Many people who take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen for their arthritis pain eventually experience adverse effects. Not only can such nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) trigger heartburn or potentially even ulcers, they can also lead to heart problems, such as heart attacks. No wonder, then, that so many folks would like to try nondrug alternatives. But will your arthritis remedy interfere with vitamin absorption? That is what one reader would like to know.
Honey and Vinegar Arthritis Remedy:
Q. I’m trying your vinegar-honey-water recipe for arthritis and wonder how the vinegar reacts with my vitamins. Should I drink it at a different time from taking my vitamins?
A. The acidity of this remedy should not interfere with absorption of your vitamins because your stomach is naturally high in acidity. In fact, if you take iron, this acidic beverage will improve absorption. (Did you know that taking iron with iced tea or grape juice can block its absorption?)
The combination of honey and vinegar has not been studied in Western scientific studies, although both foods have a place in traditional Chinese medicine. Many readers are enthusiastic about this arthritis remedy, however. It has been used as a folk remedy for joint pain since colonial times in New England. Dr. D. C. Jarvis, the self-styled Vermont Country Doctor, wrote about it in his immensely popular 1958 book, Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health.
JLM wrote:
“I have used 1 tablespoon White House Apple Cider and 1 tablespoon honey mixed in a cup of hot water at night for about 10 years… ever since I read about it in the People’s Pharmacy. I have only been able to talk one other person into trying it, but they agreed it helps them.
“Now my daughter, 29, a Triathlete, has aches and pains ~ especially a troublesome quadricep, but she doesn’t like the taste of what I call my ‘Hot Toddy.’ So, she is trying the honey and cinnamon mix in hot water tonight and we plan to try the raisins in gin too.”
Raisins in Vinegar:
Another arthritis remedy offers a twist on gin-soaked raisins. Some readers prefer not to use gin, and they report that substituting apple cider vinegar and honey for the gin works well. Many try other approaches as well.
Linda in San Diego, California, is happy with honey and cinnamon:
“I have developed arthritis in my thumbs and it’s very painful. I refuse to do traditional drugs and have been scouring the internet for an alternative. Recently I read that honey and cinnamon alleviate the pain. I started this regimen about 10 days ago and my pain has diminished by about 75%! I am thrilled. I’m encouraging my friend who has neuropathy as a result of chemotherapy to try it. I do it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and mix 1 Tablespoon honey with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Hope this is helpful.”
PGS reported:
“I have had rotator-cuff surgery on my right shoulder, but I still have some pain. Now my left shoulder is going. Advice from my physician to use 2 tsp of honey daily to reduce pain. After about 7 days I feel great. Did not need to add cinnamon.”
It is great to have a range of remedies to try, since people get different results. Some find honey and vinegar extremely helpful, while others prefer the effects of vinegar-soaked raisins. One approach that is helpful for nearly everyone with joint pain is to keep moving. Don’t overdo the activity at first, but walking, swimming, dancing or whatever you can do to keep asking your joints, stiff as they are, to move will be helpful.
Learn More:
To find an arthritis remedy that appeals to you, you might want to read our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis. It comes in two formats: a 100-page book for $12.95 and an online resource that allows you to check the latest updates whenever you wish. If you want a printed copy, order the book. The online Guide is too long to print easily.
