I never thought that much about the health of my joints until I noticed certain aches and pains that started to appear after my fiftieth birthday. Have years of high impact aerobics and jogging made my knees and back susceptible to arthritis? Perhaps it’s occupation-related. The physical work involved in my long time nursing career could be the reason. Whatever the cause of my aches and pains, I do know that I prefer a healthier approach to joint care. There are a lot of natural remedies available to keep my joints healthy and free from pain as the years go by.

One of the most important things that I learned is that stretching, walking and certain simple yoga postures make my joints feel better. Gentle motion keeps the joints lubricated, protected and mobile. Even if I feel really stiff in the morning, I will do the recommended stretching exercise each day and go walking several times a week. If inflammation (redness and swelling) is present, rest is the recommended therapy. Keep the joints quiet until the episode has passed. Stay flexible and fit. As you get older, this becomes more and more important for joint health. Look for stretching and yoga classes offered in your community.

On the psychological level, joint problems are considered the result of friction in our relationships with others being repressed, rather than resolved. This “stuffing away” turns into a build up of anger, resentment and guilt. This kind of emotional climate results in the production and build up of toxins within the body. Eventually, the joints are poisoned and begin to break down.

I notice that after a day of junk food (acid-producing oils, processed sugar, processed foods, etc), I wake up with more aches and stiffness than usual. You may ask, “What does diet have to do with joint health?” Plenty. European spas offer fasting programs and raw food diets for their clients who suffer from arthritis. They have a very good success rate. Joints need lots of vitamin C, carotenes and flavonoids. Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables are a great source of these important nutrients. At least 50 percent of the daily food intake should be raw, according to many holistic health practitioners.

Many holistic health practitioners recommend keeping the body in an alkaline state to avoid the acid build up that may contribute to joint disease. Greens, herbs, most vegetables, melons and apples are considered alkaline. Figs, olive oil and millet are other examples of alkaline foods. Seventy to 80 percent of your food intake should be alkaline. A very popular food remedy for arthritis prior to the age of pharmaceuticals was celery. Chew on this crispy aromatic vegetable and see if you notice the difference. Acid foods include sugar, most grains, all meats and diary products. You are what you eat, so pay attention to your diet to keep your joints healthy.

Traditional herbs for joint health are too numerous to mention, but following are a few of my favorites. Capsules, extracts and teas made of the plants can be purchased wherever herbal supplements are sold. Feverfew (Chysanthemum parthenium) is anti-inflammatory in nature. It helps to relieve inflamed joints. Meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria) and white willow bark (Salix alba) both contain salicylic acid, the chemical that makes up aspirin. Meadowsweet and willow bark also contain mucilage, which coats and protects the intestinal tract from damage, unlike aspirin. These remedies soothe, rather than irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines. Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) stimulates the kidneys and helps to clear toxins out of the body. The joints become cleared out of acids and other undesirable stuff.

A compound known as curcumin is extracted from the South Asian root tumeric. Curcumin shows much promise for use in joint health and is being extensively researched. Tumeric is found along with other culinary spices at the herb shop and gourmet cooking shop. I like to enjoy a tasty Asian Indian meal from time to time. This interesting ethnic cuisine is loaded with tumeric root among other healing spices. Food is medicine in this particular culture.

For comfort on days that are particularly achy, try some topical therapy with natural essential oils. Wintergreen and birch bark essential oils contain salicylic acid. At one time, these plants were used as the raw ingredient used to make aspirin. When medicine was made in the home or apothecary, salves and compresses of wintergreen and birch oils were applied to relieve joint pain and inflammation and pain. The tingly, warm, yet cool sensation you experience when you use aromatic oils like wintergreen, peppermint, menthol and eucalyptus distracts your brain from the pain impulses generated in the joint by inflammation. They also help to increase the circulation to the area, assisting in removing the toxins that may be the cause. Essential oils like this are called counterirritants. My massage therapist applies peppermint oil neat (undiluted) to my lower back. The pain relief is remarkable!

A hot bath is always nice when minor aches and pains are keeping you from being active. There are many wonderful natural salt baths available pre-packaged and you can also make your own for just pennies. Simply add 6 to 10 drops (total) of essential oil to 3 teaspoons of sea salt and 3 teaspoons of Epsom salts. Shake well in a small glass jar and then add to warm bath water. The soothing properties of the warm water combined with the pain relieving essential oils are a wonderful remedy for those minor aches and pains. Good oils for this are chamomile, cypress and juniper. Marjoram, basil, rosemary, black pepper and nutmeg may also bring relief. Diluted essential oils in unscented vegetable oils, vegetable-based imitation petroleum jelly or unscented lotion to make wonderful analgesic rubs for happy joints.

Infused St. John’s wort oil is a good carrier oil for massage blends that are formulated for pain. Considered a nervine (a remedy that is balancing to the nervous system) many people find relief from the external application of this infused herbal oil. Essential oils like spike lavender and lemongrass can be added to this carrier to make wonderful analgesic blends. You may find the recipe below helpful. Take care of your joints naturally so that you can enjoy an active, comfortable and enthusiastic life style.

Comfort Blend

3 tablespoons St. John’s wort oil

2 tablespoons olive oil

12 drops rosemary essential oil

10 drops peppermint essential oil

8 drops juniper essential oil

10 drops spike lavender essential oil

Combine the oils in a dark glass bottle. Apply in very small amounts to areas of discomfort. This is a potent potion. Avoid eye and mucus membrane contact to avoid irritation. The essential oils in this blend are not recommended for pregnant women.

Karen Stokes, RN Herbalist is a member of the American Botanical Council and the Michigan Holistic Nurses Association. (248) 515-9863, email karen.stokes@yahoo.com.