Many readers have noticed that as they add more candles to their birthday cakes, their joints may get stiffer and become painful. Although over-the-counter pain relievers are popular, they do have side effects that make them inappropriate for regular use in many cases. That’s why we so often hear that people are eager to learn about natural approaches for arthritis.
Natural Approaches for Arthritis That Won’t Raise Blood Pressure:
Q. I am suffering from a bum knee and hip arthritis. Going up and down stairs has become challenging. It takes me several days to recover from a vigorous walk.
Because I have high blood pressure, I am reluctant to take ibuprofen or naproxen. I don’t want to risk a heart attack.
What natural approaches can I try that won’t give me a bellyache or affect my blood pressure?
A. You are wise to avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen with your medical history. Such pain relievers can be hard on the stomach, kidneys and heart.
Tart Cherry Juice:
There are some natural arthritis remedies that might also help control blood pressure. One is tart cherry juice. It has anti-inflammatory activity and has been shown to ease knee pain due to osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Aug. 2013). It can also help improve blood pressure, lower cholesterol and reduce fasting blood glucose (European Journal of Nutrition, April 2021). (You can learn more about tart cherries and many other natural approaches to inflammation in our 104-page book, The Graedons’ Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis.)
Grape Juice and Pectin:
Another option to ease joint pain without increasing blood pressure is Certo and grape juice. Grape juice can even help lower blood pressure (Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Sept-Oct. 2017).
Turmeric for Inflammation:
In addition, the yellow pigment curcumin from the Indian spice turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory activity. It has also been shown to help lower systolic blood pressure in people with hypertension (Pharmacological Research, Dec. 2019).
Learning More About Natural Approaches for Arthritis:
Other readers have expressed similar concerns. Keep reading for a few examples.
Q. I never thought I would get arthritis the way my parents and grandparents did. But now that I am past 50, I have noticed some soreness and stiffness in my fingers and knees.
I tried ibuprofen and it helped, but my stomach started to hurt. When I switched to acetaminophen I discovered that my blood pressure went up. I seem to recall you mentioning some natural approaches to arthritis. I will be most grateful for any information you can send.
A. Regular use of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc) and naproxen (Aleve) can cause stomach upset and even ulcers. And research suggests that frequent use of such pain relievers or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are associated with high blood pressure. Adding blood pressure pills to the regimen may increase the risk of kidney damage (BMJ, online Jan. 8, 2013).
Home Remedies That May Help:
There are lots of natural approaches for arthritis. Some people find fish oil beneficial because of the anti-inflammatory effects, while others prefer to utilize turmeric. Many readers of this column use kitchen table treatments such as Certo and grape juice (1 T Certo in 8 oz grape juice daily) or gin-soaked raisins. Others have benefited from Sam Houston’s mixture of cider vinegar, apple juice and grape juice. Our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis contains specific details on these and other arthritis treatments.
Certo and Grape Juice Redux:
Here is a remarkable story from someone who used one of the natural approaches for calming arthritis we have in our publications:
“Yes, I know you have put information on the home remedy grape juice and pectin on your web site, and in your book The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies. My purpose in writing is to share my extraordinary results as an encouragement for you to keep spreading the word so others might benefit. My dosage varies a little, but I am not about to try to modify it considering the great results I enjoy.
“This is an anecdotal account of a home remedy that has made dramatic improvements in the management of my osteoarthritis that I share with others who have the same problem. I am now sixty years old. I have had no cartilage in my right knee since 1967. Over twenty five years ago my osteoarthritis was confirmed by x-ray. I have had an active life style: running (quit 15 years ago after running 34,582 miles.. lifetime); basketball (half court basketball, twice weekly, for forty years); walking (daily – one to three miles); etc.
“In the last several years my osteoarthritis symptoms had worsened, and I had worn a leg (Bledsoe Thruster) brace for over three years, and had used a cane for the last eighteen months. Pain was continuous, and the swelling of the knee was significant (usually more than 3” greater in circumference than my left knee); I had difficulty sleeping, and started considering a total knee replacement procedure.
“A business associate mentioned that some friends had found relief from their osteoarthritis by using a home remedy. The remedy: each morning take two teaspoons, by mouth, of liquid pectin in four to six ounces of grape (not grapefruit) juice. The brand I use is by KRAFT FOODS, and carries the trade name CERTO. There is a ‘BALL” brand as well. It is commonly used to make fruit jams, and jellies at home.
The Results:
“Within eight (8) hours my pain/soreness diminished to almost zero; swelling was reduced significantly; and I slept all night without interruption for the first time in years. I stopped using the leg brace and cane that first day. These positive results have continued every single day since starting the regimen.
“Note, I had made no other changes in medications, supplements, diet, activities, etc., and have continued the regimen faithfully every day. The only possible minimal side effect, which may or may not, be related to the remedy, has been minimal. If I walk for many miles during the day, by late evening I start to feel a burning sensation in my right thigh while walking or climbing stairs. It diminishes as soon as I get the weight off my legs. It has only been experienced about five times in the last year.
“I have no idea if I am one of a very lucky select few that can benefit from this remedy or if it would have the same effect on most osteoarthritis affected persons. I wish it could be the subject of a controlled study.
“If I can be of any assistance in helping you or others take advantage of this regimen, please, contact me. Before the pandemic I played half court basketball with men half my age and younger nearly every week. My right knee is still ‘arthritic bone on arthritic bone,’ but I have surprising mobility, and only very moderate discomfort.
“I am a very lucky guy!”
Gin-Soaked Raisins as an Arthritis Remedy:
Years ago, we got this question from Norma about gin-soaked raisins, one of the most popular natural approaches for arthritis.
“I have seen your article several times, about the gin soaked raisins. I would like to try it. How much gin do you pour over the raisins and how long do you leave them, before eating the raisins? Do you just take a box of raisins and pour the gin over them? If this works, it sure would save on medicine and maybe save my stomach from having to ingest all the pills I take for arthritis. Thanks for your help and any info you can send me on this.”
In our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis we have FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) like Norma’s and answers that will provide lots of details about this remedy and so many others.
Please keep in mind that home remedies are not well understood or tested. Consequently, they are not scientific and there are not always precise instructions. Some natural approaches for arthritis may work well for certain individuals but not for others. It really is a matter of trial and error, with each person serving as his/her own guinea pig.
Then again, not all prescription medications work well for everyone either. And drugs will often come with some serious side effects like stomach ulcers, high blood pressure (or even heart attacks).
We welcome your stories below on what works and what doesn’t below in the comment section. Do you have a favorite remedy for treating arthritis? We’d love to hear about it below.
