Government will not help me.

Your simple affordable remedy has saved my life because I can live more comfortably now. There was a story of a man of 53 found dead in his truck on day from carbon monoxide poisoning and I had been contemplating this method before I found Earth Clinic. Maybe if he had of known he would still be alive. No cuddo's for our gov.

God Bless you Ted.

Thank you so much for your help.

Davey D.

Replied by Bonnie
(Canada)
10/29/2020

Hi and thanks. How long does Ted's treatment take to feel less pain?

Replied by BL
(CA)
11/28/2022

Are people taking this apple cider/baking soda aware that it can affect potassium levels? Which can be dangerous...


Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Steve (Victoria BC, Canada) on 12/06/2007
★★★★★

Hi everyone at earthclinic! I am a 60 year male. I found your site after a search for arthritis and natural cures. I started taking the ACV and BS two months ago. It has significantly reduced the pain and swelling between my knuckles. My hips and knee pain are getting better and the food taste better as well. My energy has increased and I am not napping as much. I don't feel as cold anymore and no more shivers in bed. It has also helped my wife with her knees. I can't thank you enough for your wonderful natural cure. I almost got sold on the Swedish joint pain formula but I found your site and I am now saving my much needed money. Now I am going to start using the H202 inhalation method and I will let you know how that turns out. You are on my 649 list and you can hold me to that.

EC: Read more about ACV and Baking Soda here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/acv_baking_soda_cures.html


Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda, Chicken Cartilage

1 User Review
1 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Shiela (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa) on 02/12/2012
★☆☆☆☆

Acv and baking soda and chicken cartilage for arthritis

Hi, I suffer from chronic arthritis in my knees, elbows, wrists lower back and all my other joints. I have been using Apple Cider Vinegar and baking soda for 3 weeks and chicken cartilage in orange juice for 12days with absolutely no change in my condition. I am extremely disillusioned as I suffer excruciating pains in my knees, elbows and back. Where are all the people who spoke about these miracle treatments? The pains did not even recede. Are these scams or what. I was on methotrexate for4 weeks, took myself off as it made me Ill. Then I was rushed to hospital for a blood transfusion as it stripped all my blood. I was put onto cortisone which removed a lot of my pain but after weaning myself off after 7weeks the pains were back in full force. I am passionate about alternative medicine and was determined to try something natural. Hence, the rest is history. I was excited about this sight weeks ago but am lying here in extreme pain and have my doubts now!

Replied by Jennywren
(Perth, Western Australia, Australia)
02/12/2012

Hi there, I'm sitting here reading your post with my feet soaking in hot water and Epsom Salts! I do this for 30 mins every morning and it helps loosen up my arthritis feet (I have rheumatoid arthritis). I have been trying ACV and honey twice a day now for a couple of weeks and no relief. I did try large doses of fish oil and glucosamine last year and the pain disappeared for nearly 2 months - heaven! Alas it came back and has never worked since.

I am now experimenting with Borax.. I'm in my 2nd week of 5 days on, 3 days off. I wet my fingertip and dip it into the Borax then swirl it around in my hot toddy of ACV and honey every evening. No luck yet.. Hence the Epsom Salts! Good luck.. and keep going! The answer's out there somewhere, I'm sure.

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
02/13/2012
2063 posts

Jennywren, my Dad suddenly came down w/ RA and was really debilitated. I suggested a good broad spectrum joint formula that contained: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Vit-C, MSM, and Manganese. Also daily Flax Oil. Results were very slow and it wasn't until about 1 yr latter that some degree of regained normal function occurred.

Replied by Maria
(Gippsland, Australia)
02/13/2012

Hi Shiela (from Cape Town), The few folk I have known who had success with chicken cartilage also took colloidal minerals, at the amount of 30mls (1 oz) per 100 lb of body weight. It also took nearly 6 weeks to see good results. They were doing Dr Joel Wallach's recommendations, which was for 3 months at this amount. So I would not expect to see results for a few more weeks for most folk (sorry about that). All the best in finding the things that will work for you.

Replied by Gavin
(Manganui, Northland, New Zealand)
02/13/2012

The soils of western Australia are short on all the essential minerals.. It might not be just Boron.. It could be any number of essentials that you need. It might be a good idea to get some kelp tablets as well, it will be three months on these to make a difference. Don't overdo it.. I was taking a well advertised vitamin and mineral supplement.. And I'm sure that since its made from petro chemicals, it's usless and caused cracking and small ulcers at the corners of my mouth, which have just healed up after discontinuing after four weeks. Naturals are best.


Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda, Magnesium

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Jillery!!! (Nc) on 07/31/2018 88 posts
★★★★★

I found Bill's' post in the fibro section, but it has helped my arthritis a GREAT deal. I hurt less, I am more flexible, and my complexion has improved:

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/treatment-for-fibromyalgia-pain-symptoms.html#acvmagnesium

Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 12/21/2010

"Here is some research which confirms the positive effects of using malate (ACV) and magnesium to help cure Fibromyalgia (FM) and is yet more confirmation as to how alkalizing with ACV and baking soda (forming malates) plus taking Magnesium (as Mag Chloride or Mag Citrate or Mag Gluconate) can help FM.

Here are the summary and abstract conclusions from the research:

"Primary fibromyalgia (FM) is a common clinical condition affecting mainly middle-aged women. Of the etiologies previously proposed, chronic hypoxia seems the one best supported by recent biochemical and histological findings. We postulate that FM symptoms are predominantly caused by enhanced gluconeogenesis with breakdown of muscle proteins, resulting from a deficiency of oxygen and other substances needed for ATP synthesis. We present data supporting a critical role for magnesium and malate in ATP production under aerobic and hypoxic conditions; and indirect evidence for magnesium and malate deficiency in FM. After treating 15 FM patients for an average of 8 weeks with an oral dosage form with dosages of 1200-2400 mg of malate and 300-600 mg of magnesium, the tender point index (TPI) scores (x±) were 19-6±2-1 prior to treatment and 8±1.1 and 6-5±074. Respectively, after an average of 4 and 8 weeks on the magnesium malate combination (p < 0.001). Subjective improvement of myalgia occurred within 48 h of supplementation. In six FM patients, following 8 weeks of treatment, the mean TPI was 6.8 ±0.75. After 2 weeks on placebo tablets, the TPI values increased to a mean ± SE of 21.5 ±1-4(p < 0.001). Again, subjective worsening of muscle pain occurs within 48 h of placebo administration. A double-blind placebo control trial is currently underway."

Source:http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/13590849208997961

So, just taking two tablespoons of ACV with 1/2 tsp sodium bicarbonate in half a glass of water three times a day with split doses of between 300-600 mg magnesium per day is actually very beneficial against Fibromyalgia."

---------

This took about a week for it to really help me. The addition of BS to the ACV greatly improved the taste/flavor of ACV (for me) and now I enjoy drinking ACV. I take whatever magnesium I have in the house. My bowels are a bit loose, but I often to not 'clear' out and this negative is a positive for me. I AM SO HAPPY.

Replied by Peg
(Minnesota)
12/06/2023

I use magnesium spray and have no trouble with bowels since the pills have the same effect on me.


Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Molasses

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Dave (Lisbon, Portugal) on 11/20/2014
★★★★★

I have arthritic psoriasis for four years. The usual drugs that I had been taking did not help and I found from this website about taking ACV .

After a month of taking 3 tablespoons a day, I was able to do 25 squats at a time.

After 3 months, I was able to run a mile but at a slow pace.

After about three years, I also started taking three tablespoons of blackstrap molasses I could run down a flight of stairs without holding the rails.I will continue to take these to what further gains I will make in overcoming psoriasis.

I want to thank all the great advise that this E.Clinic has given me.


Apple Cider Vinegar, Epsom Salt Soaks

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Tweezers (Van Bc) on 12/15/2016
★★★★★

Arthritis in my hands and knuckles has been cured with tweezers and hundreds of days picking and soaking. It was so bad my thumb wouldn't even open. I had been a machinist, welder, gardener and hiker. Each of those pass-times had added foreign objects into my skin.

Burns, cuts, grinding sparks, splinters, thorns and thistles were all complicit in my hand injuries. My hands were very obviously tough, calloused and curled into claws. As a machinist I was proud of my tough man hands until they lost their ability to serve me.

Last year I decided to try to save them and have been soaking in vinegar water, Epsom salts and tweezing away the callouses. This revealed things underneath that could come out.

A year later and a thousand hours of soaking/tweezing the end is in sight. My thumb moves and the fingers are well on their way to being teenagers again.

So there is hope for others that feel they can profit from this path.

Replied by Lowell
(Monterey, Ca)
12/16/2016

Hello, Please try Noni for finger and hands that are curled and arthritic. I approached a contractor who had same problem(fingers curled up) with no relief with medicinals. Three days gone. Buy organic that comes from Hawaii. Be Well


Avocado

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Felista (Las Vegas, Nv, Usa) on 02/11/2010
★★★★★

My dad has been suffering with arthritis of the lower spine and gout for 20 years. After eating a large amount of guacamole during football season, he noticed his pain was absent. After reading about the benefits of avocado, he began eating them regularly. Safe effect. For the past 10 years, he has been eating an avocado a day, and it has so much improved his back pain that he is able to jog at least 3 miles every day at 75. Fifteen years ago, the arthritis was so bad that he could no sit or walk without terrible pain. He wanted me to share that as long as he eats an avocado a day, his arthritis is kept at bay. He cures his gout with raspberries and cherries, fresh and also juiced.

Please, please share this information. My dad also tried ACV, but it did not help him with his lower back arthritis as much as the avocado has. For him, it is a miracle. Now that my mom is getting arthritis in her hips, she has started eating avocado too with the same results.

For those worried about the richness of avocados: If you eat a balanced, reasonable diet, you should not worry about the fat in Avocados. It is a good fat.

Replied by Phil
(Uk)
03/03/2015
★★★★★

Felista, I have arthritis in my knees and they are always popping when I walk upstairs and bend my knees to sit down. I'm trying to cut out meat as I don't think we are supposed to eat meat? I have had raw veg & fruit, replacing meat with avocados for the last 3 days and my knees have stopped popping already. It's incredible :)


Baking Soda

1 User Review
4 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Gordon (Sunderland, Tyne ) on 05/06/2012
★★★★☆

hi, just wanted to relate my experience with bicarbs. I have had problems with my knees (a stabing pain under the kneecap) and feet (cramps and tenderness in the balls of feet) for years and used a number of alternatives to help with little or no effect.

After some research on the net I was directed to some info that pointed to an acidic body could be the cause and bicarbs was the treatment so I tried it. The effects were immediate and lasting (for a short while anyway) I have stopped and started my own treatment and the problem surfaces again.

I realise that there is damage in my knees so am waiting for my body to heal as I give it the right conditions by alkalising my body. It seems to be working as my knees feel better but not completely healed, yet. It seems that the problem could be a fungus (candida) but there does not seem to be a quick cure for that, but bicarbs does fight/combat and give my body the chance to heal.

I wondered if anyone else has used or heard of anyone using bicarbs to combat fungus or arthritis.

Replied by Bill
(San Fernando, Philippines)
05/06/2012

Hi Gordon... Bicarbs and alkalizing will certainly help but borax is the main cure for arthritis. Arthritis is normally caused by mycobacteria and other associated bacteria. Mycobacteria are bacteria with no cell wall that have fungal-like behaviour. Borax is the ultimate fungal killer. So the best solution is just to take borax in higher dose as recommended on this site together with magnesium oil (60% magnesium chloride and 40% water) which you can just rub into the troublesome area for transdermal absorption.


Bee Stings

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Eloise Burke (North Carolina) on 05/20/2021 5 posts
★★★★★

Two wasps got into my bathroom and stung me. This was painful and long-lasting, but I am a stoic and did nothing. Then I discovered that my arthritis had ceased to pain me. I've since heard from old-timers that "everybody knows bee stings are good for arthritis." If anybody had told me that I wouldn't have believed it, but boy, is it TRUE!

Replied by Michael
(New Zealand)
05/21/2021

Well that IS interesting!

There is a chap in this Country who, years ago, set up a business, firstly producing honey, then propolis (sp?) and latterly, bee venom.

He is able to extract the bee's venom and market it as a treatment for Arthritis I think.

I did not realize that a wasp's sting would also work for Arthritis.

Mind you, being stung by our Waikato wasp is no fun. They call it the German wasp in Europe. Not sure what they call it in Germany! We also have hornets and paper wasps plus many native wasps that are not "social wasps". Just FYI as they say.

Cheers from Down Under


Blackstrap Molasses

6 User Reviews
5 star (5) 
  83%
4 star (1) 
  17%

Posted by Fiona (Nr Liverpool, Uk) on 02/25/2017
★★★★★

I too am amazed. After just three days of taking 2 teaspoons of molasses a day, I noticed my hands were lot less painful. Now after about a month there is rarely any pain at all, the awful grating noise in my thumb joints has practically disappeared and my hands look a lot less swollen and deformed. How does it work??!!


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Michael (Va Beach, Va) on 07/11/2013
★★★★☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Hello everyone... I've been taking blackstrap molasses (2 tablspoons and warm water ) twice a day for about 3 weeks for arthritis in my hand. The pain has reduced to about 50% of what it was before, however I'm been somewhat nauseated and a couple dizzy spells last few days. Is this caused by the molasses or could I be having other issues? Has anyone else experienced this with the molasses? Thanks for your replies.

Replied by Miter
(Ca)
02/08/2017

I have tried just about everything for my swollen joints in fingers from arthritis. My index finger at the first joint closest to the fingernail (distal interphalangeal joint) has been swollen for months. I even have burning sensation near the nail.

So yesterday I started an experiment:

1 tablespoon Baking Soda + 1 Tablespoon molasses. I will start at once a day and then go to twice a day to see if it helps the healing anti-inflammatory process.

Now, I know molasses is high in calcium which is an added benefit.

Blackstrap molasses contains vital vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and selenium.

I am willing to try anything.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Suzy (Chrisman, Illinois) on 07/14/2008
★★★★★

Hi ,I just had to tell you what a blessing your site is! I just started using two tablespoons of molasses daily for my arthritis and hot flashes.Wow I just can't believe it works !!! Within two days my pain has almost gone away and no hot flashes and as an added bonus I have so much more energy! I am 53 and I don't feel or act like I am ,any longer!! God bless who ever came up with these {inexpensive} remedies. I am going to try some of thr rosacea remedied, I hope they work too. Thanks. Suzy


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Joyce (Chippewa Lake, Ohio) on 05/22/2008
★★★★★

I saw one comment from someone on blackstrap molasses for arthritis. I had been up every night in pain, particularly in one knee. The first day I ate 1 Tbs. of blackstrap molasses, and the pain was completely gone. I take it every day. If I go to bed and have a little pain in my knee, instead of pain medicine, I have another Tbs. of the molasses, and the pain subsides in 20 minutes. My uncle was a chiropractor who was into holistic medicine, and use to tell us that there are many benefits of Blackstrap molasses.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Jan (USA)
★★★★★

Two weeks of two tablespoons each morning have reduced the arthritic pain in my knees. Does anyone else have knowledge of black strap molasses working on arthritis?

Replied by Gwynne
(Johannesburg, South Africa)
10/12/2005
★★★★★

Jan asked if anyone else knew about black strap molosses - the best molosses to use is the Crude Black Strap Molasses - Book to get on Molasses is Cyril Scott ISBN 0 7225 0241 9.


Borax

15 User Reviews
5 star (11) 
  73%
4 star (1) 
  7%
1 star (1) 
  7%
(2) 
  13%

Posted by Art (California) on 11/18/2023 2119 posts
★★★★★

A friend's sister from Texas was out visiting her sister near me about 8 months ago and she was telling me that she thought this would be her last time coming to visit her sister because her arthritis hurt so much that the travel by plane to visit her sister was really difficult and painful because of her arthritis. I suggested that she might give some consideration to borax, but she seemed really reluctant at first so I told her that I have used borax to keep my arthritis in remission for about 15 years now. She told me she would try it because the pain was really getting unbearable. By the time she went home to Texas, she had started taking borax water at 1/8th teaspoon per day on the weekdays with weekends off.

I picked her up at the local airport last week to take her to my friend's house. I told her that I thought she wasn't going to visit her sister any more because of her arthritis and she said that was her plan, but since being on borax for about a month or so, she no longer has any arthritis pain, so she can now come visit her sister regularly again, thanks to borax! She told me she still takes it and has recommended it to her friend's mother in Texas because it has worked so well for her.

Art



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