An inflammatory disease which causes pain, swelling and stiffness in joints, arthritis is a progressive disease which worsens with advancing age. And Ayurveda defines the primary cause of arthritis to be the aggravation of Vata dosha and recommends Vata pacifying measures for management of the condition.
Here is a list of 6 herbs recommended to help manage arthritis.
Turmeric
The spice is hailed as highly effective to combat inflammation. The compound curcumin present in turmeric is beneficial for managing chronic-inflammatory related joint diseases. It can also be applied topically to relieve pain.
Ajwain
The presence of anti-inflammatory components make Ajwain a natural aid to arthritis pain. It also contains anaesthetic properties which further help in relieving excessive pain during winter. Soak a spoonful of ajwain in a tub of hot water and soak aching joints in it for easing swelling and pain. Crushing these seeds and making a paste of it and applying on affected area is beneficial for alleviating pain.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil contains tannins that are helpful in reducing swelling and pain associated with arthritis. Also, the aroma of eucalyptus oil is considered to have calmative effects on the brain to relieve the discomfort.
Ginger
The compounds that give ginger its strong flavour also provide it with anti-inflammatory properties that help manage the inflammation and swelling related to arthritis.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which have antioxidant properties to help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. It can be used in combination with other foods and spices to offer a cumulative anti-inflammatory effect.
Garlic
Garlic contains an anti-inflammatory compound which help limit the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines and thus is beneficial for fighting pain, inflammation and cartilage damage caused by arthritis.