Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Effective Solutions

Vitamin D a NO-NO

Haven't been here for a while. But noticed something to alert people about. At another site, Mercola.com they advised RA patients to take vitamin D. What? Seriously!

I hope nobody here ever does such a thing.

Yes, vitamin D is low in RA patients but that is not a cause, it is a symptom. The attacking bacteria destroy vitamin D receptors. And pumping up on vitamin D will not solve the problem. It's like seeing low air in a broken balllon and thinking you just have to keep pumping in more air and all will be well. Not so. The balloon will stay deflated because of the hole. So all that vitamin D goes to waste. So don't try to take vitamin D for RA.

But it could be much worse (maybe even worse than taking copper). Over the last few years I've noticed that every time my wife was pursuaded to go to vitamin D her RA flared up. Trying to stimulate a broken mechanism is a bad idea.

For further information try an article in:

Annals of NY Academy Science, 2009, Sept by Waterhouse and Perez aned ALbert on called "Reversing bacteria-induced vitamin D receptor dysfunction is key to autoimmune disease"

I was diagnosed with RA and had horrible pain, swelling and bad lab work. I noticed a connection between the foods I ate and the pain that day or the next day. Dairy made my knees swell and my starchy foods made my si joints hurt really bad. Sweets and excess sugar made my whole body hurt. After eating and juicing whole fresh fruits and vegetables for 80% of my daily diet, my labs started dropping and my swollen knees started to get better SLOWLY. It took a year for my arm to regain range of motion and my knees slowly got better too, they had been swollen for over three years, every day I had terrible knee pain. I could barely walk around the block they were so swollen. My labs such as sedimentation rate was at 60 and it is in normal range now. My RA factor has come down a lot too. Lastly my CRP has come down 500 points, but it came down 50 points every 6 months, it takes awhile if you have a severe case of RA.

Juicing fruits and veggies and eating them raw is key, and avoiding, wheat, corn , potatoes, and dairy was important for me. Also I eat meat once or twice a week because too much makes me feel unwell. Hope this helps someone, and remember don't lose hope.

In regards to Rheumatoid Arthritis, I want to relate my experience using Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA).

When I eat dairy products especially milk and ice cream, I notice my RA DOES act up. When I eat the dairy with one tablet of CLA, my RA DOES NOT seem to act up.

I have found a supporting study that relates my personal experience

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Milk has been anecdotally associated with an exacerbation of arthritic symptoms. A case study presented in the Arthritis and Rheumatism Journal found that some patients have an allergic response to milk that creates inflammation in the joints. Another study published in Arthritis Today magazine found that one compound in milk called conjugated linoleic acid actually reduced inflammation. Patients are advised to eliminate milk for one week to monitor symptom relief. In addition, milk and dairy products are rich sources of calcium and vitamin D which strengthen bones and prevent fractures and other bone concerns for those with osteoarthritis.
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For people whose RA acts up but may desire to eat dairy products, this may be something to experiment with.

As an aside, CLA also does wonders for body fat management but each person is different in when they will respond. It took me nearly 7 months and others respond more very quick.

CLA got removed from the diet when they stopped using grass fed animals.

Arthritis is usually a missing nutrient ...Boron, you need to supplement that 3mg per day! Auto immune can be whats called Leaky Gut Syndrome ... damage to the walls of the gut allowing undigested matter straight into the blood system! You would need to consider parasite infection, toxic substances, acidic processed foods etc! However you might find that the Boron will give massive relief on its own though everyone and their conditions are different ... what works well for one might not work so well for another!!!!

Hi, MSM must be in powder form and PURE. It can be contaminated so make sue it has nothing in it. Google the product or as your health food store to check. I used a product that was pure MSM or it can be toxic and make you feel sick.

Boswella a resin from india can be taken for one month and then stop for a week, and continue, it is a natural cox 2 inhibitor and no effect on cox 1. Wild yam capsules are anti inflammatory and I liked Pomagranite Extract capsules.

I understand the frantic search for supplements to control RA. But it really is gotten under control through diet. THere is depression and fatigue related to RA so just break the symptom down and treat each. If you want to do the supplement route.

I did it your way but had a huge ah ha moment when I realized I needed super health and super foods to get over it. All the supplements worked but only for short periods. Super health worked much better for me. But I know how important it is to feel in control so if you are doing well then keep at it!

I did not Suppress the immune system, but began to build up the immune system.
I like an herb called Astraligus in liquid extract form 1 dropperful 1-2 times a day.
Green tea extract in liquid form 1-2 times a day
I like Pomagranite extract capsules
Arthrid powder
Green barley juice powder
Spirolina Powder or capsules

Lots of dark green vegetables in salads soups and juices, fish and occasional chicken, fruits in abundance but avoid tropical fruits for a while. Eat this way for life or get back to foods you like and see if you have flares. If you do then controlling your diet will be of great help.
NO wheat, grains. milk , dairy, nuts, or candy until you see that you can control flares. Use an anti inflammatory drug rarely to just lower pain and inflammatory response to weather, stress. chemicals, or food and get back on diet.

I used new age music that heals and listened to it as often as possible for weeks. I believe that this helped too.

Look into Gary Craig emotional healing and teach yourself how to do it. Free download of his ebook on internet. I used it Chronic Fatigue where I couldn't move for most of the day. My RA came on suddenly 2 1/2 years ago and it hit me with pain in all my joints, depression, swelling, muscle pain.
I used Magnesium for the muscle pain.

I am now in good health and look and feel great. I can control the flares and lost 30 pounds. I still have symptoms but am 80% improved.
Sharon

Lugol's Iodine that I ordered from the Breath of Life website has given me relief from all-over-tissue-pain after searching for 12 years. I'm an N.D. candidate; therefore, shunned all meds, but the Dr.'s said my rheumatoid factor was sky high and everytime I ate Sugar, Bread or overate or had anything much to eat, I would get inflamed and achy and wake up the next morning barely able to move. I've got an active 13-year old and wanted my mobility back. Everytime I take it with food or shortly thereafter, my pain totally vanishes. I thought something was up when it would vanish for a period of time if I ate lobster or had a seaweed body wrap on vacation. It's the iodine!!! I take about 4-6 drops 3X/day. Eureka!!! I just wonder now if I'll have to take this for the rest of my life.

Hi Corrie, I was just diagnosed with RA last week and have been in pain for 6 months now. Can you give me the name of the person you went to for acupuncture to help with your RA? I'd like to explore that option too. Thanks, Val

Are you still on the site? Hope so. I am treating my RA without drugs. I use hydrologized collaigin, Green barley juice powder, and spirolina. I have used BSM and liked it a lot. But I found that I MUST eliminate foods that cause inflammation before any benefit is stable. When the pain is localized I have found that it is a particlar food that caused that flare, example milk makes my knees swell, rice makes all my joints swell, chocolate gives me a flare in my hands.

Eliminate the foods by going to a simple diet of no grains, milk, citrus fruits, sweets and just eat veggies, beans, fruits, fish and occasional chicken for two weeks. Add back foods you normally eat and watch for reactions. Also if you feel better if you are not eating your regular diet, then that is a clue that there are food sensitivities.

Arthrid powder - 1 scoop
Barley Grass Juice powder - 1/2 teaspoon (slowly work up to a tablespoon or more)
Spirolina Powder 1/4 -1/2 teaspoon
blend in vegetable or fruit juice to eliminate flares, take 1 time a day for health, 2 times a day wit a flare.

Sharon

I was diagnosed with RA at the age of 29. I am now 65 and have not had many flare ups until the last few months. Then, it started acting up in my right knee and hip. For almost 2 weeks I could hardly walk without help, and, could not even lie, much left sleep, on my right side. Then, I made a long trip driving my husband's pickup truck. When I returned from the trip, after about 2 days both my wrists hurt so bad I could barely function. I used wrist bands, Arthritis Bengay, I was desperate.

Then I found this site while I was searching for natural cures. I started using ACV, mixed with water and honey, about 2 weeks ago. I have been using the store brand from where I shop, it is 5%. I am totally amazed with the results. Almost NO pain, in my knee, hip or wrists!! I can even sleep on my right side!!

I will take Ted's advice about using the baking soda as I have had a little burning in the tummy, but, it's worth it to be able to sit here and type, lift, move, without pain in my wrists. I have also lost about 5 pounds. My goal there is 15 more. I will continue my ACV regimen, am trying to get my husband to try it and haven't succeeded as of this date. Thank you for this web site!!!

I knew people with RA and one want to just jump a cliff. The other did too but had elderly parents to care for. He was on weekly chemo to kill the pain.

I, however, refuse to be killed off with toxic medicines and decided since all if Earthclinic's cures work for me, why not see if the cure for RA would help me too. One dose gave me less pain and mobility. I need to make this my daily routine.

I started taking Borax to remove the fluoride from my bones more than 10 years ago. At that time, I was having to get pain shots almost monthly so I could walk due to rheumatoid arthritis.After starting Borax, I didn't notice any changes right away but I quit taking it after a couple of months because I ran out of bottled water. Within 2 weeks in July, I woke up, could hardly move&was so sore&stiff&in pain. As a former nurse, I started looking at what changed&I kept coming back to the Borax. After a little more research, I learned Borax was an old time arthritis treatment.I started taking it again&went back to no pain or stiffness in my bones&continue to this day. I put 1/8th teaspoon in my coffee at least 5 times a week. People have seen me before&after Borax & I tell them what I do&I get crazy looks.No one else will try it but I digress. While I'm still chasing chickens&climbing into tree stands, they can barely get off their couch.The best part about Borax-relief from arthritis symptoms, no more pain shots & no side effects like many arthritis medications. My doctor is amazed because she thought I'd be in a wheelchair by now. I'm almost 60 y o&I'm not going to let arthritis ruin the rest of my life. My question is-is arthritis today a real disease or is it consequences of drinking fluoridated water?

Seeing exciting improvements with Borax but days off are hard

I have been doing the borax protocol, 1/8 tsp per day in a litre of water, for almost 3 weeks (for RA). I am seeing gradual improvements that have me very excited and hopeful. However, I find that the days off (i.e., 5 on, 2 off) are quite difficult. It's like I go right back to pre-borax days... even if I just take one day off. Makes me want to do 7 days a week. Thoughts? I am wondering if I should increase dose? Or just do every day for awhile?? Fyi I am a woman, 59. I am in quite bad shape without the boron. I have lost faith in doctor's / drug company's treatments and so am not on any for the RA. I do also take CBD oil, which is helpful, too. Thank you.

When I figured out that I have RA I did a lot of research and found that capers are loaded with Quercetin. I bought a jar of organic capers from Costco and began to eat 2-3 Tablespoon per day, or sometimes more. After a few days I could feel a big difference in my pain level, and after a few weeks I would not have any pain any more at all. I followed this protocol for about a year and thought my RA was cured since I didn't have any symptoms. So, I stopped taking it. Shortly after discontinuing it, my RA came back but not with much pain. I was getting tired of eating so many capers every day that I incorporated only about a teaspoon per day or nothing at all. I also dipped into chocolates and sweets much more often than I should, and ate lots of breads, rolls, noodles, etc., etc. You get the picture. This was probably the time when my Hashimoto's started to creep in. I have started again with my capers routine because I know it works, but it does not cure RA. Quercetin is a Flavonoid and a very powerful antioxidant, which combats inflammation, but it does not cure anything by itself. It is a bandaid only. You have to find the cause (very likely a leaky gut) and take it from there. In the mean time the Quercetin in capers will help you to be pain free, or close to it.

Another important thing - the capers in the jar are extremely salty. I have to rinse the jar about 5-6 times thoroughly and fill it with fresh spring water. Then I put some in a smaller jar that I fill with plain spring water and put them both in the fridge. Each day I rinse the smaller jar and fill it with fresh spring water again until the salt is gone. The salt serves as a preservative but if you use it every day it is gone before it can get bad. I never had any problem with it.

Hope this helps you as much as it did help me.

@Kk,

Olive oil is about 14% saturated fat, whereas 11% is polyunsaturated, such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. But the predominant fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, making up 73% of the total oil content. Studies suggest that oleic acid reduces inflammation, contains large amounts of anti-oxidants, and is filled with bioavailable phenolic compounds that have multiple, varied positive health effects like decreasing oxidative damage to DNA and lowering inflammatory markers and reduce oxidative stress in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (44, 45). In one study, olive and fish oil significantly improved handgrip strength, joint pain and morning stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis (46).

Coconut oil, on the other hand, is made up primarily of saturated fat in the form of molecules called medium-chain-triglycerides (MCTs). It does contain polyphenols, but when compared side-by-side, olive oil topically is the better choice at reducing inflammation. Coconut oil health benefits are mainly for internal use. I put a spoonful of coconut oil in my coffee in the morning to help “lube the joints”.

The original recipe called for olive oil so I'm sticking with it. I hope this helps.

I have had RA for 12 years, and I've found that if I don't eat sugar and/or wheat, I have NO pain. No kiddin....

Hi Melanie,

Ted's remedies are at this link. I am fairly new here so I can't tell you much other than he has given tons of information for us to study. Others than know him better can tell you much more than I. Here's the link;) I've already used several of his suggestions myself:

https://ted.earthclinic.com/

This is my suggestion to help with Reumatoid arthritis, having to do with leaky gut

• Juicing once a week
• Avoid proinflammatory foods, milk, white sugar, white flour made food stuff
• Serrapeptase (80,000i.u) in the morning on empty stomach
• One hour after serrapeptase Glutamine with water
• oil of oregano with the food 6 weeks ΟΝ 2 weeks off (mid - day)
• Omega 3 capsule plus probiotics - 8 o'clock in the evening
• Between the two main meals – 6 o clock in the evening – One capsule mastic 6 weeks ΟΝ 2 weeks off
• When you are on two weeks OFF from previous, get garlic oil capsules instead
• Before food 10- 20 minutes, take digestive enzymes

Dear Marion,

We make smoothies all the time at my house and turmeric is easy to disguise in them.

We buy a case of frozen organic bananas and let them ripen and then freeze them so we always have them on hand for our smoothies.

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup milk kefir (or yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/16 teaspoon black pepper (to potentate the turmeric)
• 1 Tablespoon cacao powder
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• Blend in a blender

My kids like to add a tablespoon of peanut butter to theirs.

If you use unsweetened kefir or yogurt you will need a sweetener - honey or blackstrap are ideal. Otherwise raw sugar, but not artificial sweetener.

Aldi and Trader Joe's have strawberry or blueberry milk kefir that is good. Milk kefir or a high quality yogurt will have benefits to add to the turmeric.

If you could add a tablespoon of organic coconut oil that would be great, too. RA may have a viral component and the coconut oil would be good for that.

Also if he could take lots of vitamin c (sodium ascorbate) that would be great and Epsom salt baths if possible.

I hope this is helpful to him!

~Mama to Many~

It is my contention that rheumatoid arthritis is either caused by a potassium deficiency or is greatly enabled by one (Potassium in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis and heart infarction. 1974 Journal of Applied Nutrition. 26; p40. ) (Potassium deficiency as a cause of rheumatoid arthritis. 2000 Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. 208; 74-76. ) ( http://charles_w.tripod.com/arthritis.html ). Dr. Reza Rastmanesh has performed a clinical trial that establishes this (Rastmanesh R. 2008 A pilot study of potassium supplementation in treatment of hypokalemic patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blinded placebo controlled trial. The Journal of Pain. 9, issue 8; 722-731. ).

Potassium should be automatically prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis because getting potassium up to normal from the low values in all RA patients (LaCelle PL et al 1964 An investigation of total body potassium in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Proceedings Ann. Meeting of the Rheumatism Association, Arthritis & Rheumatism 7; 321 ) (Sambrook PN, Ansell BM, Foster S, Gumpel JM, Hesp R, Reeve J, Zanelli JM 1985 Bone turnover in early rheumatoid arthritis. 1. Biochemical and kinetic indexes. Ann Rheum Dis. Sep;44(9):575-9. ) is slow, even with a high unprocessed vegetable diet. There are tasty foods that are especially rich in potassium ( http://www.rheumatoidarthritisprogram.com/potassium-and-ra/ ).

However it is important that thiamin (vitamin B-1) be adequate when supplementing with potassium because heart disease can not materialize when both are deficient, but will show up if only one of those is deficient (http://charles_w.tripod.com/kandthiamin.html ). This is probably the primary reason why heart disease is a main cause of death in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

In view of the fact that this is not considered by current rheumatologists, it would be very valuable for you to bring it into your future research. It is not only that potassium is not considered by physicians in regard to RA, most of them do not even believe that a potassium deficiency is likely. This even though many of them prescribe what are actually supplements, but prescribed under euphemistic terms such as salt substitutes, sodium free baking powder, ORT salts (oral rehydration therapy for diarrhea), polarizing solutions, GIK (glucose, insulin, potassium) salts, vegetables, or glucosamine. A deficiency is further defined out of existence by defining the blood serum content normal as 4.2 when the actual figure is 4.8.

Sincerely, Charles Weber

Dear Arshia,

On your RA problem: Absolutely, you must try DMSO topically. Has worked wonders on me with same issues as you. Google, "DMSO Dr Jacobs Youtube 60 minutes". That's a three part series on the miracle of DMSO.

Best, Dave

I would look into Rheumatoid Solutions. Basically, exercise is proven in case study to reduce inflammation (stationary bicycle) and eating Whole Foods, high in nutrients, also intermittent fasting. I start eating around 1:00pm and it's reduced my pain and swelling. I avoid oils and most animal products and refined sugars. You will see swelling go down in one to two weeks. You will wake up feeling less pain!

Dear Patricia, Cat's Claw Bark is good for the inflammation of RA. It may take a number of different things in combination to help. Last year my daugther had symptoms of Juvenile RA. (Pediatrician thought that was what it was, but we didn't have the testing done as we didn't want to go the Big Pharma route. ) She was 8. We took her to a natuaropath who had her do many things. She also had asthma, migraines and eczema. Praise the Lord, she has no symptoms of RA or eczema anymore. Her migraines and asthma attacks are infrequent.

Daily she took Cat's Claw Bark in capsules, nettles in capsules, vitamin C, Blackstrap Molasses, and Vitamin D. She doesn't take any of that any more. If she has an asthma flare up, she takes nettles. She does take feverfew every day to prevent migraines.

She does have a pretty healthy diet, eats very little processed food.

You might also add Apple Cider Vinegar to your daily routine - 1 T. In 8 oz. Of water twice a day. Drinking at least 1/2 gallon of pure water a day (herbal tea and vinegar in your water are okay.)

Let us know what helps you!
~Mama to Many~

I started juicing fruits and veggies with a juicer for my severe RA and juiced for one week and made sure to stay away from grains/starches and animal products after that week. My knees that were once swollen are not swollen anymore.

I know what you mean, it's hard to know what to eat. First thing, exercise has been proven to be anti inflammatory, so walk or get in a stationery bicycle, it will lessen the inflammation. Also, don't eat processed junk it is not rebuilding your cells. We are what we eat literally, so eat food that is whole. Write out ten meals that are highly nutritious and try to have the foods on hand. Green smoothie (kale, berries banana ice in a blender). Sweet potato, rice beans and broccoli. My body reacts to sugary foods and processed foods with swollen joints and pain. I have to reset my body by eating plain veggies and fruits to get it feeling more calm. You are what you eat :)

diagnosed with severe Rhuematoid Arthritis a year ago. The following is what I did to treat it.

1. Ascorbic Acid- at least 1-2 Grams per day. Yes Grams. Vitamin C- Aka ascorbic acid was looked at by big pharma and was found to be almost miraculous in the treatment of a number of diseases. They attempted to get patent rights for it and were denied, no profit no more research. I have always felt that RA is an imbalance in my immune system, Ascorbic Acid helped restore that balance.
2. Boron- Here is the kicker you can only buy it in 3 mg capsules but You need at least 20 mg per day total taken in 3 doses, so stock up on the big bottle. Why does this work? Your immune system is in your gut/intestines. An imbalance in the fauna and flora sets up a dominoe effect to allow fungus such as candida albicans to take root in your intestinal walls causing leaky gut syndrome. This is how food allergies and reactions to specific stressor foods manifest themselves. Boron is one of the best "all natural" anti-fungals known to man. It makes you pee bright yellow but that is the only side effect other than killing unwanted fungus in your intestines.
3. Pro-biotics. Like I stated previously all of your immune system originates in your intestines, when you take care of the good bacteria in your gut, then your gut will start taking care of you. I recommend a pro-biotic that is of soil origin (will say on bottle)and more than one type. These types go after the bad guys in your intestines and stop the proliferation of the bad which gives your gut the time it needs to heal. If you don't take soil origin probiotics at least twice a day and You have RA then You are indeed a fool.
3. Reishi Mushroom extract- proven immune system modulator. Follow recommended dosage on the bottle. It helps your immune system rebalance itself.
4. If You have RA the foods you consume are no longer about what You like, thats what got you into this mess to begin with. When you have inflammation in your body from other than injury, its guaranteed you have inflammation in your intestines. Every time you think its "okay" to consume a stressor food (can be found on the net what they are) it is like adding fuel to the fire. Especially night shade family veggies, grains, and dairy. I know its hard to give these up. They used to be my favorites. But it is possible. Also Stay away from processed foods, chemical additives of any kind are not your friend including those that you wash with or that go on your skin. Stay away from commercially raised beef and stick to grass fed. Stay away from chicken and stick to turkey without additives (shady brook brand)Did you know they were putting arsenic into the chicken feed and hence it could be found in the meat? Find a recipe for bread made with brown rice flour, no potato starches or oils other than coconut. Stay away from soy bean oils (check your supplements) so many of them are GMO you cannot trust the source anymore and GMO food will send You into flare quicker than anything I know of.
5. I found a rheumatologist who put me on minocycline and that is what I prefer because it isn't as toxic as other drugs. I started out on 100mg 2x a day with the above regimen until I went into remission then I cut back to 100mg 1x per day until in remission for more than 2 weeks then cut back to 100mg 1x per day on Mon, Wed, and Friday. (see Dr. Mercolas web-site for the Mon, wed, Fri regimen)Rhuematologists are hard to find that use minocycline or that you can convince to prescribe it to you alone, I personally have to travel 120 miles for appointments but here I sit in remission, joints healing up, no swelling anywhere. I honestly don't know if this regimen will work for those on the more toxic drugs but I believe you have everything to gain. If You don't take any other supplements at all the Ascorbic Acid, Boron and Pro-biotics are the most beneficial. Others that I take are":Glucosamine chondroiton with MSM
magnesium 500 2x a day
potassium 1gram 1x a day
selenium 1x a day
zinc 1x a day.
N-acetyl cysteine-builds up your glutathione levels. Something found lacking in all with arthritis of any kind.
Boron can be increased up to 30mg perday if symptoms are stubborn.

It took me 2 months on this regimen to go into remission. It is a wonderful thing to be able to say that word "remission" without the fear of going into flare-up tommorow and I am not there yet. I will say the only other thing I would attempt to do is relieve as much stress and anger in your life as possible and make sure you have a strong personal relationship with God and Your family. If you don't have faith you can beat this disease from running your life, then you won't.
I sit here symptom free and grateful that I am. If anything I have learned compassion for others who suffer from RA and other debilitating diseases and that is my only motivation for posting this. I pray that one day they will have a cure available and these type of diseases can be treated with something which works quickly and effectively but until the pharmacutical industry is more cure driven than profit driven I really dont see that happening. I hope for the best for you. I think you are going to see the ascorbic acid/boron and probiotics being used more in the treatment of this disease as more is learned about it.

There is just one proven way to be rid of arthritis in all its forms.

80,000 iu Serrapeptase is now known to be the THE way to get rid of all types of inflammation - for this is arthritis - along with a mass of other problems. It was first used to remove blood clots. The most recent way I have heard of its benefits is in curing TB.

I could not stand upright or walk without limping for pain. I tried the H2O2 in a spray bottle as seen on u tube. Within 15 minutes I noticed reduction in pain. From an 8 to 3. So I remembered I use to put on a little DMSO and sprayed a little HP on my leg, hip, and lower back. I am now so delighted I can hardly type. Pain is almost gone. Just a little pain in mid back and neck. I have lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 30 years. Thank you so much for the tips. Rose