Osteoarthritis can be a real pain!
Jokes aside, we all know osteoarthritic pain can be extremely debilitating; it can reduce our mobility, cause joint stiffness and even muscle weakness. But what if we were to tell you that there may be a way of dealing with this pain naturally?! New research has shown that ground ginger applied topically is effective at minimising osteoarthritic pain.
About the study:
Participants with moderate to severe osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to receive either a topical ginger compress or a standardised ginger patch, both of which were applied every day for a week. The subjects lay on their backs in a quiet warm space and the patch or compress was pre-heated and applied to the lumbar region for 30 minutes. This was followed by a 20 minute rest period.
Participants of this study were given the option of continuing self-treatment for an additional 24 weeks. They recorded their results by taking an arthritis health questionnaire which was completed weekly for three weeks and then 4 weekly for 24 weeks. After the first 7 days of treatment, the results of this study concluded a notable decline in pain, fatigue, global effect and functional status reduced by up to 50% in both groups.
Overall health satisfaction scores improved significantly from 80% of subjects being dissatisfied to 70% feeling satisfied with their health. During the further 24 weeks of self-treatment the scores in all five domains progressively reduced. This study concluded that the topical use of ginger is effective for the reduction of pain associated with osteoarthritis.
How did they make the topical ginger compress and patch?
- The ginger patch and compress both contained 1 gram (1000mg) of ground organic dried ginger root from the same certified batch.
- The compress was made by soaking a cloth in a mixture of 10 grams (10, 000mg) of ground ginger in 100ml of hot water. It is important to note that the compress does utilise a higher concentration of ginger initially because the ginger becomes diluted to 1 gram (1000mg) once the water is added to make the compress.
- The ginger patch was made with an extract of 1 gram (1000mg) of ground ginger and filtered water and then placed in crepe paper.
By following the directions above, you too can use ground ginger topically for your osteoarthritis. Apply the patch or compress to your lower back, knees, hands or feet – wherever you may be experiencing osteoarthritis, for at least 30 minutes. So what are you waiting for?! Go out and get your ground ginger root to make the compress, or patch, reduce your osteoarthritis pain, improve your overall health and gain back your independence!
