Sore Joints

Sore joints can be caused by many factors from arthritis to over use, to normal wear and degeneration that comes with age. Some can be controlled with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications purchased over the counter, but natural cures and herbal remedies have been soothing sore joints for thousands of years.

Home Remedies for Sore Joints:

Natural Liniments:

A liniment is a topical preparation that contains alcohol or oil and stimulating, warming herbs such as cayenne. Sometimes isopropyl or rubbing alcohol is used instead of grain alcohol. (Do not take products made with rubbing alcohol internally.) Historically, liniments have been the treatment of choice for aching rheumatic joints and chronic lung congestion.  Liniments warm the skin and turn it red temporarily. It is best to test your tolerance to liniments by rubbing a tiny amount on your wrist to make sure it does not burn. To enhance the heat, cover the area with a cloth after application.  Herbs for liniments: Cayenne, Clove, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Marloram, Peppermint, Rosemary, Wintergreen.

Liniments can be used for sore joints, lung congestion, or sore muscles. Chop 1/2oz cayenne peppers, 1/2oz powdered cloves, 1oz mint leaves, 1oz chopped eucalyptus leaves, four cups isopropyl alcohol, 60 drops wintergreen essential oil, 20 drops peppermint essential oil, 20 drops clove essential oil.

Mix all but essential oils. Store in a dark area at room temperature for two weeks. Strain or press out fluids. Add essential oils and stir well. Massage liniment into arthritic joints, sore muscles

Compresses and Poultices:

You can use compresses to treat headaches, sore joints and muscles, itchy skin, and swollen glands, among other conditions. To make a compress, soak a cloth in a strong herbal tea, wring it out, and place it on the skin. Soak a cloth in cayenne powder tea to apply to an aching arthritic joint. A lavender, euphrasy or eyebright compress can relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies.

To make a poultice or plaster, mash herbs with enough water to form a paste. Place the herb mash directly on the affected body part and cover with a clean white cloth or gauze.

Herbs for Poultices: Comfrey, Marshmallow, Mustard, Oatmeal, Plantain, Slippery Elm bark.

Herbs for Compresses: Arnica, Garlic, Ginger, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Sage, St John's Wort, Witch Hazel.

Herbal Baths:

Add healing herbs to baths or foot soaks; the skin absorbs the properties of many herbs. Any herb you can use to make a tea can also be used to make a bath or foot soak.  Just add a pint of herbal infusion to the water.  You can also try placing herbs in a muslin bag and suspending the bag under the hot water tap. All-purpose Herbs for Baths: Basil, Calendula, Chamomile, Fennel, Scented Geraniums, Lavender, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.

Herbal Baths to Boost Circulation are Ginger, Lavender, Rosemary, Yarrow.

Essential Oil Rub for Painful Joints

This combines the beauty of aroma therapy with topical application. Massage a few drops onto the affected area. Take care not to get into mucus membranes or your eyes.

  • 30 drops of carrier oil
  • 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
  • 4 drops black pepper essential oil
  • 3 drops marjoram essential oil

Marjoram calms the nerves, rosemary clears the mind and black pepper will help with circulation and muscle pain.