SPICE UP ARTHRITIS RELIEF Common kitchen herbs can ease your discomfort and loosen your limbs. For centuries spices were used as natural remedies for a long list of ailments. As prescription drugs became the norm, spices fell out of the mainstream. But research confirms the spice cabinet can often be as potent as a prescription bottle. "Spices are powerful sources of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and phytochemicals, which can relieve the pain, swelling, and discomfort of arthritis," says Laurie Steelsmith, a naturopathic physician in Honolulu and author of Natural Choices for Women's Health. Let's open the pantry and take a peek: 1. TURMERIC Culled from the curcumin plant, turmeric fights inflammation. "It helps to stop free radicals in their tracks," says Steelsmith. A study in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism found turmeric halted cartilage destruction, blocked inflammation, and reduced swelling. How to use: Eat dishes made with curry several times a week or supplement with 1,000mg turmeric capsules two or three times per day, depending on symptom severity. 2. GINGER Common in traditional Chinese medicines, ginger inhibits inflammation to ease arthritis pain. Ginger is especially well-suited for people whose arthritis worsens in cold weather since it warms painful joints by helping increase blood flow. How to use: Drink a cup of ginger tea daily (add one teaspoon freshly grated ginger to hot water, let steep for 10-20 minutes, strain and drink". Or take a ginger supplement (500 mg capsules 3 or 4 times daily). Also try ginger essential oil (dilute three drops with a half teaspoon almond oil and rub into affected joints). 3. ROSEMARY A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, this herb contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that reduce inflammation and act as a pain reliever. How to use: Add six drops of rosemary essential oil to bath water, or mix six drops with a half teaspoon almond oil and massage into sore joints. Don't use during pregnancy. 4. SAFFRON This fabled herb is handpicked from crocus blossoms and is a potent antioxidant, packing a powerful arthritis-relieving punch with its woody scent and yellow color. It's pretty pricey-one ounce costs about $45-because it's so labor intensive to grow and pick. How to use: Mix half a teaspoon saffron into a glass of boiling water and drink as a tea. Don't overdo it: More than 2 grams per day can cause nausea. Mix several drops of saffron essential oil with a half-teaspoon of almond oil and rub directly into joints. 5. CAYENNE Cayeene puts the zing in chili and other spicy dishes. It also blocks a substance that transmits pain signals. How to use: Nature's heating pad is best used topically since it can cause nausea when too much is taken internally. Find a prepared topical cayenne cream at most pharmacies and health food stores and rub in affected areas according to package directions. article by Jennifer Nelson
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