Essential Ayurvedic Medicine To Reduce Arthritis Pain

Did you know? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) affects your lifestyle, such as difficulty in standing, walking, maintaining personal hygiene, alongside it causes trouble with hand movements. Additionally, it may also result in fatigue, morning sickness, and even weight loss. This article explains what the root cause of RA is, what prevention methods to use, and which ayurvedic medicines for arthritis to use to alleviate RA symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation which possesses cavities, also known as synovial joints. It usually involves peripheral joints in a symmetric distribution, where the synovial becomes inflamed causing warmth, redness, swelling and pain.

In simple words, RA is a systemic disease that primarily causes joint inflammation, pain, loss of function, and eventually joint destruction and deformity.  It varies in severity from mild inflammation in a few joints to symmetric involvement in multiple joints, primarily in the hands and feet. 

The prevalence of Arthritis has increased due to the ageing population, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle, etc. The pain and loss of functional capacity caused by RA reduce the quality of life and increase the risk of further morbidity. However, the good news is, this can be effectively treated with the power of Ayurveda! 

Fact Check 

Ayurveda and Arthritis 

An Amavata is a disease that occurs when the Vata Dosha is vitiated and Ama (toxin or undigested metabolic waste) is accumulated in the joints, this condition is known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the modern language. Ama is a maldigested product that isn't homogenous for the body. Once Ama accumulates in joints or tissues, it can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, etc. Its characteristics are similar to those of RA in modern medicine, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammatory and symmetrical polyarthritis. Ayurveda considers Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding causative factors) the most important method of managing arthritis. Mentioned below are some of the most effective medicines for arthritis:

Ayurvedic Medicines for Arthritis

Ayurveda is the oldest known system of healing, developed thousands of years ago in India. People can benefit significantly by taking care of their mind, body, and spirit through Ayurveda. By addressing the root cause of the disease, Ayurveda differs from other treatments that focus on target symptoms. As a holistic approach, Ayurveda can benefit people by improving their quality of life and restricting the progression of the disease. 

The following are some medicines that are considered to treat RA:

1.) Guggulu

Guggulu, a natural vasodilator, also treats painful muscle spasms, sore muscles, arthritic conditions, and other inflammatory conditions. It combats inflammation caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. The main flavour is bitter, with secondary tastes of astringent, pungent, and sweet, which offers digestive relief. It scrapes toxins (ama) from the joints and improves metabolism. Several Guggul formulations are beneficial for RA, including Yograj Guggul, Singhnad Guggul, and Mahayograj Guggul.

2.) Castor Oil

Castor Oil is an effective ayurvedic medicine for arthritis that helps in improving digestion by balancing Vata and scraping off toxins (ama) from the bones. In the case of ama-coated digestive tracts, the application of 2-3 teaspoons of castor oil and a strong ginger tea can alleviate muscle and joint discomfort. Castor oil (Eranda /Arandi tail), when heated slightly and massaged gently and deeply onto affected joints daily, cures arthritic pain and inflammation to a large extent.

3.) Ajwain

Ajwain's anti-inflammatory components make it an effective natural remedy for arthritis pain. Its anaesthetic properties make it ideal for relieving excessive pain during winter. Ajwain can be used in three different ways for RA:

• First, In a tub of hot water, mix a spoonful of carom seeds or ajwain and soak your aching joints for 5-10 minutes; this will help reduce swelling and pain.
• Second, to alleviate the pain, you can crush the seeds, make a paste from them, and apply the paste directly to the affected area.
• Third, you can drink ajwain water every day to ease the symptoms of RA.

4.) Dashmool

Dashmool is not a single Ayurvedic herb but a mixture of ten ayurvedic medicinal herbs used to treat various ailments. 'Dashmool' means 'ten roots', including five roots from trees and five from shrubs. These include Patala, Gambhari, Brihati, Shalparni, and others. Dashmool or Dashmula is effective for inflammatory conditions in the body or Vata Rog. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and soothing properties help cure joint pain. Dashmool is available in decoction form, and you can take 2-3 tsp of Dashmoolarishta with warm water.

5.) Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Oil is the most commonly used herbal treatment for Arthritis. The leaves of eucalyptus plants contain tannins that can help relieve arthritis-related swelling and pain. The aroma of eucalyptus oil is said to have a calming effect on the brain, while the oil relieves you from the pain and swelling in your joints. You can massage eucalyptus oil on affected areas twice a day.

6.) Ginger

Ginger is known for its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease joint pain and swelling. It is also known as a natural ayurvedic medicine for arthritis that increases blood circulation, brings warmth and with its healing properties, brings relief to the affected areas. You can drink ginger tea or apply the ginger paste to your joints or can use a high-quality ginger essential oil for massage.

7.) Nirgundi

Nirgundi is one of the most common herbs for easing joint pain. The plant is readily available and can relieve swelling and severe pain. It has potent anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant properties that help joints in many ways. Nirgundi's leaves are believed to have the most medicinal properties, followed by their stems and seeds. This plant has a bitter taste and a hot potency that makes it helpful in this condition. You can use the Nirgundi oil to apply on the joints, or make a paste of the leaves and apply it, or make a decoction of the leaves

Conclusion

The Ayurveda system has a unique concept concerning all diseases known as chikitsa Siddhanta, which works and stands the test of time. Since other therapies for Amavata have limitations, Ayurveda has proven to be great therapy. It has potent ayurvedic medicines for arthritis treatment. Ayurveda plays a significant role in treating Amavata. Ayurveda says Chikitsa (Treatment) for this disease is Nidan Parivarjan (removal of the cause). A physician cannot provide appropriate treatment for any disease if the cause is unknown. So, what are you waiting for? Talk to our Ayurvedic Consultant today and find out the root cause of your problem to get the right treatment.