27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, and the condition only gets worse with age. Once the cartilage between your bones starts to deteriorate, your bones start to rub against one another, causing pain and inflammation in your joints. It can be difficult to manage the pain in between the recommended dosage of your pain medication. However, there are ways. Using natural alternatives, you will be able to relieve the pain while waiting for your next dose.

Dandelion Leaves

Dandelion leaves are high in both vitamin A and vitamin C, which help to restore damaged tissues. The dandelion is also full of linoleic properties; a natural anti-inflammatory.

To use this natural pain management alternative, bring a pot of water to boil and stir in three teaspoons of dandelion leaves to make a tea. The tea will be very bitter, so you can add a two teaspoons of honey to sweeten it up a little so it's easier to drink.

Eucalyptus And Peppermint Bath

Both eucalyptus and peppermint have natural analgesic properties, so it will relieve the pain in your joints while reducing the inflammation. The cooling agents in both oils will also combat the discomfort you are feeling by relaxing the tension in your joints.

Mix thirty drops of eucalyptus oil and thirty drops of peppermint oil in a tub of warm water and soak in it for at least twenty minutes. Another way you can use these two oils is to place ten drops of the eucalyptus oil and ten drops of the peppermint oil in a small bowl and gently massage your joints with it. You can give yourself a massage after your bath for extra pain protection.

Cayenne Paste

Many over-the-counter joint pain relievers contain a compound known as capsaicin. This compound works by blocking the pain receptors that transmit pain signals. Cayenne pepper is full of capsaicin and can be used to relieve the pain and inflammation in your joints. All you have to do is turn it into a paste.

Mix three tablespoons of cayenne pepper with one cup of olive oil and place it on the stove to heat for five minutes. Continually stir the ingredients until they are completely and evenly blended together. When it is done on the stove, place the solution in the refrigerator for fifteen minutes or until completely cool. Whisk the ingredients together one more time until it begins to form a thick paste. Once it holds together, massage your joints with the solution. You can do this once a day, and the paste will hold together for about a week before you need to make a new batch.

You may also want to contact a doctor or physical therapist for more information.