Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) occurs when the antibodies present in the body mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. This is a chronic disease that affects over 1.3 million people in the country, as reported in 2018 by Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network. There is no specific cause of RA, and hence treatment is varied, and many rely on home remedies that give them some relief.

Here are some remedies that can help you get rid of pain and stiffness caused in arthritis:

Mustard oil, and camphor remedy
Heat 1 cup of mustard oil and add 10 grams of camphor in it. Heat this together till the camphor dissolves completely. Wait till the oil is lukewarm, and then use this mixture to massage on the areas where you experience swelling. Mustard oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has historically been used to soothe aches and pain. Also, camphor has properties that relieve pain and inflammation.

Olive oil and lavender essential oil remedy
Take some warm olive oil in a small bowl and add 2 drops of lavender essential oil in it. Use this mixture to massage the affected areas to alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Olive oil has a special compound called oleocanthal, and oleic acid that reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body. Lavender essential oil is just for your own home spa experience.

Turmeric milk
Turmeric has a chemical called curcumin, it helps reduce the pain and brings down the swelling. Many Indian dishes use this as one of the main spices in cooking, but if you aren’t a fan of those recipes you can try turmeric milk. Take one glass of milk and add 1 tablespoon of turmeric. Mix this and consume it daily before going to bed.

Consume apple cider vinegar & honey

• Take one glass of warm water
• Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• Add 1 tablespoon honey
• Mix this well, and drink this once daily

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the pain and stiffness caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. You may also add one cup of ACV in your warm bath water at night and soak your body in it for 20 minutes.

Try hot and cold therapy
You may have heard of this remedy as it is extremely common, but it only provides temporary relief from the pain and swelling. The heat therapy boosts circulation in the body and hence helps in removing the stiffness from the joints. The cold therapy does the opposite, restricting circulation which reduces the swelling of the joints.

While these are natural home remedies, it is always advisable to consult your doctor to make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients before you consume or apply it on yourself. Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect anyone and at any age, but it usually begins to affect people after the age of 30, although the symptoms don’t show up until the age of 60. It is also noted that women are three times more likely to develop this illness more than men.

Some other general tips to prevent this condition involve having an active lifestyle. Make sure you indulge in a physical activity every day for at least 30 minutes. Also, ensure you get proper nutrition daily to avoid any pain and swelling.