Apple Cider Vinegar: A timeless treatment for Arthritis and Rheumatism

For centuries, people all over the globe have conjured their own remedies to treat arthritis. And, southern folks being their own unique brand of people are no exception. Many took apple cider vinegar (ACV) shots after meals regularly to prevent or ease arthritis and to cut mucous in their system. Apple cider vinegar dissolves the acid crystals in the body that cause pain, joint stiffness, and inflammation associated with arthritis and rheumatism.

Image courtesy of acv-steven.blogspot.com

The best health practice is always a preventative one. But if it’s been a while since you’ve taken a regular dose of preventative medicine like your parents or grandparents did with apple cider vinegar or cod liver oil, (or another Omega 3 oil), then using some of these remedies may take a while to work. And the length of time it takes to see results, vary with each person. You may see a difference immediately or in 6 months. Remember, for many it has taken the good part of a life-time for the illness to develop, so be patient.

As a good friend of mine from southern stock always says, “there ain’t nuthin instant, not even oatmeal. . . you gotta cleanse yo’self before you heal yo’self.” And in addition to being an effective treatment for arthritis, regular doses of ACV is a good cleanser.

What works for one person, may not work for another. Find the treatment that works for you. You have nothing to lose ‘cept that doggone pain.

Below is an Apple Cider Vinegar folk remedy followed by modern day testimonies celebrating its healing power with arthritis and rheumatism.

Ms. Ola B Hunter-Woods’ Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) tonic and Castor Oil rub. The tonic is to be taken internally and the rub is an external treatment

Ms. Ola B Hunter-Woods of Arkansas in her garden. Age 94

Internal ACV remedy:
A dose of Apple Cider Vinegar with honey helps dissolve acid crystal deposits left by uric acid that collect in your joints and in muscles causing pain, stiffness and inflammation. Once dissolved, the acid crystals leave your body by passing through your urine. So drink plenty of water. Both the ACV and honey have anti-inflammatory properties.

Dose: The standard remedy for ACV to treat arthritis or for preventative health care maintenance is one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of honey in ¼ to ½ cup of warm water, once per day or week depending on your system. Variation: add one tablespoon of ACV to a serving of juice.

External ACV remedy:
Apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area so the skin can absorb its anti-inflammatory healing properties. Next massage warm castor oil onto affected area and wrap with a cotton cloth and cover with plastic so the oil does not stain. Castor oil is easily absorbed through your skin and it also has many healing benefits for arthritis. It reduces inflammation, repairs damaged tissue and increases immunity.

Modern Day Testimonies and studies:

Today, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is the medicine of choice for many rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. For some, it has eased the pain and reversed the disease when conventional medicines did not work. One woman, Sarah Gall, got relief after following "a strict dietary regime that meant avoiding alcohol, cutting out foods with refined sugar and any citric fruit, as well as taking cider vinegar, mixed with honey, hot water and molasses, after every meal. This was combined with vitamin supplements - including A, B, magnesium and calcium - and a hot bath in Epsom salts. After one month, she got relief and after three, she was pain free."

Image courtesy of jymfitness.com

Sir Ranulf Fiennes, the first man ever recorded to cross the Antarctic by foot, started taking apple cider vinegar 27 years ago when he developed bad arthritis in his hands and hip. Prior to that, he had watched his mother become bedridden at age 86 from debilitating arthritis. She was given an ACV tonic for six months and started to get better. A few months later, she completely got over the problem and was able to live pain free until she crossed over at age 92. After seeing her full recovery, he was convinced of it’s healing and cleansing power. You can read Sarah Galls' and Sir Ranulf Finnes’ testimony in the article, The Acid Test for Arthritis, published in the UK Telegraph.

If you decide to try apple cider vinegar to treat your arthritis, then use an organic Apple Cider Vinegar like Braggs.

Image courtesy of ehow.co.uk

For more information on the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar visit the GlobalHealingCenter.com.

Grow healthy by taking the lead role in your wellness and become your body’s best friend. With so many people lacking health insurance, there is no better time than now to be responsible for your wellness. Being consistent with your natural remedies and finding the right routine is important for sustained good health. Patience is key. Remember, you may have to cut through years of bad eating.

Finally, here are some words of caution:

Before taking any supplement or changing your healing routine, it’s always best to consult your health professional, if you have one. If not, consult friends and others who are natural health practitioners or use books and the INTERNET as a resource for your research.

If you are taking pharmaceuticals, some natural and folk treatments may not be compatible. And even some natural remedies and herbs may contradict each other and give you a bad reaction or have a limit on the length of time you can take the herb. Also, keep in mind that ingredients used for home remedies 50 years ago may not have the same constituency or potency today. Only your body can tell you if it’s effective or not. Be in tune with how it responds to treatments. Finally, herbal and natural remedies work best at the right dosage and when taken consistently.

I wish everyone much success in living healthy and long!