Rainy Day Remedies

“Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-The Rainy Day

 

It’s a rainy, drippy morning here in Maine. After the sweltering hot humid days we’ve suffered through the last few weeks, I welcome the cooler air. At the same time, my body is reminding me how little I have come to love rainy days!

There is no denying, anyone with any sort of arthritis will tell you, rain means pain. With an average of 40 inches of rain and 67 inches of snow per year, that is a lot of weather induced pain days! The result? This pharmaceutical wary chic has learned a whole lot of ways to soothe arthritis pain! Here’s a rundown of some of my favorite ways to quiet cranky joints.

1. Turn up the Heat-

If you have ever let an arthritic joint get too cold you know just how much cold is the enemy! Applying heat packs to aching joints, dressing to stay warm, and cuddling up in a heated throw are all great ways to keep joints warm and toasty. Who doesn’t like a warm toasty joint?

2. Mighty Mighty Peppermint-

As an herb or an oil, peppermint is one of my favorite medicinal plants. Steep peppermint leaves in water (or add a few drops of peppermint oil) then soak a towel in the peppermint water for an easy and soothing peppermint compress. I also keep peppermint oil blended with avocado oil in a handy roller bottle for topical application.

3. Turmeric to the Rescue-

The anti-inflammatory powers of turmeric are pretty well known at this point! Part of my daily regimen for inflammation fighting, I always have a little extra on drizzly days!

4. Soak it out-

When it comes to a relaxing way to soothe aches and pains, nothing beats a nice long soak in a comfy tub. Even more-so if you add Epsom salts and some soothing herbs like eucalyptus and lavender.

5. Time for tea-

My cupboard is stocked with a variety of medicinal teas at all times. Ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, peppermint, willow bark, cloves, nettles and st john’s wort are just a few of the helpful plants that can be found in tea form. Hot mugs are a bonus remedy if you have achy hands, wrap them around the mug and let the soothing heat seep in!

6. Don’t forget to hydrate-

Hot or cold, dry or rainy, your body needs water to carry away the things that cause it distress! So drink up!

7. Rest is the best!-

In busy lives it is not always possible, I know. But your joints will thank you if you listen to their cries of discomfort and take it easy on them on drippy days! Remind yourself that taking it easy on them when they are inflamed means less pain and erosion later. So, grab a good book, snuggle down in your favorite spot, and take that nap you’ve been daydreaming about!