Natural Health: What might help with the stiffness and discomfort of arthritis?

A. There are a number of natural treatments that may help to relieve the discomfort associated with arthritis. Boswellia, the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, supports the vascular system and helps to relieve inflammation and reduce vessel constriction. Boswellia is used to treat headaches, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritic conditions, and even menstrual cramps.

To treat a long-term inflammatory joint condition such as arthritis, the dosage is 250-300mg daily. It is important to note that Boswellia is effective in relieving symptoms, however, it is not a cure as such.

Another supplement option to consider is glucosamine sulphate. This nutrient works by stimulating cartilage production whilst also halting the breakdown of cartilage. It is seen to be of particular use in the treatment of osteoarthritis, but can be useful in helping relieve the stiffness and pain associated with arthritis by helping to lubricate joints, and assist in the maintenance and repair of cartilage.
The recommended dosage is 500mg, three times daily, and it becomes more effective when taken over a longer period of time — so your Mum will need to use it for at least three months for optimal benefits.

There is a kitchen remedy reputed to help with arthritic stiffness — simply combine 15ml (one tablespoon) of apple cider vinegar with a slice or two of ginger root, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and raw local honey to taste in a cup of hot water.

Apple cider vinegar provides nutrients which help to reduce the stiffness (and pain), and may halt the progression of arthritis. The ginger root is wonderful not only to help improve circulation and reduce swelling, but it also helps with pain relief. Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

If you are unable to source the fresh root, then powdered ginger will do — use up to one teaspoon per cup. Drink 2-3 cups of this brew daily, reusing the ginger root slices for up to three days before discarding and replacing with fresh ones.
You can also add a cinnamon stick or pinch of cinnamon to help with circulation and blood sugar balance, ½ teaspoon of turmeric for additional anti-inflammatory benefit, and a clove of garlic if your Mum needs a little extra immune support.

Q2. Winter seems to rob me of my energy which means I'm less likely to exercise. is there a 'sunshine' remedy I could take?

A. Vitamin D is often called the sunshine nutrient since it is made in the body as a result of sunlight exposure. Our bodies are designed to store vitamin D, and this helps us to ward off low mood and energy during the winter months when we have to make do with shorter daylight hours.

The weekly minimum target for sunshine exposure is around 2 hours, so for those of us not meeting this target during the winter (or at any point in the year), it is a good idea to have your vitamin D levels checked. If your levels are low, then you can supplement with vitamin D3, or increase your exposure if possible.
Vitamin D is not only essential for mood and energy regulation — it also helps to regulate sleep, stress, immune function and is important for maintaining strong, healthy bones. This nutrient can also be found in certain foods, such as butter, raw milk, sweet potatoes, oily fish (sardines, salmon, herring, and mackerel), oats, cold-pressed vegetable oils, and eggs.
While getting your daily dose of natural light is crucial to your emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, you can also use a specially developed lightbox or lamp to trigger the biochemical responses in the body. Light Therapy has been shown in studies to be beneficial for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and is specifically recommended to help improve energy levels.

SAD is thought to affect up to a quarter of the adult population, with the main symptoms being depression or low moods and a lack of energy or motivation. Lightboxes developed specifically to treat SAD are available from brighterday.ie (01- 5654619) where prices start from €175.