Role of Curcumin in Arthritis and Joint Pains

ARTHRITIS AND JOINT PAINS: OVERVIEW

Arthritis is a kind of joint disorder which causes chronic inflammation in one or more joints of the body. The literal meaning of the word ‘Arthritis’ -- derived from two Greek words -- is joint (‘artho’) and inflammation (‘itis’).

Since Arthritis is a condition which affects the joints (that is, the connections between the bones), Arthritis generally leads to pain, and is often a debilitating disorder. There are more than 100 forms of Arthritis, with Osteoarthritis -- which is a degenerative joint disease -- being the most common form of this disorder. Besides Osteoarthritis, the other common forms of Arthritis are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. The causes of different forms of Arthritis are different, but the symptoms of the disorders and their treatments are almost the same.

Joint pains, meanwhile, refer to a condition in which an individual undergoes a lot of pain due to any damage to the joints, resulting from some kind of injury or disease. Since joints connect the bones and support the movement of the body, pain in joints can lead to swelling; and can be a mildly irritating condition in short-term, and a debilitating condition in chronic cases.

Joint pain can result from several diverse health conditions which can include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Septic arthritis, as well as gout, bursitis, strains, sprains, and other injuries. Although joint pains can affect any part of the body, pain in the knees is the most common form of joint pains, followed by pain in the shoulders and the hips.

Overall, Arthritis is a condition in which the sufferers mostly experience pain in the joints, because of inflammation. Arthritis and joint pains have become increasingly more common disorders affecting the aging population all over the world. Both the conditions can cause pain and discomfort to the sufferers and affect their quality of life.

CURCUMIN: ITS THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Curcumin is the yellow pigment which is isolated from the rhizomes of the ‘Haridra’ herb (Curcuma longa). The herb is commonly called Turmeric in English, and Haldi in Hindi.

Curcumin is the main biologically active phytochemical compound in Turmeric powder. The percentage of Curcumin in the chemical composition of Turmeric is nearly 5 percent. However, for research purposes, the terms Turmeric and Curcumin are usually used interchangeably.

In Ayurveda, the medicinal value of Turmeric/Curcumin has been widely known for centuries. As a result of its anti-inflammatory properties in particular, turmeric has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines since ancient times. The Curcumin compound in turmeric is very beneficial in fighting excessive inflammation and relieving joint pains.

Research has revealed that Curcumin has noteworthy therapeutic outcomes because it is a highly pleiotropic molecule with an exceptional safety profile. The potency of Curcumin in managing several inflammatory diseases and treating joint pains has been proven on the basis of strong molecular evidence which has been published, based on the results of years of research.

The therapeutic potential of Curcumin has specifically been highlighted in recent researches which show that Curcumin can be extremely useful in suppressing the excessive inflammation which causes the breaking down of a healthy tissue inside a joint. Specifically in the case of disorders like Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Curcumin has been proven to counteract the inflammatory compound COX-2, which is also the target of the prescription drugs for the two conditions. Moreover, along with regulating COX-2, Curcumin also acts on interleukin 1-beta stimulated nitric oxide, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, prostaglandin E2, and a few more tissue-destructive immune chemicals which are the causative factors behind the destructive process of both the above-mentioned forms of Arthritis.

ROLE OF CURCUMIN IN ARTHRITIS AND JOINT PAINS

Curcumin is considered an excellent natural remedy for Arthritis and joint pains. The effectiveness of Curcumin in managing inflammatory disorders and painful joints has been proven to a great extent in several scientific and clinical studies which have been carried out over the last few decades. Most of these studies have focused on the potential of Curcumin for treating a number of pathological conditions.

The use of Turmeric/Curcumin has been found to be extremely beneficial in tackling the following common characteristics of Arthritis and painful joints:

• Swelling in joints
• Muscle ache
• Fatigue
• Stiffness of joints
• Inability to move/use the limb properly
• Loss of flexibility of limbs and other affected body parts.

Curcumin Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are packed with standardized extract of Curcumin, a principal compound of turmeric.

The benefits of Turmeric/Curcumin have also been noted for bringing about a potential reduction in the subjective experience of pain in muscular disorders and some other diseases. A few studies have also evaluated the effectiveness of turmeric extracts in treating musculoskeletal diseases.

In the last few years, there can been an appreciable increase in the use of Curcumin/Turmeric for providing relief to patients suffering from various ailments, including chromic and long-term diseases. The efficacy of Turmeric has especially been noteworthy in relieving joint pains and Arthritis.

Some of the benefits of Curcumin/Turmeric in managing Arthritis and joints pains have been listed below:

• Curcumin/Turmeric can reduce inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory properties
• It is a proven antioxidant
• It can target a range of arthritic and associated disorders
• The use of Curcumin/Turmeric is very effective in autoimmune conditions
• It is known to possesses anti-arthritic activity
• The progression of Arthritis can be prevented with the help of Curcumin/Turmeric
• It has bone protective properties
• It alleviates Arthritis by interacting with genes
• It can fight infection in Arthritis
• Complications of Arthritis can be controlled with the help of Curcumin/Turmeric
• It provides skin protective benefits in Psoriatic Arthritis
• The side effects of anti-arthritic drugs can be reduced with the help of Turmeric
• Turmeric is better than painkillers and other drugs used for Arthritis treatment
• Pain in Arthritis can be reduced by applying turmeric topically
• Newer formulations of Curcumin are being developed for treating Arthritis.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin contains antioxidants in a large amount which are very helpful to the body in relieving itself of free radical molecules --- the perceived mechanism behind aging, Arthritis, joint pains and several diseases. Curcumin also keeps destructive inflammatory chemicals in check. In addition, Curcumin has proven ability to stimulate the growth of healthy replacement tissue and to stir up a process known as 'chondrogenesis' which facilitates the rebuilding of joints in conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

Planet Ayurveda recommends Joint Support Pack for patients with Arthritis and Joint Pains. Our herbal remedies for joint pain help in quick relief from joint pain and reduce stiffness in joints naturally. Joint pain treatment with the help of herbal supplements has been successful in tapping the incredible benefits of Ayurveda in a natural way. Our herbal products are made from natural and healthy herbs. Herbal remedies of joint pain are a blend of rare Indian natural herbs which have been used for centuries to provide the necessary strength to joints. Our joint pain herbal remedies are effective pain reliever and very fast acting. Ayurvedic herbal remedies made from natural herbs are really helpful for those who have pain in body like joint pains, sprains, spondylitis, back pain, rheumatism, arthritis, and stiff necks. Read more...

Joint Support Pack

Painful Joint Conditions (Rheumatoid arthritis, Cervical Spondylitis, Osteoarthritis & Gout) - Ayurvedic Treatment

When two or more bones meet, joints are formed. Most joints including those of the limbs move freely and known as synovial joints. They are lubricated by synovial fluid secreted by the joint lining. The semi-movable joints like in the spine and pelvis are less flexible but more stable. A few joints such as those of the skull are fixed and there is no movement. There are 6 examples of synovial joints which are classified according to their articular surfaces (where bones meet) fit together and the movements each joint permit.

Joints can be damaged by many types of injuries or diseases including:-

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Gout
4. Cervical Spondylitis

1. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid Arthritis is the king of painful disorders affecting the musculo-skeletal system. It is a long standing auto-immune disorder that primarily affects the joints. The Rheumatoid affected joints are- usually hot, swollen and painful. After a period of rest, pain and stiffness worsen.

What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

• Tender/warm/swollen joints
• Morning stiffness that may last for hours
• Inflammation in the joints.
• Development of the flap in synovium
• Destruction of cartilage (cushioning between the joints)
• Firm bumps of tissue under the skin on the arms (nodules)
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

What are the causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis are not known but immunity plays a major role in its manifestation. There is a condition known as auto-immunity in which body's immune cells invade its own cells. It is like our soldiers fighting against our own people but Ayurvedic perspective of causes of rheumatoid arthritis is slightly different.

The nomenclature "Amavata" which has been derived from the two words-"Ama" and "Vata" seems to have been evolved around 9th century. The main cause of Amavata is altered state of digestion and metabolism caused by unhealthy food habits when there is diminished digestion power. Ayurvedic treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis involves improving digestion, immune-modulation and prescription of Ayurvedic medicines. The disease has been correlated with Rheumatoid Arthritis in modern terms, the cause of which has not been established by the modern system of medicine. Besides some short acting anti-inflammatory drugs or immune-suppressive drugs with hazardous side effects, there is no medicine for its radical cure.

2. OSTEOARTHRITIS

Due to changes in day to day lifestyle, the superiority of human health is falling. Dreadful changes in lifestyle have led to disorders like—obesity, arthritis, diabetes etc. Among these, osteoarthritis is observed commonly in large population. It is also prevalent in young generation. It is a degenerative disease. Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear disease involving abnormalities resulting in degradation of joint, articular cartilage and sub-chondral bone resulting in inflammation, aggravation of pain during and after movement.

Pathology and Physiology of Osteoarthritis

• Due to increased age, synovial fluid in joint gets decreased.
• Due to friction of bony parts, erosion and inflammation of surrounding capsule, breakdown from cartilage is released into joint space.
• Progressive erosions of articular cartilage and formation of bony overgrowth at joint margins due to calcification (osteophytes) in later stages.
• Damage due to less protection by cartilage, cartilage becomes thin and soft due to degeneration.
• Gross deformity and instability of joints.

Etiological Factors

• Overweight (since it puts more pressure on the joints and can cause cartilage to tear between joints rapidly).
• Inflammatory conditions
• Metabolic dysfunction
• History of trauma which leads to misalignment or deformities.
• Hereditary—mostly among females (knee and hand osteoarthritis)

What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

• Pain in joints (major symptom), sharp in nature, burning sensation associated with muscles and tendons.
• Tenderness
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle spasm
• Crackling noise
• Loss of function or morbidity due to locking of joints.
• Sometimes joints filled with fluid.

Diagnosis

• By clinical methods and examination
• In case of trauma, to rule out pathology, X-ray, CT-Scan and MRI are done.

Modern Treatment

• Use of analgesics and steroids
• Exercise
• Weight control
• Physiotherapy
• Surgery

Osteoarthritis According To Ayurveda

Master Charak mentioned the concept of "Sandhigat Vata". According to Charak, by touching the swollen joints, it felt like as a leather sac is filled with air resulting in inability to extend and flex the limbs due to pain. Sandhi (joint) is a site of Shleshaka Kapha. As age increases, Vata dosha in the body increases and Kapha especially Shleshaka Kapha decreases, hence joints become less functional as vitiated Vata gets lodged in Sandhi (joints). Joint is considered as one of the Marma (vital point of the body), knee joint is also one of them. Joint is also among Vranasthana (site of inflammation). According to Ayurvedic treatment point of view, inflammatory changes are most important while considering Sandhi as "Vranasthana". In case of degenerative changes, treatment is given for improving nutrition, in case of obstructed pathology, vitiated Kapha is treated, then Meda (body fat) is corrected, then Vata dosha is treated. In this case, Snehana (intake of oil) or Abhyanga (application of oil) are contradicted in the initial stage.

Differentiating features of Osteoarthritis from Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Symptoms of osteoarthritis aggravated by humid and cold weather environment.
2. Stiffness generally relieved by movement.
3. Patient feels better with moderate use of joint but intensity of pain increases after prolonged use.

3. Gout

There are many joint related disorders explained in Ayurvedic texts of which grossly Vaatrakt signs and symptoms can be co-related with gout. Gout is known as "Vaatrakt" in Ayurveda. It usually affects greater toe. It is caused due to vitiation of Vata dosha along with blood vitiation. It is the most common cause of inflammatory joint disease in men over 40 years.

What are the symptoms of gout?

The great toe- metatarsophalangeal joint is the site of first acute gout attack in 70% cases. It can also affect ankle, knee, small joints of hand and feet. Sometimes the onset is very sudden waking the person from sleep. The affected joint is red, hot, swollen with prominent veins with severe pain.

Recurrent gout attacks lead to chronic gout. It leads to erosion of cartilage and bones. Severe joint deformities are also seen.

What are the causes of gout?

Uric acid concentration in the body fluids depends upon the balance between purine synthesis and uric acid elimination.
Factors which influence gout and increased uric acid levels in the blood are - renal failure, drugs like - diuretics, lactic acidosis by alcohol, starvation, vomiting, exercise etc.

Purine rich foods like - beer, alcoholic beverages, legumes, non-vegetarian foods must be avoided.

4. Cervical Spondylitis

It is a wear and tear disease which is caused by degeneration of bones, discs- cartilage cushion between the neck bones and joints of the neck. This condition is becoming common in young population also. With aging, the bones and the cushioning cartilage disc start to lose strength. This makes the soft cartilage to expand, thin, slip (known as herniation of disc), touch and irritate the nerves. The degenerating discs also become flat with bridge edge causing nerve irritation. Nerve irritation leads to symptoms like - pain, numbness etc. The stiffness arises because of lack of cushioning between the bones causing a friction whenever neck is moved. This condition is also known as - Cervical osteoarthritis, when the patient has active inflammation causing redness, swelling, increase in temperature etc.

In Ayurveda, a condition known as Greeva graham is explained. It is explained as a Vata condition. Increase in Vata leads to depletion of body tissues. The dryness and degeneration caused by Vata leads to decrease of Kapha dosha. Kapha, mainly Sleshaka Kapha is responsible for cushioning between the joints. Hence, disc degeneration sets in leading to spondylosis.

What are the symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis?

• Pain in the neck
• Muscle spasm
• Difficulty in the usual functions of the neck like—rotation, flexion, extension etc.
• Radiating pain to the shoulder/forearm/arm
• Numbness
• Joint stiffness
• Lack of co-ordination/difficulty in walking
• Headache
• Tingling sensation

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers a very effective treatment of painful joints. Healthy Joints by Planet Ayurveda consists of:-

1. Bone Support

Bone support capsules of Planet Ayurveda are a blend of amazing herbs with therapeutic benefits. It relieves bone loss and related conditions. These capsules provide natural calcium to bones, thus helpful in low bone density, useful in all kinds of fractures and other bone related disorders.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with water after meals.

2. Guggul Capsules

Joint disorders are due to increased Kapha dosha in the body. Guggul capsules of Planet Ayurveda is an effective weight loss supplement which helps in lowering down over weight without causing any side effects. Planet Ayurveda's Guggul capsules are 100% pure and vegetarian natural supplement.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Joint Aid Plus

Joint Aid Plus Capsules of Planet Ayurveda is the best remedy for treating all types of Arthritis. These capsules can be used for pain and inflammations, very effective for spondylitis, effective analgesic for painful joints.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Boswellia-Curcumin Capsules

Boswellia-Curcumin Capsules offered by Planet Ayurveda are one of the most effective combinations of anti-inflammatory herbs. This makes Boswellia-Curcumin Capsules as most effective arthritis supplement. The joint pain relief can be seen after using these capsules within 1 day.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

Healthy and Happy Joints Pack (Advanced Stages)

Planet Ayurveda offers healthy and happy for the advanced stages of all painful conditions of joint problems. This pack is specially designed by the expert team of Planet Ayurveda to provide relief from the painful joint conditions like - osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, osteoporosis etc. Healthy and Happy Joints Pack consists of-

1. Bone Support

Bone Support Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are prepared from herbs like—Shudh Laksha, Suhanjana Beej, Hadjod, Arjun, Praval Pishti, Mukta. These are the valuable herbs described in Ayurveda for strengthening and supporting of bones and also improve calcium metabolism.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water.

2. Guggul Capsules

Planet Ayurveda offers guggul capsules for pain management and to maintain healthy bones and joints.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily.

3. Joint-Aid Plus

Joint Aid Plus capsules of Planet Ayurveda is a herbal formulation prepared from the herbs like—Ashwagandha, Giloy, Guggul, Shallaki, Nirgundi and Saunth. It is a blend of the best ayurvedic herbs that act against inflammations.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily

4. Boswellia-Curcumin Capsules

Planet Ayurveda offers Boswellia-Curcumin Capsules for healthy joints. The results are long lasting and the anti-inflammatory effects are permanent. They are useful in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, ankylosing spondylosis.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily.

5. Green Essentials

Green Essentials capsules of Planet Ayurveda are suitable in the treatment of advanced stages of joint problems as they are prepared from chloroplast - green pigment found in the plants which helps to nourish the cells and fight against health ailments. They are known to clear heavy metals.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily.

6. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are 100% vegetarian. These capsules are useful in debilitating conditions, brings the strength back to the muscles, neck stiffness, joint pains, arthritis of all types.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily.

Diet and Lifestyle Management

Diet plays a crucial role in improving joint health and to keep swelling and pain in control. Since Ayurveda believes that the root cause of joint problems lies in impaired digestion and metabolism, so the diet is targeted to improve the same. Include ginger, garlic, long pepper, pepper, buttermilk, hot water, turmeric in your diet. Avoid worsening of joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Avoid worsening of gastro-intestinal health, avoid ama formation (a state of impaired digestion and metabolism), avoid imbalance of Kapha and Vata, which worsen the stiffening, pain and inflammation. Anything that is heavy to digest, takes long time to digest is to be avoided. Avoid curd, frozen foods, spinach, non-vegetarian food. Long term diet restriction is needed. Avoiding natural urges causes increase in Vata which is not good for painful joint conditions. Avoid Oil massage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Ayurveda

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and painful disease; it progresses step by step due to inflammation in the joints.

In Ayurveda it is correlated with Ama vata, said to be caused by weak Jatharagni or digestive fire due to which "Ama" an undigested by-product of the impaired digestion is produced. This Ama circulates in the whole body and deposits or gets collected in the body parts. When it deposits in the joints and at the same time if the level of vata increases in the body, there is quivering and breaking pain in the limbs and joints, as if crackling." But, "if it is localized in a particular joint, it produces swelling that feels like an air-filled bladder and produces pain on movement; this description is suggestive of arthritis

Vata doesn't increase at random in every joint throughout the body. It affects one part – mainly a joint – and gradually spreads to other joints.

Causes

• Normally a complex set of genes helps the body cells recognize and attack foreign invaders. There are many different kinds of white blood cells (WBC) and important proteins that help recognize and protect against certain foreign chemicals.

In an autoimmune disease, WBCs react to proteins that are supposed to be in our body ("self" proteins). RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks synovial membranes. These membranes surround joints. As they are attacked, they thicken with inflammation. The process begins to destroy cartilage and bone inside the joint.

• Poor eating habits and weak digestion 
• Certain behaviors, such as smoking, make RA more likely
• Inherited tendency.-Certain genes linked to a protein called the Human Leukocyte Antigen can make RA more of a risk
• Women are two to three times more likely to get RA than men
• Obesity increases the likelihood of developing RA
• Chemical exposures like insecticides ,  traffic pollution, hairspray, and lipstick might have chemicals that can cause an increased risk

Symptoms

• Tender, warm, swollen joints
• Inflammation
• Joint mobility is affected
• Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
• Fatigue, fever and weight loss
• Disease affects smaller joints first - particularly the joints that attach fingers to hands and toes to feet.
• As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of body.

Diagnosis Methods

• Changes in an RA sufferer's immune system can occur years before symptoms develop. Anti-CCP antibodies are more specific for diagnosing RA than the RF antibody. Anti-CCP may be detected years before the onset of disease.
• Rheumatoid Factor (Quantitative) test
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
• Serum uric acid (for exclusion)
• X-ray of the affected joint
• Routine urine, blood examination

Ayurvedic Approach

Ayurvedic Medicines should be given for improving Digestion so that no further ama is produced and to relieve the pain, improving the lubrication of joints and inflammation. Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of Medicines as RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CARE PACK which consists of:

1. Joint Aid Plus:

Joint aid plus capsules contain pure and standardized extracts of Giloy, Nirgundi, sonth, Guggul, etc.

• Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia) which is an important immune-modulator herb, helps in enhancing body energy and strength immune system which in turn aids in keeping body protected against infections. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects too.
• Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory and pain reliving action found to be effective in joint pain and swelling, has a definite action on vitiated Vata Kapha Dosha. Specially, Tikta and Katu Rasa present in Nirgundi possess the antagonistic properties to that of Ama and Kapha which are the chief causative factors in this disease. Because of their Agnivriddhikara property they increase digestive power which also digests Amarasa and reduces excessive production of Kapha and also removes the obstruction of the Srotas. Because of Tikshna Guna and Ushna Virya it also alleviates vitiated Vata and reduces Srotorodha and pain. Thus Nirgundi controls Ama and Vata together and minimize the process of pathogenesis.
• Sonth reduces inflammatory process in the body.
• Guggul (Commiphora mukul) is herb of choice for joint pains in Ayurveda, it pacifies the aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas (air and phlegm body humors), both of the doshas and useful in joint pain, stiffness and swelling. It promotes healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels and provides broad health and immune-modulating benefits.

2. Boswellia Curcumin:

Boswellia curcumin is a combination of herbs namely Boswellia serrata or Shallaki with Curcuma longa or haridra. It is widely used as a substitute to modern pain killer medicines, it contains sitosterol, Glucosides which helps in relieving pain and improves joint mobility and flexibility along with Curcumin (active extracts of Turmeric) which has anti-inflammatory property.

3. Ashwagandha Capsules:

The anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha make it an excellent natural remedy for treating all kinds of joint pain, including pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Aamvatantaka Churna:

Aamvatantaka churna is a combination of Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum), Methi, Suranjan, Giloy, sonth and haridra.

• Ashwagandha is a powerful anti-inflammatory has been found to be reducing swelling and degenerative bone changes more than the steroid and when combined with turmeric or Curcumin ashwagandha helps to significantly reduce pain and disability for patients.
• Methika/ Fenugreek (Trigonella – foenum graecum) is effective to alleviate pain associated with arthritis. The seeds possess antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties which help in auto-immune disorders i.e inhibit inflammation of tissue by activating pathways that counteract the effects of autoimmunity disorders. Suranjan (Colchicum luteum) contains an alkaloid named colchicines is a good pain reliever, improves digestion, also a mild laxative so helps in relieving constipation.
• Giloy or Tinospora cordifolia relieves Ama - Indigestion, Improves digestion power, relieves burning sensation in the body. In RA, there will be some level of depletion in immunity. Indian Tinospora (Giloya) and ginger/sonth (Zingiber officianale) are very powerful herbs with anti-inflammatory effects and anti-microbial properties.
• Gorakhmundi (Sphaerathus Indicus) has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with immune-modulatory agent, which acts by stimulating both humoral and cellular immunity as well as phagocytic function.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CARE PACK

Dosage

1. Joint Aid Plus - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water, after meals.
2. Boswellia Curcumin - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water, after meals.
3. Ashwagandha Capsules - 2 capsule twice daily with warm water, after meals.
4. Aamvatantak Churna - 1 teaspoonful twice daily with warm water, before meals.
5. RumoGin 5 Capsules - 1 capsule twice daily with warm water, after meals.
6. Yograj Guggul - 2 tablets twice daily with warm water, after meals.

Diet

Although there is no diet cure for arthritis, certain foods have been shown to fight inflammation, strengthen bones and boost the immune system.

• Steamed vegetables like bottle-gourd, squash, zucchini, spinach ,carrot, drumstick, round gourd, cucumber, beetroot, garlic , cinnamon, ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander, fenugreek, vegetable soup
• Carrots, Red Peppers and Squash Onions, Garlic, Leeks and Shallots Olives,Omega-3 fatty acids soybeans, walnut oil ,Extra virgin olive oil, safflower oils Avocado, Cherry Broccoli Green (Tea) Dark Green Leafy Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, etc. are packed with antioxidants like vitamins A, C and K, which protect cells from free-radical damage.
• Citrus fruits - like oranges, grapefruits and limes – which are rich in vitamin C. aids in preventing inflammatory arthritis
• Whole grains sources like oatmeal, brown rice and whole-grain cereals Buckwheat- Bulgur:  Millet- Quinoa - Sorghum- Rye:  Whole oats- Whole wheat.
• Nuts like  almonds, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts
• Spices like cinnamon, ginger, Turmeric Cayenne black pepper and garlic with an anti-inflammatory benefits

Avoid

• All food items which induce gas, acidity & constipation should be avoided.
• Avoid fried oily & junk foods, spices like red chili, tamarind, cold and sour foods.
• Cool-drinks, Cheese, chocolates, coffee
• Cauliflower, Potato, cabbage, beans, brinzal / Eggplants, radish, colocasia, sweet potato
• Smoking, Pan Masala, alcohol
• Dairy Products
• Fruits like Banana, plums, cranberries should be avoided.
• All pulses should be avoided except whole Moong dal (green gram)
• Fridge water Soda, tinned or canned juices and foods, frozen foods, white flour (Maida) refined sugar.

Home Remedies

1. The roots of Ashwagandha to be crushed, mixed with water and should be applied topically to the painful area.
2. A teaspoon of fenugreek powder with lukewarm water should be taken twice in a day
3. Take 100 gram mustard oil and add 10 gram camphor in it. Heat until the camphor dissolves into this oil. Massage with this lukewarm oil on affected joints to get quick relief.

1. Two garlic pearls with 2 ounces of buttermilk should be taken daily.
2. Drum stick: fruit and leaves, being in rich in calcium & vitamin C, is beneficial in Arthritis.
3. Body massage with sesame or mustard oil
4. Consumption of at least thirty to fifty grams of ginger serves to reduce the painful conditions
5. Regular consumption of methi (fenugreek), jeera (cumin) and dhaniya (coriander) can help beat arthritis. Methi helps in controlling degenerative disorders. Jeera improves digestion and thereby controls obesity, while dhaniya is a good antacid and fights gas trouble.

Exercise

Exercise should be done gently & slowly, excessive should be avoided.

Tips

• Body should be kept warm
• Hot water bath
• Protect oneself in  cold weather by wearing warm cloths
• Constipation should be avoided.
• Food rich in Vitamin E, calcium and oil can help prevent arthritis. Eat lots of fruits, green leafy vegetables and milk products.
• Drink plenty of water, which is necessary for joint lubrication. It also helps with weight maintenance.
• Face the sun for at least 45 minutes a day. Direct sunlight is a good source of Vitamin D, which maintains calcium levels in your body, and B12.
• Water kept in copper vessel kept overnight and taken in the morning empty stomach
• Avoid Sleeping during day time, staying up late in the night and mental tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief etc. Arthritis is often worsened by heightened stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue
• Steaming is preferable to boiling because it preserves the nutrients in the vegetables