Top 10 Effective Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedies for Joint Pain Relief at Home

Ginger root is a commonly used spice in Vietnamese cuisine, renowned not only for its flavor but also for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine, particularly in treating joint-related ailments. Each day, soak your feet in warm saltwater infused with ginger for 15-30 minutes. This remedy is known to alleviate pain, prevent and treat ankle and knee joint issues. Regular foot baths in warm water not only benefit your feet but also contribute to overall body health and better sleep.

Betel leaves are a familiar type of vegetable commonly consumed raw or used as a seasoning in soups or stir-fries. In traditional medicine, betel leaves are considered to have a pungent aroma and warm nature, with properties that help disperse cold, resolve phlegm, reduce gas, and regulate digestion. They also possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties, making them highly effective in treating joint pain. Prepare 5-10g of dried betel leaves (approximately 15-30g of fresh leaves), boil them in 2 bowls of water until it reduces to half, and drink throughout the day. Consume the remedy while warm, preferably after dinner. Continuously take it for about a week to experience its remarkable benefits.

Mugwort is a commonly used medicinal plant in our folk medicine for treating various ailments in the body. Here's another remarkable benefit of mugwort: it's highly effective in relieving joint pain and stiffness. Clean mugwort leaves, mix them with salt, pour hot water over them, then apply them to the affected joints and secure them with a thin cloth. Applying warm mugwort salt to swollen knee joints can alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Mugwort not only treats but also prevents joint disorders in individuals at high risk, such as the elderly, obese individuals, or those with a history of joint injuries.

Sponge gourd is a widely cultivated fruit used in stir-fries or soups. In traditional Chinese medicine, sponge gourd has a sweet taste, neutral properties, and is non-toxic. Similar to papaya leaves, sponge gourd leaves have antibacterial and pain-relieving properties, making them effective in treating joint pain caused by inflammation. Combine sponge gourd leaves with salt and apply them to the affected area. Consistently apply twice a day for noticeable results.

Papaya is a nutritious fruit known for its benefits to heart health, skin, digestion, and urinary health. Additionally, papaya leaves possess anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, reducing the risk of joint-related disorders. Heat salt and wrap it in muslin or cloth for infants, then place papaya leaves over the knee joint and apply warm salt twice daily for 7-10 minutes each time. Avoid overheating the salt to prevent burns; if the salt cools, reheat and reapply.

Knotweed and silvergrass have similar effects to papaya leaves and sponge gourd leaves in treating joint issues. Crush knotweed or silvergrass with salt, then apply to the knee or inflamed joint, leave it overnight, and continue applying for 3 nights consecutively for surprising results. If possible, try treating joint pain with knotweed and silvergrass to see if it's effective for you.

Turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and free radical-scavenging properties, making it effective in treating joint inflammation. The active compound Curcumin in turmeric has high biological activity and is efficient in alleviating joint inflammation symptoms by reducing enzymes and cytokines that cause swelling and pain, enhancing actions, reducing bone stiffness, and relieving joint pain. Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder to 1 liter of hot water, mix well, and let it sit for 10 minutes to create a 10% Curcumin solution. Drink it after it cools down. Drinking immediately after preparation yields the best results.

Today, there are increasingly diverse methods for treating joint pain. If we consider both Western medicine and Eastern medicine, there are numerous remedies and techniques available. However, not all medications are effective, as it also depends on individuals' physiologies. Meanwhile, treating joint pain at home using acupressure on certain areas such as the knees, shoulders, etc., is both simple and effective, yet it's not widely known.

Proper exercise and correct movement are also methods for treating joint pain. Engage in gentle morning exercises or specific yoga poses for joint pain relief. Consistent practice to achieve results is the best treatment method because it doesn't rely on medication and maintains a beneficial exercise habit for your body.

Treating joint pain with ripe pineapple is likely not known to everyone. Pineapple is delicious, nutritious, and widely available in Vietnam. The most effective way to treat joint inflammation with pineapple is through a juice consisting of pineapple, carrots, celery, and lime. Making this juice is incredibly simple yet alleviates joint inflammation without hassle.