$1,000 to $3,000 per month for arthritis treatment?

“But what about insurance?” Per WebMD: “Even with health insurance, your out-of-pocket costs can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars.”

Senior citizens, who constitute the vast majority of arthritis patients, are put in an extremely vulnerable position. Frankly, it’s unacceptable. But be that as it may, they are not out of options.

In this article, we focus on a few ways to naturally reduce arthritis symptoms! Please pass this information along to someone who you think may need it!

Here are a few natural remedies for arthritis and inflammatory pain:

“Biologic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis work for 2 out of the 3 people who take them … But the drugs are expensive; they cost about $1,000 to $3,000 a month.” ~ WebMD

1. Essential and Neutral Oil Rub

Essential oils demonstrate some excellent health benefits. They can relieve stress, improve blood circulation, boost the immune system, and even help you sleep.

And essential oils may alleviate arthritis pain!

Here are the necessary ingredients/items:

– One jar of chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, or vanilla essential oil.

– Almond, avocado, coconut, or jojoba oil.

Here are the instructions:

  1. Choose one or more of the following essential oils: chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, or vanilla.
  2. Add 10-15 drops of your oil of choice to two tablespoons to one of the following “neutral oils”: almond, avocado, coconut, or jojoba.
  3. Massage mix onto the affected area. Try and mix up oil combinations to ward off tolerance.

2. Cabbage Leaves

The application of cabbage leaf wraps is common in many places throughout the world due to the leaf’s anti-inflammatory properties. It is said that Savoy cabbage works best.

Ingredients/Items:

– Head of cabbage (Savoy cabbage is preferred)

– Chopping board and rolling pin

– Gauze bandage (for small areas) or wrap (large areas)

  1. Pull off the compacted leaves from the outer layer.
  2. Cut out the central rib (whitish, hard area of the head.)
  3. Using a chopping board and rolling pin, pound the leaves until the juices flow out.
  4. Wrap the full leaves around the affected area.
  5. Use a gauze bandage or gauze wrap to hold the leaves in place.

3. Homemade Capsaicin Rub

Capsaicin is an active compound of chili peppers – and a potent pain reliever. In fact, the compound is so effective in relieving pain, that drug companies extract and sell it as a cream (at a hefty price, of course.)

Fortunately, you needn’t visit the local pharmacy to make an effective capsaicin rub of your own!

Ingredients:

– Cayenne pepper powder

– Olive oil

– Gauze wrap or pads (if desired)

  1. Combine a few good sprinkles of cayenne pepper to 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir the pepper into the mix.
  2. Using a gauze pad, apply the rub to the affected area.

It is normal for the mix to cause a bit of a sting at first. This slight burning sensation should pass after a short period.

Note: If you have sensitive skin, or experience substantial skin irritation, discontinue use.

4. Mint Leaf Oil

Besides smelling great, mint leaves pack some fierce pain-relieving properties. For this concoction, you will need some rubbing alcohol and benzoin – an essential oil. Please note that this mixture requires a two week period before use.

Ingredients:

– Two 3.5 ounce jars

– 2 cups of fresh mint leaves

– 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol

– 1 tincture of benzoin (an essential oil)

  1. Fill a small jar (~ 3.5 ounces) with 2 cups of fresh mint leaves. Don’t press the leaves.
  2. Pour olive oil into the jar, filling it to the neck.
  3. Add rubbing alcohol to fill.
  4. Place the mixture in an area where it will receive plenty of sunlight. Allow the mix to sit for two weeks.
  5. Strain the mix and transfer the leaves to a clean jar or bottle.
  6. Add the benzoin until it fills the jar.

The benzoin will preserve the mixture. Please store the product in a cool and dark area. Massage onto affected areas as needed.

5. Spiced Oil Mix

This last combination again uses cayenne pepper, but is combined with fresh herbs to really hit back at the inflammation!

Ingredients/Items:

– 3-4 teaspoons of celery seeds

– 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary leaves

– 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

– 8 ounces of almond, jojoba, or olive oil

– Coffee or spice grinder

– Coffee filter

– Glass jar

– Sterilized bottle

  1. Using a grinder, whir the seeds, rosemary, and pepper until crushed.
  2. Spoon the remains from the grinder into a jar. Add the oil.
  3. Shake thoroughly, cover the jar, and set for 10 days. Shake the jar on occasion during this period.
  4. Using a coffee filter, strain the jar’s contents into the sterilized glass bottle.
  5. Store in a cool, dark area.

Note: This mixture will last approximately six months. Check for adverse skin reactions; if none, apply the product onto afflicted area twice daily.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/ra-biologics-cost#1
https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/natural-remedies-arthritis-relief