How to Manage Morning Stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

As per modern aspect

Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune disorder that mainly affects the joints such as knee, shoulder, neck, elbow, wrist, and hip. In this condition body’s immune system is not working properly, resulting in inflammation and pain.

Common symptoms include

Pain, swelling, morning stiffness, weakness, and weight loss.

As per Ayurvedic Aspect

• Rheumatoid arthritis is correlated with Aamvata.
• Ama and Vata are the two main factors that result in the production of amavata. It is the vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama in the joints.
• Causes are Virudh aahara (incompatible food), mandaagni (decreased digestive power), Virudh Cheshta (Improper physical activity)

Symptoms as per Ayurvedic point of view

Angamarda (body ache), Aalasya (lethargy), Jwara (pyrexia), Gourav (heaviness in the body), Aruchi (anorexia), sandhi shoola (joint pain), gatra stabhata (stiffness in the body), sandhi shotha (swelling in joints).

How to Manage Morning Stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

1. Sonth

It is an effective natural herb used very commonly in our daily life. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is also an effective antioxidant. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and is also capable of soothing the tensed muscles. This herb enhances the digestion and improves the appetite, boosts the immunity system and prevents from infection.

Steps to follow

• Add two to three teaspoons of Sonth powder in a glass of boiling water.
• Allow it to cool and consume this water.

Another step

• Prepare a decoction of Sonth and consume this daily.

2. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has an anti-oxidant property that inhibits the oxidant process and acts as a nerve tonic. It also improves the blood circulation and relieves the numbness. This herb has a nerve calming effect that increases the quality of sleep, treats painful swelling, cellulitis, and abscesses.

Steps to follow

• Consume a 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha powder daily.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is helpful in reducing the inflammation and also removes the toxins from the body. It also improves the digestive strength and boosts the immunity of the body, acts as a diuretic that increases the amount of salt and water expelled from the body. This herb decreases the uric acid levels in the body.

Steps to follow

• Consume one teaspoon of honey and a half teaspoon of cinnamon in the early morning on an empty stomach.

Another step

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of boiled water.
• Add 2 teaspoons of honey to it.
• Mix it well and drink this regularly for 2 to 3 weeks.

4. Nirgundi

Nirgundi herb contains chemical constituents like phenol. It relieves the muscle weakness and cramps by acting as a muscle relaxant, gives relief in pain associated with arthritis. Nirgundi kills the intestinal worms and removes all the toxins from the body, helpful in anorexia, and heals the non-healing wounds.

Steps to follow

• Grind 3 to 4 leaves of Nirgundi and make a paste of it.
• Apply this paste on the affected joint.

5. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are very effective in managing the inflammation associated with arthritis. It can relieve stress , anxiety, also reduces the disrupted immune responses, and is a very effective natural oxidant. Fennel seed acts as an antioxidant that flushes out the toxins from the body,also improves the movements of joints.

Steps to follow

• Add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds powder in a cup of boiled water.
• Steep it for 10 minutes.
• Strain and add honey to it.
• Consume this daily.

6. Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is rich in rutin and is used as externally and internally. It improves the digestive strength and also acts as a pain reliever. The oil is used in case of pus formation in the abscess, and gives relieves to the swelling associated with edema, wound, , and arthritis. It improves the blood circulation and also helpful in improving the joint flexibility.

Steps to follow

• Add a teaspoon of mustard powder in water and make a paste of it.
• Apply this paste on the affected area.

Another step

• Put some oil on the palm and massage on the affected joint.
• Do this procedure 2 to 3 times a day.

7. Peppermint Leaves

Peppermint leaves contain flavonoid glycosides, eriocitrin, and diosmin. It is also rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These herbal leaves inhibits the pain receptors and provide relief in pain, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory that relieves the localized inflammation. It has the property to ease the muscle spasms, increases the blood circulation,  is useful in the treatment of indigestion, cough, and fever.

Steps to follow

• Make a paste of these leaves and apply this paste on the affected joints.

Another Step

• Add one teaspoon of chopped fresh peppermint leaves in a glass of boiling water.
• Strain it.
• Consume this tea daily.

Several asanas that can manage the morning stiffness are

• Savasana (Corpse Pose): It helps in managing pain.
• Setu bandha asana (bridge pose): It builds up the strength of the body.
• Vrikasana (tree pose): It is very useful in restricted motion associated with arthritis.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis is the autoimmune and inflammatory disorder. In this disease joints of the knee, wrist, elbow, and hip are affected. The symptoms of the disease are such as morning stiffness, swelling and other that are associated with it are mentioned above. As per the Ayurvedic point of view, it is referred to as Amavata and its causes and symptoms are also discussed. Several treatments/ home remedies that are easily available and can manage the morning stiffness are also discussed above.

Hope this information is useful.