by Pam Uher

Created on: March 19, 2010

Swollen joints, is one of the oldest health afflictions to beset humans. Inflammation of one or more joints can be caused by various physical factors: an injury to the joint such as a sprained ankle or dislocated shoulder, various degenerative rheumatic conditions such as arthritis, bursitis and autoimmune connective tissue diseases. The suffering from swollen joints occurs in all races and at all ages across the human lifespan.

Doctors generally report that the “normal” decline in joint function generally begins at age 30, without any help from injury or progressive disease.  However, swollen joints are usually the result of several major illness issues: arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythemetosis, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Sjorgen's Sydrome and Scleroderma. Temporary swelling of joints from injuries may cause ongoing conditions later in life if not treated properly when they are incurred.

So how can you treat the inflammation of swollen joints without or in conjunction with prescription medications?

First, reduce emotional stress and practice relaxation exercises. Perhaps taking up Yoga or Tai Chi, along with meditation and focused mental visualization exercises is another alternative.

Using water techniques to reduce swelling is an excellent remedy for swollen joints: whirlpool baths, heated compress packs, heated pool swims and herbal bath soaks.

Various herbal teas may be helpful if you drink them several times a day: alfalfa, sarsaparilla, black cohosh, genitian root, angelica,  scull cap, valerian.

Change your diet and eliminate sugar, white flour, pasta, pie, cake, cookies and sweet carbonated drinks.

Drink one 8oz. glass of beet juice per day, when your joints are swollen. It may even help with high blood pressure.

A very old natural tonic treatment used by many grandparents: mix 4 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses in one quart of cranberry juice and drink one glass each day.

A liniment used for years on swollen knees and ankles is made by creating a poultice: combine 2 tablespoons mullein, 3teaspoons of crushed slippery elm bark, one teaspoon of lobelia, 1 teaspoon cayenne. Mix thoroughly. Add boiling water to the mixture and make a  paste. Then spread the paste on a wash cloth and place on swollen joints.

A bedtime tonic that helps inflammation must be taken each night before going to sleep: one tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink.

Another tonic many folks use is the

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