Natural Osteoarthritis Relief: Holistic Remedies Guide

I recently got my sister started on ACV, the good stuff with the Mother. Anyway, I just got a message from her and she says it's like a miracle. All her pain from her osteoArthritis has let up. She's only been doing the ACV 1 tbsp in the a.m. She also never has taken any drugs for pain, so her system is pretty clean so to speak. Maybe that is why it is working so well! I'm thrilled, and wanted to share here with others.

I told her about the honey and Blackstrap Molasses post I saw here as well, she's just ecstatic about the pain being gone. She is 76 and had this for about 20 years at least.

Approximately 12 years ago I was suffering with osteoarthritis in both of my knees. The Lord guided me to switch from eating regular broccoli to organic broccoli. I had been eating broccoli daily because I like it so much. After eating steamed organic broccoli daily for one month the arthritis in my knees vanished and has never returned. Praise The Lord!

Subsequently, the Lord has sent scores of individuals into my path who also had osteoarthritis and He had me give my testimony about this wonderful remedy and person after person has reported the same wonderful results by doing the organic broccoli. Some of those got rid of their arthritis in one or two weeks. Praise The Lord!

2 tsp honey, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar in 8 to 16 ounces of water 3 times a day cured my arthritis, back pain and allergies. I was in so much pain for many many years with severe back problems, and then 2 years ago was diagnosed with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The dr. prescribed steroids, and 2 different immuno suppresant drugs and the side effects were horrible. I could hardly get out of bed in the morning, my joints and muscles hurt so bad, i also have fibromyalgia. I started this regimen about a month ago and saw immediate results. My hay fever has cleared up also. My sinuses are dry, usually I always have a bad post nasal drip problem. I feel more energized, and my body just feels good, like it is getting what it needs.

Following some research on the use of apple cider vinegar and honey, I started to use a concoction every day in the morning.

The reason for the use is to bring relief for sinus congestion and frequent sore throat.

What has happened though has taken me a bit by surprise. My increasing symptoms of Osteoarthritis have been brought under control, the pain is significantly reduced. My energy levels are increased, my sinus congestion is reduced, my sore throats ..... almost gone! The surprise though is the change to the Osteoarthritis. I suffer with this in my wrists and hands.

The mix I use is as follows: One dessert spoon of good quality honey, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass and half filled with warm ( partly cooled boiled water ) stir until dissolved and just drink it down or sip it. It is quite palateable. I drink this in the morning.

Magnesium for Heberden's Nodes / Osteoarthritis

For the past few years, I've been developing bumps on the top bony joints of both index fingers. In my research I've discovered they appear to be Heberden's Nodes – they're bony swellings that form on your hands as a result of osteoarthritis. And they make using that finger or fingers incredibly painful. Starting earlier this spring the one on my left hand was really bothering me, couldn't use it, had to be conscious of not using it for anything or the pain would shoot through me. (ever try to function without your index fingers? it's very challenging).

In the last few months, I've also been getting foot cramps in the middle of the night. Wake-up-cry-out-loud-foot/toe-twisting foot cramps. (I know, I need to drink more water too).

For foot cramps, I use magnesium oil for almost immediate relief. I also use magnesium oil on my legs for my restless legs. In an effort to be proactive in the last few weeks I've been rubbing magnesium lotion on my feet and massaging them for a few minutes each night before bed. I found this great lotion that's cocoa butter with magnesium oil. Or I use my MSM lotion and mix it with my spray mag oil. Like a lightbulb going on the other day, I realized my finger hasn't hurt me in a few weeks. Hasn't hurt AT ALL. Magnesium to the rescue....

AGAIN. I use it for so many things, I don't know how people can live without it. I hope everyone tries it, it has so many uses. I wasn't even using it on purpose for my fingers, but I got results as a side effect of trying to fix my feet. Sweet!

Dear Beladonna,

I'm catching up on reading Earth Clinic and your query from 2 days ago. From my experience, the biggest determiner of whether I'll wake up with joint pain is refined sugar. I don't usually eat it, but I happen to have been on a 2 day binge. This morning, I am hurting.

To calm things down, I've got a jar of bone broth thawing. It is homemade. I can't speak for the store shelf kind, but I have read the labels and don't see calcium in there (How is that possible?). A cup or 2 of bone broth over the next 3 to 4 days is what I will use to turn this around. That and no more sugar.

I make broth with roasted venison bones when I have them, but a good quality hen carcass adds a lot more collagen gel. I have never been bothered by nightshades and lately I take the easy route of using a cup of jarred pasta sauce to flavor a batch of broth. It seems to work as well as when I spend half an hour chopping vegetables. We eat from our garden and I take a walk or a paddle almost every day. I do appreciate the Mediterranean diet and always enjoy Michael's posts, but when cooking, I use the fats suggested by Dr. Terry Wahls instead.

Osteoarthritis pain is no fun. I hope you are successful in finding your answers.

Michael, I hope what I write can help you as much as it has helped me.

When I first started daily use of a tea made with ACV, it helped. I was in my early 50s then and had ended a career in hands on horticulture. I too woke up with aching hands in the night. I'm closer to 60 now and no longer drink that tea, because other things have helped more. I make bone broth to drink and to cook with. I really believe in that broth as a great help for arthritis! I strive to eat no sugar, gluten, or soy. I only eat Irish butter (higher fat content than US butter) and some goat products for dairy, but am cognizant that too much dairy can cause inflammation. I try to eat 7-9 cups of colored vegetables or berries per day. drink plenty of water, and limit alchohol. I take a B complex, magnesium, potassium, CoQ10, and an eye vitamin each day. I seem to be getting the needed minerals by using pink salt. If I wake up at night, my palms do feel a bit knotted, but I continue to work with my hands each day and am, basically, pain free.

For me, there was no single supplement that did the trick; just the overhaul of my diet. When people on this site speak of Alkalizing the body for health, this is what they mean.

I've tried apple cider vinegar with honey for 3 months for osteo arthritis in my hands. So far non beneficial at all. Does anyone out there have any ideas to help? I can't sleep at night the pain and inflamation is terrible. Thanks in advance.

Try boron.... 6 mg a day. Google boron and arthritis. Makes my hands pain free. It takes a week or so to see the improvement. Good luck.

Hi Darmae,

For those who can not tolerate oral borax or are otherwise opposed to oral borax, Borax Lotion can act as an effective substitute applied topically. Here is a link to how to make it:

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/art-solbrig-topical-arthritis-lotion.html

Btw, I recently found out that this also works for other arthritic areas of the body as mentioned by a friend of mine who was testing it on her arthritic knees and wrists which were painfully swollen, so it is not limited to just the hands!

Art

I've been doing ACV for over 20 years, off and on. I add 1 tsp cinnamon and a lemon wedge to it, which makes it much more palatable. Both lemon and cinnamon have other benefits as well.

I, too, took Apple Cider Vinegar for months (years, really) but saw no impact with my arthritis. Now I take 4 mg Astaxanthin twice a day and no pain. I also take serrapeptase whenever I get any sort of pain (migraine, muscle ache, etc) and it clears it up. I took serrapeptase for a twisted knee and, after a month, no more pain--from last summer and still fine.

Hungary Water for Osteoarthritis of the Hands

I have found this formula to be helpful with pain and arthritis in my hands.

Hungary water (sometimes called "the Queen of Hungary's Water", Eau de la Reine de Hongary, or "spirits of rosemary") was one of the first alcohol-based perfumes/liniment/elixir in Europe, primarily made with rosemary. The oldest surviving recipes call for distilling fresh rosemary and thyme with brandy (vodka modern way), while later formulations contain wine, lavender, mint, sage, marjoram, costus (true ginger), orange blossom and lemon.

According to legend, it was formulated at the command of the Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, sometimes identified as Queen Isabella of Hungary or in one document "Saint Elisabeth, Queen of Hungary". Some sources say that a hermit, witch or monk-recluse first gave it to the Queen of Hungary, though most likely it was made by a monk-alchemist or a band of roaming gypsies. The water was given to the queen in order to help her headaches, and is a cure for rheumatism or gout which the queen suffered in her old age or as a rejuvenation treatment. These legends mostly date to the early to mid-17th century, so the details may have become confused in the intervening centuries.

Ingredients: (Original Recipe from 1370 A.D.)

• 4 tablespoon rosemary
• 4 tablespoon thyme
• Vodka (750ml – 80 proof) to cover

Method:

1. Pour all the herbs into a one quart widemouthed glass mason jar

2. Add vodka to jar; close the jar tight and let it sit in a warm spot for 6 weeks or longer shaking occasionally (Hippocrates states both herbs must be steeped for a minimal of 6 weeks)

3. Strain out the herbs with a fine mesh – try and get all the bits out

4. Re-bottle the mixture and store in a cool, dry place

How to use:

I put this mixture into a spray bottle and spray topically on my hands at nite before bed. You will see a huge difference in your hands if repeated daily. The early recipes advise the user to also drink the tonic (though I would definitely say that you check with your doctor on that first! ).

I have taken the boron supplements for years and no longer have any arthritis pain. (I discovered taking it in the evening didn't make me nauseous)

Since it's cheaper I started taking the borax powder more recently. I did get nauseous taking 1/8tsp, so I cut it back to 1/16tsp. I'll try 1/8tsp again after a few weeks.

Dear Iowama,

Fantastic that some people are responding to older postings when they feel they have something to offer each other-wonderful community here on Earth Clinic! I got advised of your recent posting to-day even though my relevant posting was late last year! Thanks for that interest.

My story is a bit similar to your story of your journey with arthritis. There are apparently hundreds of types of arthritis out there, so it is pretty darn likely that the majority of us will have at least one type pay us a call in our lifetimes, especially as some of us are living longer than we used to (if you get my meaning) and therefore opening ourselves up to elderly maladies.

As our Good Doctor famously opined a few years ago, “I'll get to see all of you folks come through these doors eventually”! Ha! “One thing about old age is that it doesn't last long” he said, cheerful fellow but I suppose you need a sense of humour if you are going to be a doctor in this day and age.

You may possibly be interested to check out my looong list of reported treatments for arthritis(es) here on Earth Clinic.

However, a more targeted response (gleaned from this Site and trial and error), I have found to be as follows. This is helping me but has not “cured” me. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the pain relief I think the following regime has brought me over the last several months.

Upon rising, I do the oil pulling with coconut oil and occasionally olive oil (for a bit of variety).

On an empty stomach, I mix baking soda with lime OR lemon juice in a glass of freshly boiled and cooled water. Our rainwater goes through three filters but I still boil for this job. I could use warm water from the tap but my mummy told me not to years ago, even for cleaning my teeth in a cold climate! A half hour later, and after breakfast, I take a fish oil tablet, two alfalfa tablets along with a vitamin C tablet. In addition, I take an enhanced Turmeric/Curcumin tablet and I am fairly confident that this latter one is the Magic Bullet in my case. These little darlings take from about one week to one month to kick in and while they will probably not reverse the damage sustained over a lifetime of hectic, careless living, they seem to tackle the pain factor pretty well in my case.

I confess to having a couple of cups of coffee each day and that could be a tad acidic but I enjoy them and they keep me “grounded”. I still try my best to alkalise, eat more vegetables, drink more fluids to wash out the dross, & have cut out gluetin over the past four months etc etc. I'll be a good boy one day but it's exhausting! Time was, I just poked things into my mouth without analysing!

After (or during) the evening meal, I take my ACV and this has certainly helped my (former) digestive issues considerably. Straight away, it took away the gas and it probably assists the digestion of an older person anyway. It can assist in an alkalizing programme of course. Many reasons why it could be useful to take on a regular basis. Also, regular gardening and walking work for me. Positive outlook!?

On an ad-hoc basis I will take some magnesium chloride liquid in a glass of water, will increase my water consumption even further, especially if I am doing a lot of outdoor work, take my Boron supplement, enjoy an Epsom salts foot soak and put some gelatin(e) into my tea or coffee. If parts get too sore, I resort to my Soothe Cream that I have mentioned on this site before by slipping it under our Dear Leader's Radar (no mean feat! ).

A smoothie I like goes as follows: take half a cup of orange juice, half a cup of apple juice, one cup of water, 2 cups of diced pineapple, 100gms of organic gelatin(e), one cinnamon stick and a dash of organic honey(to taste).

Add the above (except the water) to the blender until you see a homogeneous mixture. You can then add the water. If you wish to stiffen it up you can stick it into the ‘fridge. When it becomes jellified you can begin to take a spoonful regularly.

Cheers & thanks, Michael

I too have osteoarthritus Since I have been taking the honey and cinnamon I have had wonderful results that I never had with ANYTHING else I've tried I had a limp for 4 months was taking 10-12 Ibeprophen a day just to walk without so much pain! Since I've been taking it for two weeks my limp has dissapeared and no longer take any nsaids at all- honey and cinnamon has been a GODSEND to me.

I'm not saying everyone will have the same results but if it can just help one more person as much as it has me, I recommend TRY IT OUT

I'm very glad I've found this site (Earth Clinic) and I want to thank Ted and everybody who have posted their experiences here for others to read.

Now it's my turn to report mine. I've got good news!

Last year (2009) in July I've built a fence around my yard all by my self. It was quite a hard job for one man show with all the digging, lifting, sawing, and hammering but the job was done in a week or so. That was the beginning of my osteoarthritis pain in my hands - I'm not gonna get into detail how the pain was because the ones who have it know how horrible it is.

Of course I had to wait almost 10 months for a booked appointment with a specialist (rheumathologist) to tell me what I've suspected from the beginning, and what was that for if he didn't have any solution for it.

Here is what I've been doing so far - I've started right after some search and research - and it seems to keep the pain away:

I've stopped consuming dairy products. No milk or cheese, thanks! Got soy! :-)

I've stopped consuming meat and fish. I'll pass thanks! Eat Tofu! It tastes like chicken. :-)

The reason I've stopped consuming the above is because these days these products are no longer safe due to man's mass production GMO everything. I guess I've become a vegetarian but you know what: I guess I like it and it's helping me.

Another thing is: everything I eat now is organic. No more GMO products. And according to my books I'm not spending more money because of that.

I've been using Wild Oregano Oil (10 -12 droplets) mixed with Olive Oil (1 Tablespoon) to rub and massage my hands. Wow what a great way to get rid of the pain. It works so well and almost instantly.

I've been taking the Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda on a glass of water 3 times a day like Ted says for the last 3 months.

I didn't notice much it's effects until a couple weeks ago I added a 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to the mix and started warming up the water - I've got the idea from the water cure website and I decided to add it to the mix.

Boy, oh, boy... what a difference that made. I could feel in a few minutes it's power in action. It seems like magic. It works great for me!

I've been doing Oil Pulling too. I'm not so sure about this one but I still do it every morning - Where there's a will there's a way!

I'm not saying I'm cured. But for sure it's keeping the pain away! And maybe with the time. Who knows!

A year from now I'll be back here for an update! I hope with better news or if not these ones are still good for me.

Anyhow I hope this can help others too and if so I would be glad to see their experiences posted in this wonderful site.

I've read that heartburn or other side effects in heart due to ACV may be due to a higher concentration. Try taking a smaller amount than what you're drinking.

I am treating my Osteoarthritis w. Diet, Exercise, Sun tanning and Hydrogen Peroxide. I made life style changes before I have found this site, but beside that this site gave me additional help how can I cure my condition. I am 51 years old female 6'6" and 126 lbs. I have an Osteoarthritis in my r. knee for three years. It turned really bad in July. The inflammation flared up in my knee and' I had crippling pain in my shoulders and tightness in the back muscles. The pain disturbed my sleep I slept only 3-4 hours at night and I couldn't walk. I remember I was tired since I have had this inflamed arthritis conditions, but I think I was fatigue lot's of times in my earlier life also. It was time to change my diet I thought. My new diet was eating lot's of raw vegetables and fruits and drinking fresh vegetable juices. That really worked, more vegetable juices less sourness! Spending time on the sun 2-3 times a week helped a lot also!!. People forgot about the Sun's healing power and it's FREE! My condition improved a lot within two months. As soon as I got better I started exercising.

I am inhaling 3% Hydrogen Peroxide 3-4 times a day for more than a month. It really helps before the exercise I can do more or if I overwork my knee the sourness and tiredness goes away in 10 minutes after the inhalation. I cannot live without it!

So what is my diet? Raw and some steamed vegetables, juices like fresh carrots, celery, broccoli .....eating baked fish ones or twice a week and maybe one slice of whole wheat bread (not preserved)ones a week and some gout milk yogurt. I am reading everything from Ted. I learned a lot about the vitamins and supplements also. I am drinking the apple cider/baking soda remedies for a couple of weeks since than I cannot kill my energies!! My husband said it's a miracle! The shoulder pain totally has gone my knee improved 50% at least. Four months ago I had trouble to stand up from the chair my leg was so week. Now I am able to walk fast or working out with weights (not heavy weights of course ). Thank you for these wonderful informations on your site. Regards,

I have been suffering for 2 years with bursitis and osteoarthritis in my hip. I have been on all kinds of medications for this, and it feels better as long as I don't stop my meds. I have been in so much pain that I could not hardly walk. I started taking ACV for 2 days now and my legs are not even hurting. I have so much more energy than I had before. This is so much better than medications.

Update to my ongoing experiments.

I have read about the use of ginger to ease Osteoarthritis. I have also used Apple Cider Vinegar as an additive with honey to relieve sore throat, sinus symptoms etc.

I must report though that you need to be really careful with the amount of ACV you use. One of the ingredients is Potassium Metabisulphate. Too much of this can have bad effects on different parts of the body. I started to get quite serious difficulty in passing urine. My thought process went into rewind to find a reason why I suddenly found it so difficult to pass urine and using a catheter was very painful during insertion when the tip of the tube got to the point where the prostate is.

I did some research about Potassium Metabisulphate and discovered that one of the side effects over too much in the body can cause swelling of certain parts of the body.....fingers, toes, extremities, but also the prostate. What was happening is that my prostate was swelling up and pinching the urethra and stopping urine flow. I stopped using ACV and within 3 to 4 days the symptoms disappeared.

I then read about ginger and results to ease Osteoarthritis. So I followed quantity recommendations and used fresh ginger root every other day. However the symptoms experienced with too much ACV returned. I checked the suggested quantity amount, but I also checked what components make up ginger. I was surprised to see that ginger is very high in Potassium. So I stopped this too and my symptoms disappeared.

Another vegetable that does similar things is Asparagus, be careful with this one too.

The moral here is to be very careful with things that are high in Potassium. Too much of it can actually be very dangerous.

I want to thank you for your timely warning that ginger has a high Potassium content. I've just been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in my wrists and my doctor put me on Prednisolone (a steroid) which makes me feel terrible. But there is a warning on the tablet container not to take Potassium while taking the meds; maybe drinking ginger tea wouldn't do much harm, but one never knows so I'll be cautious. I'm searching the net for more natural cures and land often on the earth clinic website. I'm also doing the Borax cure following Dr Newnham's recipe. it's early days yet but I'm hopeful. thank you again Chris in Surrey. :)

Hi Michael from Va Beach - Have you tried pure MSM for your osteoarthritis? Many capsules have additives so your best bet would be to use the pure flakes (available through health food stores or online). One "formula" found online to help rebuild joint cartilage uses glucosamine sulfate (750 mg x twice a day); MSM (2500 mg per day in divided doses) and, if you have severe arthritis, then add chondroitin sulfate (1200 mg per day). It takes about 6 weeks to work but should decrease your pain substantially before then. The late actor James Coburn used MSM (in very large doses) for his arthritis - it didn't cure him but it stopped the crippling pain. If you do an Internet search for MSM and arthritis, you will find some interesting material. Best of luck - take care, Bess