6 Essential Ayurvedic Herbs To Reduce Arthritis Pain This Winter

Winter is here; a difficult season for most elderly, especially those suffering from Arthritis. The tenacity of this common yet painful condition tends to increase during cold, winter days. Arthritis is a way of referring to joint pain or joint disease; which means it is an inflammation of the joints and can affect one or multiple joints. The symptoms of arthritis are most commonly seen in adults above the age of 60-65 years; cold weather only adds to the excessive pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. While there is no permanent cure for the condition, many health experts suggest tweaking their diet in a bid to better manage the condition.

According to Ayurveda expert, Dr. Dhanvantri Tyagi, "Hot water fermentation is the best therapy to relieve Arthritis pain, considering it soothes your joints and help them function better. This is only recommended when the case is not severe." Ayurveda is said to suggest some herbs that can help relieve joint pain, especially during winter. Dr. Tyagi shares, "while it totally depends on person to person and severity that the herbs are suggested, but there are some herbs that can be used by everybody."

Here are some herbs suggested by Ayurveda expert, Dr. Tyagi that you can try using at home in order to get some relief from the arthritis related pain

1. Nirgundi

Nirgundi is one of the most common herbs used to bring respite in joints. The plant is easily available and is known to reduce swelling as well as excessive pain. Its potent anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsing and anti-oxidant properties help the joints in many ways. The leaves of the plant Nirgundi are believed to have the most medicinal properties, followed by the stem and the seeds. The plant is bitter in taste and has hot potency, making it useful in this condition. You can use the Nirgundi oil and apply it on joints, make a paste of the leaves and apply or also make a leaf decoction.

2. Ajwain

Ajwain acts as a natural aid to arthritis pain due to the presence of anti-inflammatory components. It also contains anesthetic properties that further help in relieving excessive pain during winter. All you need to do is to add a spoonful of carom seeds or ajwain in a tub of hot water and soak your aching joints in the water and sit for 5-10 minutes; this will help ease swelling and pain. Another way is to crush these seeds and make a paste and apply it on the affected areas in order to alleviate the pain. Alternatively, you can drink ajwain water every day.
 

_{Ajwain acts as a natural aid to arthritis pain​}3. Dashmool

Dashmool is not one ayurvedic herb but a mix of ten medicinal herbs that are used to cure a variety of ailments. Dashmool literally translates to 'ten roots'; out of which five roots are of trees and five are of shrubs. These include patala, gambhari, brihati, shalparni and more. Dashmool or Dashmula is effective in inflammatory conditions in the body or Vata Rog. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic and sedative properties help cure joint pain. It is available in the form of oil and powder.
 

4. Shallaki

Shallaki herb is known to keep your joints strong and relieve them from any pain. It not only reduces the pain, but also helps in diminishing the swelling and further increases mobility. Popularly known as Boswellia Serrata, Shallaki is also sometimes used by experts as a substitute to modern pain killers. It is available in the form of essential oil and powder.

5. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil makes for the most common herbal treatment for arthritis. The eucalyptus plant leaves contain tannins that may be helpful in reducing swelling and the pain arthritis causes. The aroma of eucalyptus oil is said to have calmative effects on the brain, while the oil relieves you from the pain and swelling in the joints.
 

_{Eucalyptus oil makes for the most common herbal treatment for arthritis​}6. Ginger

Yet another reason to store ginger in your kitchen cabinet. Ginger is known for its exceptional antiseptic properties that help reduce joint pain and swelling. It is also known to increase blood circulation, which brings heat and healing properties to the affected areas. You can drink ginger tea or apply ginger paste on your joints and can also apply a good quality essential oil.
 

_{Ginger is known for its exceptional antiseptic properties that help reduce joint pain}

While these herbs may prove to bring a respite to arthritis pain, it is important to consult with your doctor before switching to these ayurvedic medicines.