Spices as a Natural Relief for Arthritis

For hundreds of years spices have been used for medicinal purposes.  In recent years this knowledge has been lost by the mainstream as over-the-counter and prescription drugs became more popular.  However, as more and more people are looking
toward natural relief for arthritis and other aliments, spices are getting another look.
Some spices in particular are powerful sources of anti-inflammatories which can relieve the pain and inflammation that is associated with arthritis.
Ginger
Most people know ginger as a staple in Asian cooking.  It is also a very common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicines due to its ability to warm painful joints by helping to increase blood flow.
An easy way to incorporate ginger  into your diet is by drinking a cup of ginger tea daily. You can also add ginger to food for both great taste and better health.  Check out some great ginger recipes for more ways to get relief from arthritis naturally .
Or, you can take ginger supplements500 mg capsules 3 to 4 times daily. As with any supplement you add to your diet, check with your physician first.
Ginger essential oil can also be diluted with almond oil and rubbed into the painful joints. However you dont want to use the ginger essential oil full strength.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that is also of the ginger family.  Like ginger, turmeric fights inflammation and reduces swelling.  Turmeric has also been found to slow down the cartilidge destruction that is often common among sufferers of arthritis.  Turmerics preventative and curative properties are a result of its active ingredient, curcumin, that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
One way to rely on turmeric for arthritis relief is to add dishes made with curry (of which turmeric is an essential ingredient) to your diet more regularly.  Here I have found some great curry dishes that can add a very tasty way to get more turmeric into your diet.
Turmeric can also be taken in supplement format1000 mg capsules two to three times a day. As with any supplement, check with your physician before taking to insure that it will not conflict with any prescribed medications.
Pomegranate
Every part of the pomegranate: the seeds, the pulp, the skin, the root and the flower, are all packed with disease-fighting antioxidants.  It has been found that pomegranate extract slowed the development and reduced the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.    This research has just begun, but so far all of the findings have been positive.
The inside of a pomegranate is mostly all seeds.   You can sprinkle pomegranate seeds on any food that you would like to add a touch of sweet and crunchiness.  You can also tenderize using pomegranate juice or sprinkle the seeds onto salads or other vegetarian dishes.